Service Care & Maintenance

Please follow these awning care and maintenance instructions to keep your new awning in working order.

  1. Retractable awnings should be rolled up if high winds or storms are anticipated and under no circumstances should water be allowed to pool on the awning. Folding arm awnings are designed to be used as a sun shelter in calm conditions.
  2. No other objects should be attached to, or hung from the awning as damage may occur.
  3. The powder-coated metal components and profiles of your awning should be cleaned twice annually or more regularly in coastal environments. Wash in tepid mild soapy water (preferably biodegradable) and rinse off. Build up of dirt and salt on these surfaces reduces the life of the powder coating.
  4. Lubricate moving components annually with light oil (SAE30 or similar) and apply sparingly. Avoid getting it on the fabric of the awning as it may stain.
  5. Roll up only when clean and dry (if rolled up wet e.g. due to approaching storm, the awning should be extended and allowed to dry in the sun at the first opportunity).
  6. To remove dirt from the fabric, brush dry fabric with a soft brush (an occasional hosing may remove dust and some ingrained dirt).
  7. Never scrub the fabric.
  8. Immediately remove deposits of organic matter (such as soil, grass cuttings, leaf litter, bird droppings, vehicle exhaust), some leaf species can cause stains if wet, remove leaves before rolling up awning.
  9. Remove any mildew, as it appears, by first brushing, treating with diluted chlorine bleach (typically 1part White King to 4 parts water to achieve 1% available chlorine) and allowing it to dry in full sun, then hose off well to remove any residue. Do not use strong bleaches such as pool chlorine.
  10. Do not use soaps, detergents, solvents or other liquid cleansers on the fabric.
  11. Scotchguard brand Fabric Protector or approved wax-based canvas treatments containing mildew inhibitors may be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  12. If your awning has a wind sensor, check at least twice a year to ensure the sensor paddle can rotate freely and is not encumbered by spider webs or vegetation etc. Electronic controls such as wind sensors are a valuable safeguard but will not guarantee protection in all circumstances.
Ozsun Shade Care