Window Awnings can be an excellent addition to any home, designed to provide shade and protection, privacy and shelter – depending on the style you choose. The right awning should enhance your façade and complement your home and lifestyle with ease. However, without proper care, they may become an unsightly detraction, rather than a beautiful addition.

In this guide, we’ve outlined the top ways to care for your window awnings, starting with fabric selection and continuing all the way down to a foul weather checklist. By following these tips, your awnings should remain as fresh and attractive as the day they were installed.

Product Selection

Before you purchase any window awnings for your home – regardless of whether you’re looking at retractable or fixed, pivot or channel – you need to choose a fabric that is capable of withstanding the elements and retaining its function despite exposure to outdoor conditions. The most popular fabric choices are acrylic, canvas and mesh; when purchased and installed by a reputable supplier your awnings should be UV, mould and weather resistant.

Regular Cleaning

Whilst cleaning isn’t restoration, a regular clean will slow the fading process down considerably. We recommend cleaning your window awnings every three to six months – or every one to two months for light colours (they show up dirt and grime far more easily).

1. Begin by removing any hanging plants or windchimes from your around your awnings. These objects can collect dust and cobwebs, which will eventually settle onto your material.
    
2. Use a long-handled broom to sweep down the front of the window awning, removing dust, leaves and twigs that may be stuck to the fabric. Then, give the interior side of the awning a sweep as well, to ensure there is no cobwebs before you begin cleaning.
    
3. Mix together a solution of warm water and dishwashing liquid, which can then by applied to your awnings with a spray bottle. Start at the top of the awning, you can spray a small area of the canopy and scrub away any tough grime with a soft bristled brush.
    
4. Continue this process until you’ve removed all the dirt and grime from the awning. Then, hose the canopy down to wash away any remaining solution. If you’re cleaning a style that can be opened and closed, ensure it stays open until it’s completely dry – otherwise you run the risk of mould growing into the fabric.

Preventative Measures

Though window awnings are designed for the outdoors, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they aren’t exposed to the worst of the weather. During summer, UV rays can lead to discolouring and fading, eventually breaking down the fabric. If your awning isn’t UV resistant, you may want to invest in a sealant to protect it from the sun. During periods of heavy rain and strong winds, you should definitely retract your awnings – the fabric may tear or stretch, and in extreme cases, can even be ripped from the exterior of your home!

With care and attention to detail, it’s easy to ensure your window awnings are attractive and functional for years to come. Regular cleaning and mould removal will do wonders in keeping them looking fresh, whilst taking preventative measures prior to poor weather conditions are also an important factor. However, if you haven’t chosen a material that is designed to withstand outdoor use, then you’ve sold yourself short before they are even installed. Only use a supplier and installation team that you trust, and that way you can be sure you’re getting the very best awnings for your home. 

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