Canopy awnings can be found in various places: above terraces, shop windows, and even above the seating area next to the camper van. The main purpose of the canopy is to protect what is underneath from the weather, especially from the sun and rain. Because these protective fabrics are exposed to a lot of water and organic matter, they are prone to mold, which can ruin your canopy if not cleaned correctly and quickly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare your canopy
Step 1. Collect everything you need
To remove mold from a canopy, you will need a cleaning solution of water, bleach, or mild liquid soap. Do not mix bleach with household cleaners or it will release toxic fumes. To work, you will need some cleaning supplies and cleaning materials, such as:
- Ladder
- Broom
- Tarpaulin or plastic sheeting
- Hose
- Big bucket
- Clean cloth or rag
- Soft bristled brush
- Protective fabric spray
Step 2. Remove small canopies
Small awnings can be pulled out of the frame to be cleaned on the ground. Carefully remove the canopy from the fittings and frame.
Place the canopy to be cleaned on a clean, level surface
Step 3. For large awnings, install a ladder
Oversized, heavy or uncomfortable canopies are best left in place. They can be cleaned without removing, but you'll need a ladder to get to the top and clear the mold.
- Take a ladder with a platform to place detergents on it.
- If you have access to a crane or other similar device, use it.
Step 4. Protect surrounding surfaces
This is especially important if you are not going to clean the canopy on the ground to avoid splashing the surrounding objects with the cleaning solution.
- Cover the area under and around the canopy with tarp or plastic wrap.
- Take special care with items such as plants, furniture, grass, jewelry, carpets, and fabrics.
Step 5. Sweep away dirt and organic debris
Before you start removing mold, use a broom to remove any dirt, leaves, sticks, twigs, cobwebs, or other organic material that has accumulated on the canopy.
Prolonged exposure of the canopy to organic matter can damage the fabric due to the decay process
Part 2 of 3: Clean your canopy
Step 1. Look for signs of mold on the canopy
Awnings need regular cleaning, but mold needs a different type of cleaner and more attention. Mold is basically a fungus. On a canopy, it will most likely appear as gray or white specks of powdery substance.
If your canopy is free of mold, use a regular cleaner
Step 2. Hose over the canopy
For best results, hose off the canopy so that it is completely wet. This will make it easier to apply the cleaning solution and remove mold.
Step 3. Mix the cleaning solution
To remove mold from a canopy, mix 1 cup (240 ml) bleach, ¼ cup (60 ml) mild liquid soap, and 4 L cold water. If you need more cleaning solution, just double or triple the amount of ingredients.
- Mild liquid soaps include: laundry soap for sensitive skin, baby, or delicate fabrics.
- Do not use chlorine bleach as this can damage the fabric.
- For colored awnings, use a colored fabric bleach.
- You might also want to test the dye resistance to the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area of the canopy. Apply a little cleaning solution to the top of the canopy and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off and checking to see if the color changes.
Step 4. Soak the awning in the cleaning solution
Dip a clean cloth into the detergent solution and distribute the detergent all over the shelter. Dip the cloth as needed so that the cleaning solution soaks every inch of the cloth and doesn't miss a trace of mold.
Once the entire surface of the canopy is soaked in the cleaner, let it sit for 15 minutes. This will allow the cleaner to soak into the fabric and kill the mold
Step 5. Wipe down the canopy
When the cleaning solution is absorbed into the fabric, take a soft bristled brush and wipe down the top of the fabric. Foam the solution in vigorous circular motions. Wipe down every inch of the canopy to remove all mold.
If the cleaning solution starts to dry out, re-wet the dried area before wiping
Step 6. Rinse the canopy
After removing mold from the canopy, thoroughly rinse it with clean water from a hose until all soap and dirt is removed. Do not leave bleach on the fabric as it can cause premature wear.
If mold remains on the canopy, soak and wipe the fabric again until completely removed
Step 7. Let the canopy air dry
Most awnings are designed to dry quickly after rain, so it shouldn't take long. If you've cleaned the canopy in place, just leave it to dry on the frame. If you removed the linen, hang it on the clothesline before putting it back.
Do not dry the awnings in the dryer, as they can shrink
Step 8. Re-process the awning
A water- and dirt-repellent coating is initially applied to the canopy to protect it from water and discoloration. However, this coating will lose its quality after bleach, so you will need to reapply it.
- Find a branded fabric spray coating.
- Once the canopy is dry, spray a protective spray onto the top of the canopy following the manufacturer's instructions.
- In some cases, the use of silicone sprays may void your warranty, so be sure to check the terms.
Step 9. Return the awning to the frame
If the canopy was small and you removed it for cleaning, return it to the frame after the waterproof coating has dried.
Part 3 of 3: Prevent mold growth
Step 1. Use a hose to flush the canopy once a month
Protecting a canopy from mold is much easier than cleaning it, but this requires monthly and annual prophylaxis. Regularly flushing your canopy with clean water will remove dirt, debris, and other debris that can cause mold growth.
- To flush the canopy, set up a ladder and simply spray it with a garden hose. Be sure to remove any branches, leaves, or other debris that has accumulated on the canopy.
- Then let the canvas air dry.
Step 2. Clean your canopy once a year
For annual cleaning of the canopy, use the same method as for removing mold, but without the bleach in the cleaning solution. This will remove contaminants and organic matter, as well as dirt and other debris.
- Remove the canopy from the frame or install a ladder to reach the top of the canopy.
- Rinse the canopy with clean water.
- Mix 3.8 L water and ¼ cup (60 ml) mild liquid soap.
- Saturate the canopy with cleaning solution and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Wipe the canvas with a soft brush.
- Rinse the canopy and let it air dry.
Step 3. Store it properly
If you are removing your canopy for the winter or simply storing it for a long time, do your best to prevent mold. Clean the canopy annually before storing it. In this case, the canvas must be clean and completely dry.
- Store your canopy in a clean, dry place that won't grow mold.
- Keep your canopy in a well-ventilated area as this will prevent mold growth.