How to Clean an Aluminum Awning

Guide

Awnings can help keep your home energy-efficient --- they also have a decorative advantage. However, if they get too dirty, they can quickly become a public eyesore. Your instincts might tell you to rent a power washer to do the job.

Aluminum awning

Don't follow your instincts on this one --- a power washer can actually damage the awning, especially if the aluminum is painted. Instead, buy a solvent made for aluminum at the hardware store and a soft brush to scrub away the gunk. If your awnings are too dirty to clean as thoroughly as you'd like, consider (re)painting them after cleaning.

Things You Will Need

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  • Large bucket
  • Soft brush on a pole
  • Sponges or rags
  • Water source with hose
  • Cleaning solvent

Tip

If your aluminum awnings aren't painted and are not as clean as you'd like after following the directions above, rent or buy a steam cleaner. It removes black and green mildew immediately.

  • Fill a large bucket with water and add the recommended amount of solvent (refer to the back or side of the solvent bottle).

  • Wet one awning with a hose. Next, submerge a brush in the cleaning solution, and then scrub the awning. Rinse thoroughly when finished scrubbing; do not let the cleaner dry onto the awning.

  • Repeat the cleaning process on each awning.

  • If you miss any areas or if some are hard to reach from the ground, set a ladder against the building near the awning and scrub the area with a hand held brush, rag or sponge. Rinse well.

  • While the awnings dry, rinse oxidation and soap residue from concrete or wood. It will leave a residue on the former and stain the latter.

    • The Drip Cap

    • Awnings can help keep your home energy-efficient --- they also have a decorative advantage.
    • Wet one awning with a hose.
    • If you miss any areas or if some are hard to reach from the ground, set a ladder against the building near the awning and scrub the area with a hand held brush, rag or sponge.

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