Useful tips and tricks for cleaning awnings and removing stubborn dirt or mold. Unfortunately, awnings get dirty very quickly. Because they are constantly exposed to influences such as pollen count. And birds also leave unsavory tracks. That’s why you should clean your awning regularly.

Whether above the terrace, in front of the conservatory, or even on windows: awnings are ideal for protecting yourself from excessive solar radiation. And when rain is announced, they quickly disappear back into their boxes. To ensure that your sunroof is not damaged when cleaning, you have to pay attention to a few things.

What fabric is my awning made of?

A synthetic fiber awning is easier to clean than a fabric one. If your roller shutters also have nano-coating, the dirt will be better repelled from the start. A brush on the roller box is also recommended. This is because loose dirt is brushed off as soon as you drive in, without you having to actively do anything. But this does not prevent you from effectively cleaning the awning. Consequently, you should clean your sunroof and remove dirt from awnings at least once a year.

Effectively clean awnings

Accordingly, stubborn stains will not be absent. Depending on the type of dirt, there are different tricks to remove the dirt. Consequently, we will show you how you can clean your awnings in different ways.

1) Removing mold from awnings

There are many home remedies to remove mold. But in this case, the best way to get rid of the mold stains is to use a special mold remover. Since the often recommended vinegar water is less effective on such stains. In addition, a mildew remover for awnings is available cheaply on the Internet.

2) Effectively eliminate mold stains

If mold stains form, you can use the popular and effective home remedy baking soda. To do this, mix it with water to make a paste. Then apply this mush to the stain. As soon as the mass has dried, you can simply brush off the sunroof. Also, read our other tips for removing mildew stains.

3) Remove bird droppings from awnings

Bird droppings can also be removed quickly. If it’s already dried, you can simply brush it off. But if you catch the bird red-handed, you should wash the stain right away with a solution of mild detergent and lukewarm water. Also, note our useful tips for cleaning windows.

4) Remove stubborn dirt

You should also be able to easily remove pollen stains and similar dirt with a mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water. You should work on each stain from the outside in. This will prevent you from unnecessarily enlarging the spots. You might also be interested in our tips for cleaning carpet stains.

5) Remove green growth

The greenish film on stone, wood, or awnings is caused by plant microorganisms. Since you cannot brush the awnings like stone with a wire brush, a special cleaner is recommended. You should dilute this with water. You can then use it to clean your sunroof. Also, read our tips for removing verdigris.

Avoid mistakes when cleaning the awning

In order not to destroy the sensitive coating or the awning itself, you should always use a soft brush or cloth when cleaning. Because a brush that is too hard attacks the fabric, according to Martin Bürgel from the Federal Association for Roller Shutters and Sun Protection. In addition, the cleaning agent should be diluted with sufficient water. A ratio of 1:10 is sufficient to completely remove the dirt without leaving permanent damage. You should also make sure to avoid the following mistakes:

• Never use high-pressure cleaners. While this seems convenient and effective. But it causes seams to burst or the fabric to tear.
• Never dry brush out deep-seated dirt. This does not remove the stain, but only rubs it deeper into the fabric.
• Never retract the awning when it is wet. After a thorough cleaning, you should wait until it is completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.