How to Clean a Metal Awning Without Damaging the Finish

Does it seem like there are a thousand ways to clean every exterior surface? All you want is to get your metal awning covers, but you have to wade through thousands of tips. We’re here to make it easier. 

In this post, we’ll look at how to clean a metal awning in the easiest way possible. 

Gather Your Supplies

Protecting a metal awning is important. You don’t want to use harsh chemicals that can corrode the surface. Therefore, it makes sense to buy specialist cleaning products for awnings. 

We recommend using biodegradable supplies. These are better for general awning maintenance as they won’t kill your plants. 

Pre-Rinse

You’re not splitting atoms here. You get your awning clean by removing dirt and grime. That said, you do need to be careful. Metal awning cleaning is relatively simple as long as you don’t use any abrasive products. 

Your first step is to wash away the loose dirt using plain water. Pressure washing an awning isn’t a good idea because it can buckle the metal. You should set the machine to a low setting and use a gentle scrubber attachment that won’t scratch the surface. 

Apply the Detergent

The next step in how to clean a metal awning is to spray on the cleaning agent as evenly as possible. Let it soak in for a little. Then use your pressure cleaner to rinse off some of the dirt. If it comes off easily, carry on washing until you get rid of the grime. 

For tougher jobs, strap on the scrubber head. You should start at the bottom, using small circular motions and slowly work your way up. This is one of the best clean awing tips because it prevents chemical streaks. 

You don’t want the pressure setting any higher than 500 PSI at any stage. 

Rinse Thoroughly

The final stage is to get rid of any trace of soap. Rinse the surface thoroughly, and check for any leftover grime. If there are stubborn spots, reapply the cleaning agent and let it soak in. Then scrub it away again. 

And that’s all you need to do. You don’t need to dry the surface because the water evaporates pretty quickly. You’re looking at a few hours in the summer and overnight, at worst, in the winter. 

Want to maintain the results? Hose down the awnings every couple of weeks to remove dirt before it gets a chance to set in. If you notice any unsightly marks like bird poop, wash it off straight away. 

Contact Us for Your Free Estimate for a New Look

Are your awnings looking tired? Is it time to change up the look? Now that you know how to clean a metal awning, you’ll know whether you can remove those stains or not. We know it’s not always easy, but it’s worth a try.

If you can’t, it’s time to contact the Van Nuys Awning Co. at 805-973-0257 to discuss the different types of metal awnings available now.