How to Clean an Aluminum Awning
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.
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
- 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.
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Fill a large bucket with water and add the recommended amount of solvent (refer to the back or side of the solvent bottle).
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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.
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Repeat the cleaning process on each awning.
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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.
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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.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Gail began writing professionally in 2004. Now a full-time proofreader, she has written marketing material for an IT consulting company, edited auditing standards for CPAs and ghostwritten the first draft of a nonfiction Amazon bestseller. Gail holds a Master of Arts in English literature and has taught college-level business communication, composition and American literature.
Photo Credits
- http://www.morguefile.com/data/imageData/public/files/l/ladyheart/preview/fldr_2008_11_03/file000443099999.jpg
- http://www.morguefile.com/data/imageData/public/files/l/ladyheart/preview/fldr_2008_11_03/file000443099999.jpg
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