Now is an excellent time of year to ensure your awning or shade structure is prepped and ready for the upcoming winter season. Whether you have an awning, pergola, umbrella, or canopy, a quick clean at the end of the summer season is a great way to extend the longevity of your shade fabrics. With a few easy steps, you can ensure your shade structure will be looking as good as new when spring comes back around.
Prepare Your Shade Structure for Winter
Follow a few easy steps to prepare your shade structure for the cold winter months.
1. Clear all debris
Brush off loose dirt and debris. You should regularly brush off dirt/debris and hose down your awning or shade structure about once a month. This process will keep your shade structure looking it’s best.
2. Hose down your shade structure
A quick rinse is all your shade structure should need for general cleaning. If you have spots of dirt or debris embedded in the fabric, prepare a cleaning solution of water and a mild soap such as Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid. Use a soft bristle bush to clean. Allow the cleaning solution to completely soak into the fabric, then rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
3. Make sure the fabric is completely dry
Allow your shade structure to completely air dry. This is an essential step, especially if you have a retractable awning that you will be retracting for months.
4. Keep an eye on the weather
Make sure to practice routine maintenance based on the weather. If your awning or shade structure is retractable, retract it before snow or ice storms come. Periodically brush off your shade structure just like you do in spring and summer months; especially if you have snow.
Engineered to Last
Sunbrella Shade fabrics are durable to the core with fade resistance, stain resistance, and mildew resistance built into the very fiber of the fabric. A little care and maintenance to your awning, pergola, or canopy will keep your shade structure looking fantastic for many years to come.
Interested in a shade structure made with Sunbrella fabric? Browse our Shade fabric collection or visit our Where to Buy page to find a local fabricator near you.
