Most awnings do not fail because they are old. They fail because they are cleaned the wrong way, or not cleaned at all. What starts as a simple attempt to freshen things up often ends with faded fabric, weakened seams, or mold that never really goes away.
These mistakes are common. And almost all of them end up costing more than professional cleaning ever would. Get in touch with professionals like The Awning Cleaners in Los Angeles, CA so that you can avoid the following mistakes before they become big.
Using a Pressure Washer
This is the big one. Pressure washers feel efficient. They blast dirt away fast. But awning fabric is not siding or concrete. High pressure pushes water deep into the material, stretches fibers, and loosens stitching. It also strips away protective coatings that help repel moisture and dirt. Initially the awning may look clean but eventually the fabric starts to fray and the colours fade. Do not reach a point where you cannot opt for repair.
Reaching for Bleach or Strong Chemicals
Bleach looks like a quick fix. It rather looks tempting when there is mold or dark stains. However, you must always remember that bleach breaks down fabric and weakens threads. It leaves the awning more susceptible to sun damage. Some stains lighten temporarily, but the long-term damage remains. Many strong cleaners also react poorly with vinyl or treated fabrics. What you cannot see right away is the loss of water resistance and UV protection. That loss shortens the life of the awning.
Scrubbing Too Hard
Stains can be frustrating and one naturally goes on to scrub harder. Unfortunately, aggressive scrubbing damages the surface of the fabric. It roughens fibers and creates spots where dirt sticks more easily later. Once the fabric texture is damaged, it never really goes back. The awning starts to look dirty faster, even after cleaning.
Rolling the Awning Up While It Is Wet
This mistake causes more mold problems than anything else. After washing, people retract the awning too soon. Moisture gets trapped inside the roll. No air. No sunlight. Just damp fabric sitting on itself. That is the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Once that smell sets in, it is difficult to remove completely without professional treatment.
Ignoring the Underside
Most people clean only what they can see from the ground. The top gets attention. The underside does not. Dust, pollen, insects, and moisture collect underneath, especially near edges and seams. Over time, this buildup works its way into the fabric. Cleaning becomes harder. Staining becomes more likely. Balanced cleaning means both sides matter.
Using the Wrong Tools
Hard brushes, rough sponges, and abrasive pads scrape and weaken fabric. Metal bristles and stiff plastic brushes do long-term harm even if the awning looks fine at first. Soft brushes and gentle tools exist for a reason. The wrong tool choice slowly destroys the surface you are trying to protect.
Forgetting About the Frame and Hardware
Fabric is only part of the system. Frames, arms, hinges, and rollers also need care. Dirt buildup causes stiffness and moisture leads to rust. When moving parts are ignored, awnings strain during extension and retraction. Repairs often start here, not in the fabric.
Why These Mistakes Get Expensive
Each mistake alone may seem small. Together, they shorten the life of the awning significantly. Professional awning cleaning is not about making things look good for a week. It is about preserving materials, protecting structure, and avoiding unnecessary repairs. Awnings work hard. Cleaning them the right way protects that investment. When you have The Awning Cleaners at your disposal, you must not think twice about getting in touch with us.
