Tips and Tricks for More Effective Canopy Care

Every now and then, your fabric canopies (frequently used as tops for gazebos) will need to be cleaned. Keeping up with your preventative maintenance of these canopies will help you keep them in better condition for a longer period of time. After all, your canopy will have constant exposure to sunlight, dust, dirt, rain and other elements, so it is important to give it the regular cleaning it needs.

Here are a few canopy maintenance tips in Houston, TX to help you protect your canopy for long-term usage:

• Use a fabric protector: We strongly recommend you find a high-quality fabric protector and use it on your canopy fabric. There are a variety of products on the market you might be able to use. Make sure to apply it to the fabric top before you install it to your gazebo for the first time at the beginning of the season. Using the fabric protector in accordance with manufacturer specifications will go a long way toward preserving your canopy.
• Ensure proper storage: When you’re done with the canopy for the season, or if you’re expecting some harsh weather with heavy winds, storms, rainfall or snow, you should make sure you store the canopy away properly. Remove the canopy carefully, wipe it clean before you put it away and then fold it up and store it in a place that is both clean and dry. The canopy should be fully dry before you store it—folding it up and storing it away while it’s still damp is just asking for mold problems.
• Take it down before storms: Canopies are not designed to hold up to large amounts of rain and snow. If the canopy begins to retain too much water, it will start to sag, which will make fraying and ripping more likely. If you notice this sagging occurring even after light rains, you may need to add some extra grommet holes for the water to drain better through the canopy—you shouldn’t have to put the canopy away for light rainfalls.
• Use vinegar: If you have a very dirty canopy, you can use a vinegar mixture to get the dirt out. Mix a quarter cup of mild detergent with about a cup of vinegar and a gallon of water, then scrub out the surface of the canopy while it’s lying flat on a clean surface. Use the solution liberally on dirty areas, and let it sit for 15 minutes so it can soak into the fabric before you rinse it off with a hose. Make sure the canopy is completely dry before reinstalling.
• Try hand sanitizer: An alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be able to get rid of some of the dirt and debris on your canopy. Put it on for about 10 minutes, then machine wash or scrub before rinsing with hot water.

These are just a few suggestions to help you keep your canopy in good condition. For more information about canopy maintenance in Houston, TX, contact the team at ABC Awning Company today.

Categorised in: Canopy Maintenance