Picture this: you recently bought a new home. You absolutely love it. It is close to work, it has a deck, a large yard, and all the amenities that you want. You are sitting on your deck taking a break from unpacking your boxes when you notice that the canvas awning over the deck seems to be molding. 

Unfortunately, awnings are one of those things that tend to get overlooked in the home cleaning process. Even if your awning is kept fairly clean, there may be awning hazards that you may not be aware of that could cause dangers to your home. Whether your awning is made of canvas, metal, fabric, or wood, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your awning is well cared for.

Where Did Awnings Originate?

Awnings have been used in the same way for centuries. It seems that each civilization wants just as much shade as the next one. However, awnings seem to have originated in Egypt and Syria as mats and woven materials laced over doors and stalls to keep the sun off as much as possible. These days, the most popular type of awning is the kind that is retractable. There are canvas and metal forms of these awnings.

Common Awning Issues

There are several issues that can arise if your awning is not properly taken care of. The first is mold on canvas or fabric awnings. Mold is a tricky issue because it shows up out of nowhere as a result of everyday wear and tear. Rain or humidity will leave your awning wet and if it does not dry properly, mold can form. 

Another common issue is pests. Wasps or bees can make nests in your awning which can be a safety hazard to you as well as damage your property. Sun damage is also a frequent issue for awnings. 

Caring For Your Awning

There are several things that you can do to better care for your awning. Firstly, if you are managing mold on your awning, you can use a gentle soap and bleach  solution with water to clean it. You will need to allow it to set and then rinse it. For metal awnings, you can scrub with a brush. 

For awnings with an insect issue, there are a couple of things you can do. Before planting fruit trees near your house consider that they attract bees and wasps. Call a professional if there is a nest that is on the outside of the house. 

Lastly, the most efficient way to clean almost any awning is to contact a professional power washer. Using pressure washing equipment and specific solutions for your awning’s problem, professional cleaners will help your awning get back to the way it is supposed to be. They can also add a protectant to your awning to keep it from getting bleached by the sun.

Hire Us To Help Care For Your Awning

Here at Spray Soft Exterior Cleaning, we specialize in helping families and businesses get the best possible cleaning that they can get for their properties. We have experienced professionals that can help you with caring for your awning and have many other cleaning services that are available to you. Contact us today for all your cleaning and power washing needs.