Cleaning tips: Cleaning awnings and parasols

If you have an awning in your garden, then you should think about how best to keep it clean. To make the task easier for you, here are a few tips on how you should proceed and what you should bear in mind.

When the first signs of wear and tear appear, it is not necessary to replace the awning fabric immediately. Rather clean it thoroughly first. To prevent heavy soiling, you should do this once a year, before summer begins. It is also important to act quickly if you discover traces of mould. In general, awnings made of synthetic material are easier to care for than those made of naturally occurring fabrics. It’s also important to remember to impregnate your awning every few years after cleaning it.

Keep your awning in place whilst you are cleaning it. You only need to extend it completely once, so that you can reach everywhere. Before you do this, you should clean the frame thoroughly. It is best to use a sponge and soapy water. You can then take care of the awning yourself. First, you should sweep or vacuum it to remove most of the dirt, then briefly rinse with water and finally wipe both sides with soap and water. Leave everything to fully dry, then you can retract the awning again.

If your awning has heavy stains that cannot be removed through a general cleaning, it is recommended that you remove and gently clean them by hand using a mild detergent. However, if mould stains have already formed, you will need to use slightly harsher products. A special cleaning agent, which you can obtain from a DIY store, is the best option. If you’d like a gentler option, you can also use a mixture of vinegar and water. Try to treat the stains selectively to avoid damage.

If mould stains have formed, it becomes a little more complicated because nould is generally difficult to remove. In this case, you have the option of using a special cleaning agent directly or trying a household product. You can apply a mixture of water and a little baking powder and wash it off again after letting it soak for about half an hour.

Firstly, you should not forget that impregnating your awning is important and that regular, thorough cleaning is a good basis for long-lasting sun protection. It is also helpful to retract your awning instead of leaving it open in every possible weather condition. It will then be able to withstand the full force of all weather conditions, and signs of wear will not appear so quickly. Good preventative care is important and will pay off.

Just like awnings, parasols can have a long life, beautify your garden or balcony and protect you from the hot midday sun. But they also need some care and should be cleaned regularly.

The good news is that there is no right or wrong time to clean your parasol. You can clean it in summer and leave it to dry in the sun or before you take it back to the cellar where it will stay until next summer. It is only important that it is completely dry again before storage to prevent mould and mildew.

You can sweep off leaves and superficial dirt quickly and easily. However, if stains have formed, they should be brushed out carefully with a soft brush and a little water. For heavier soiling, you can use a mild detergent. You can easily clean the frame of the umbrella with a cloth and a little water.

Both parasols and awnings require the use of a ladder to clean them properly. To avoid the safety risk, you shouldn’t resort to improvised climbing aids such as tables or chairs but use a stable ladder. At HAILO, you will find suitable ladders, satisfactory in both quality and stability. Thanks to the HAILO L80 ComfortLine’s extra-wide and non-slip steps, you minimise the risk of an accident when cleaning your awning or parasol. Your awning will look brand new again for the coming summer season, and you’ll have achieved this without placing yourself in danger!