Awnings Care and Maintenance Instructions

Operating

• Fabric Awnings are specifically designed to create shade and are not recommended as a wind break. Do not expose Awnings to extreme weather conditions –Awnings should be rolled up in windy or stormy weather.
• Spring operated: Always grab from centre of bottom rail to raise or lower. Use boat hook if required With Auto lock Arm pull bottom rail down to desired position and release. Arms will lock Into position. For Straight pull down to bottom and lock with snap hooks. Release snap hooks before guiding awning back up by hand.
• Drop Awnings: Always ensure that straps are released before, using rope motor or gear mechanism to roll up awnings.
• Pivot Arm Awnings: Use Rope, Gear or Motor to operate awning. Roll awning down to desired position. If awning is operated by rope or tape (without winder box) wrap rope or tape around cleat to lock into position.
• Motorisation: When operating motorised awnings always ensure that there are no obstructions in the way of awning. Always press stop before changing direction.

Weather

• Fabric Awnings are specifically designed to create shade and are not recommended as a wind break. Do not expose Awnings to extreme weather conditions – Awnings should be rolled up in windy or stormy weather excluding Ziptraks®.
• Ziptrak® : In windy conditions, Ziptraks® should be left down and locked, or fully retracted – half way is the most vulnerable position. During severe weather events, your Ziptraks® should be fully retracted.
• Spring operated awnings are a little tricky to retract during windy conditions due to the pressure of the wind on the material. Use your hand to push against the material to reduce this pressure and then retract the awning.
• Motorisation & Ziptrak: Care must be taken when operating motorised Awnings and Ziptrak® in windy conditions. They must be supervised whilst raising and lowering at all times.

Cleaning

• Keep the fabric clean by brushing both the top and underside with a soft brush. Hosing occasionally on a hot day with cold water will minimise the development of algae, mildew and fungi by removing dust and grime.
• Awnings should not be rolled away wet. However if bad weather requires them to be rolled away wet, roll them back out as soon as possible to prevent mould build up.
• Occasionally extend the Awning fully down to even out the material, particularly if the Awning is usually set in one position.
• Do not allow dirt, plants or bird droppings to remain in contact with the fabric.
• Do not apply detergents, cleaning fluids or insecticides.

Coastal Areas

Perform more frequent cleaning with mild soap and water to rinse off salt, dirt, and mildew. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasives, which can damage the material. Regularly inspect and maintain moving parts and hardware to prevent corrosion and wear. Additionally, always retract awnings during high winds and storms to prevent damage, and ensure they are fully dry before rolling them up.

Cleaning

• Frequency: Clean awnings more often in coastal environments, such as weekly or fortnightly, to combat salt buildup.
• Method: Use a soft brush or sponge with lukewarm, soapy water to gently scrub away dirt and salt residue.
• Rinsing: Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and prevent mildew or stains.
• Products: Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, and abrasive cleaners, which can degrade the awning’s protective layers and materials.

Stains

• Clean thoroughly with a non-abrasive household cleaner (except for Clear PVC) and rinse immediately with clean water and dry thoroughly.
• For Clear PVC use a diluted solution of mild soap and warm water. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft cloth or sponge.
• Sometimes it is impossible to stop wrinkles and undulations in fabric due to vertical joins, hems or side splines. Whilst we endeavour to eliminate them, wrinkles and undulations are characteristic to the rolling of fabric and will not affect the performance of your Awning.

Stainless Steel 304

• Routine cleaning with soap and water is usually sufficient to maintain the corrosion resistance and appearance of 304 Stainless Steel.
• Use a soft nylon brush to remove any accumulated dirt.
• Wash with mild soap or detergent, then rinse in clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
• Ideally, this should be done on monthly basis.
• Tea Staining is a characteristic of 304 Stainless Steel which can be mistaken for rust.

Natural Manufacturing Characteristics

• It is important to understand that there is a possibility of wrinkles & undulations in fabric awnings due to vertical joins, hems or side splines. Whilst we endeavour to eliminate visible uncertainties, these are characteristic to the rolling of fabric & will not deter from the performance nor the life of the product.