Cleaning Vinyl or Canvas Awnings
Cleaning Vinyl or Canvas Awnings
Everywhere you look there are awnings placed over the walkways and windows to many businesses. While they serve to protect the public from the sun and rain, they still need to be cleaned periodically otherwise the accumulation of dirt and other grime becomes extremely difficult to remove causing mold and deteriation to the awning.
To ensure your awnings display the best curb appeal, we recommend they be cleaned every 6 months, and sooner with lighter – colored awnings.Whether you decide to do the work yourself or hire a professional contractor,it is imperative to consider the following steps.
This would include:
1. Contacting the manufacture for advice on the best products and methods for cleaning their particular awnings.
2. Examining for holes or imperfections that may need to be repaired.
3. Making a list of tools needed for cleaning:
- Chemical Sprayer – Pressure Washer – 5 Gallon Bucket
- Water Fed Extension poles – Garden Hose & Spray Nozzle
- 8″ Nylon Scrub brush & pole attachment – Extension or Step Ladder, Cleaning rags.
4.Taping off and organizing a safe work area.
5. Spot testing a small non- visible area to determine whether your method of cleaning will harm or discolor the material.
6. Soaking the entire top and underside of the awning with your cleaning solution, allow it to absorb the material for approximately 15 minutes.
7. Working in small sections to control your work ( see diagram )
A Starting at the top of the awning Section 1.
B Work a 3 x 3 section from left to right no further then a distance of six feet at a time.
C Rinsing thoroughly each area that has been scrubbed.
D Continuing downward where you left off and overlapping slightly.
E After completing Section 1 move to Section 2 slightly overlapping the area you just completed and complete the same process as outlined above. A B C D
The following diagram is an awning that is 12 ft from left to right and 6 ft from the top to the bottom.
Note – The key is to have a organized sequence to your cleaning
8. Instituting monthly preventative maintenance between cleanings by using a long handle broom and garden hose to rinse off any debris.
If you decide to use a PRESSURE WASHER assembled with Colored Quick Disconnect Type Spray Tips begin by:
1. Attaching the Black spray Tip to the spray gun Note – This is not a high pressure tip and is used solely for dispensing the cleaning chemical
2. Placing the plastic intake tube that’s connected to the pressure washer inside a 5 gallon bucket mixed with your cleaning solution, simply press the trigger to the spray gun. This will allow the solution to draw directly from the bucket through the gun and onto the surface.
3. Once your solution has set for the approximate amount of time, disconnect the black tip, scrub the surface and insert the white spray tip for further cleaning continuously moving the gun from side to side, up and down, while keeping the wand it least 2 feet from the surface to avoid the possibility of potentially damaging the material.
Should you have other cleaning projects around your home or business. Below is a SPRAY TIP GUIDE for cleaning other types of surfaces:
Spray Tip / Fan size / Purpose
Black – N/A Applying the chemical & Water to the substrate – This is a low pressure tip
Red – 0″ Cutting – Removing grass from the cracks in the sidewalks, Cleaning stains from concete, steel, alluminum, caked on mud and other hard grime
Yellow - 15″ Removing Peeling paint ,Mildew or moss from Driveways & sidewalks
Green - 25″ Siding – Grime buildup – Sweeping leaves
White - 40″ Awnings – Wood decks – Glass – Delicate surfaces – Car washing
Note – If using a rotary type spray nozzle – simply turn the nozzle clockwise to adjust the desired fan size.
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We hope you have found our newsletter useful to your business. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding any cleaning issues. Please contact us at:
A&A Professional Cleaning Service, IncPHONE: 206-760-1945
VISIT OUR NEW WEBSITE AT WWW.AAPROCLEANING.COM
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