Many people love aluminium awnings for their weather-resistance, durability and excellent insulation. However, like any piece you own, they require proper maintenance. If you want to keep it in good condition and looking its best, you must take care of it. In this article, we will discuss some tips that will help you care for aluminium awnings, allowing you to enjoy its benefits for a long time.
Clean Your Aluminium Awnings Using the Right Tools
You can use everyday items to clean the awnings on your storefront. Get a ladder, and then stand it up next to the awning. Don’t forget to bring a brush and a bucket when climbing up the ladder. Mix two ounces of cleaning detergent with a gallon of warm water, and then use the brush to scrub the awnings. Make sure you rinse off the solution once you have removed the grime, doing this will ensure that there is no residue left that will stain the aluminium awnings.
On the other hand, it is ideal to use a pressure washer. This equipment can be a valuable investment because it can also be used to clean decks and other outdoor areas. You have to be careful because powerful pressure washers can bend your aluminium awnings.
Remember to Clean the Hidden Spots
Spiders, bees and other insects can create their community underneath your aluminium awnings. After all, the spot is dry and shaded, making it the perfect area to build their family. Of course, you would not want a bee stinging your guests, or you do not want people running away from your establishment because of spiders. So, remember to check the underside of your aluminium awnings and adequately clean it while you are up on your ladder. When pressure washing, be careful not to get the insects falling on you.
Keep It in the Clear
You should not let anything loom over your aluminium awning. Remember to cut branches, plants, leaves or any living thing that stretches or grows over the metal structure. Keep in mind that even crawling plants like vines can be dangerous to your aluminium awning. Over time, they can become heavy and pull the structure down. The downside to this is you will not be able to purposely use foliage or creeping plants as extra shade or décor for your storefront’s exterior.
Different Ways to Clean your Aluminium Awnings
As we’ve mentioned, aluminium awnings require little maintenance. In most cases, you only need to rinse it occasionally. However, from time to time, you also have to wash it. By doing so, you can prevent mildew, grime or pests from taking hold of your aluminium awnings. You should also visually inspect the metal structure on a regular basis. If you notice that it needs cleaning, then do it promptly. You do not have to wait until your scheduled maintenance to do this. Here are the different ways to clean your aluminium awnings:
• Normal Level – Using warm water with a soft bristled brush to quickly clean your aluminium awnings.
• Moderate Level – Using a solution of mild detergent and warm water to wash your aluminium awnings thoroughly.
● Heavy Level – Using solvent and other cleaning products designed explicitly for deep-washing aluminium products. Make sure you follow the directions on the packaging of the solution when cleaning your aluminium awnings.
Cleaning Stubborn Stains on your Aluminium Awnings
There are times when you have too much in your hands that you neglect cleaning our aluminium awnings. As such, the build-up of dirt and grime leaves stains that are challenging to remove. In this case, you can get an old washcloth or a shop rag, then immerse it in a mixture of water and vinegar. What you have to do is mix two parts water with one part vinegar in a small bowl. Soak the cloth in the solution, then place it on the stain.
What the vinegar does is it reacts with the compounds, making them less adhesive to the metal. After letting the drenched cloth sit on the stain for about five minutes, you can rigorously brush the affected area back and forth. You may also want to scrub from side to side to ensure that you thoroughly remove the stains.
Getting Rid of Dry Crystal Patches
When the metal unevenly oxidises, dry crystal patches start to form. You may try using detergent or a vinegar solution to get rid of them. However, they will not do. You can only remove them using industrial-grade aluminium cleaners or strong acids. Keep in mind that these chemicals can cause severe damages to the user. So, we do not recommend using them. Instead, call professional cleaners to do the job.
Professional cleaners should have the experience to deal with such hazardous cleaning solutions. For an additional fee, you can ask them to polish your aluminium awnings. You may have to spend a little more with this extra maintenance step. However, it will lower the possibility of having dry crystal patches forming for years.
