Cleaning your awning

Cleaning awnings and glass roofs

Permanently exposed to the weather, your blinds need cleaning from time to time. Thanks to years of experience, we can give you useful tips for spring cleaning.
Cleaning awnings and glass roofs

Cleaning the awnings

Depending on the weather, an awning gets dirty more quickly or more slowly. You should therefore clean the awning fabric and frame at least once a year. This will keep your awning looking good for longer and provide better protection from the sun, rain or wind in the long term. The fabric will accompany you for around 10 to 15 years, while the frame of your awning can last 25 to 30 years with good care. 

Regular cleaning has many advantages and is worthwhile. Our tips will tell you the right thing to do if the awning frame or fabric is dirty. Find out how to remove mildew stains or remove annoying bird droppings and mold carefully and effectively. So that the cleaning is quick and the enjoyment afterwards lasts all the longer.

Do you need a new awning fabric? Find the right fabric quickly and easily with the STOBAG fabric finder.  

1. dry cleaning: get rid of dirt from the frame and fabric

Awnings not only get dirty on the fabric, but also on the frame. You do not need any aggressive cleaning agents to clean the sun blinds. You can simply sweep or vacuum away the dry dirt. You can also clean the fabric of the awnings in the same way. Loose dirt particles are best removed regularly with a hand brush. This keeps the operating elements and the base frame of your awning clean, which significantly improves functionality.

Mold and dirt stains have little chance of forming on the fabric if it is dry-cleaned regularly. This prevents the build-up of green deposits and moss and keeps the fabric damp. 

2. wet cleaning: Thorough cleaning in case of soiling

After dry sweeping, start by thoroughly damp cleaning the awnings. This can be done with a soft scrubbing brush or sponge. A ladder and telescopic handle will give you easy access to all elements. A jet of water from the garden hose helps to remove solid dirt. To avoid damage, you should never use a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner to clean your fabric. Washing the awning fabric in the washing machine is also not recommended. 

Our expert tip: Use a soft sponge and a gentle mixture of mild detergent and lukewarm water (max. 40° C). Work this lye into the fabric of the sun blind until the washing foam breaks down the dirt. Then simply rinse with clean water. Do not use any harsh cleaning agents on the awning fabric so that the impregnation of the fabric is not damaged and you are still protected from the rain.

After damp cleaning, it is important that the clean fabric dries completely. Only then should you retract the awning again. If awnings are retracted when damp, the fabric cannot dry out and discoloration due to water stains will occur. The moisture encourages fungal infestation.

Another tip: choose a warm day with plenty of sunshine for cleaning - this will allow the fabric to dry much faster. 

Insider tips for particularly difficult cases

How should I deal with minor soiling?
What is the best way to remove pollen?
Help, I have mould on my blind. What do I have to do?
What’s the best way to remove bird droppings?
Can I sometimes resort to tougher measures?

Impregnating awnings

In general, our quality awnings are impregnated by the fabric manufacturer. This makes cleaning the awning easier, as the protective coating prevents stubborn dirt from sticking. However, the impregnation can lose its protective effect after five to ten years. You can then either impregnate the fabric with a special impregnation spray such as Fabric Guard™. Or you can ask our specialist partners to replace the awning fabric to refresh the weather protection and impregnation against grease and dirt. 

Do you have a new color concept for your patio?

A new fabric can work wonders. With over 380 colors and designs, we’re sure to find the right eye-catcher for your patio.

Cleaning the glass roof

In addition to cleaning awning fabrics and frames, a glass roof also benefits from regular maintenance. Whether conservatory or terrace canopy: it is not always necessary to buy expensive window cleaners or hire specialists. With our help, you can get your glass sparkling clean again yourself without much effort. 

The right weather for cleaning

Don’t clean the glass when the sun is shining on it. The warmth of the sun will make the glass dry too quickly, resulting in unsightly streaks. To remove any streaks that do form, polish the glass with old newspapers.

Heavily soiled glass surfaces

For very dirty glass, an onion can be used as an alternative to window cleaner: cut an onion in half and rub the pane with it. When the onion gets too dirty, simply cut off a slice at a time.

Streak-free glass surfaces

Does the glass look smeary after cleaning? Simply rub it with cold black tea. Then you’ll have no more problems with streaks and smears.

The right leather

Not every chamois leather is actually suitable for cleaning windows. It is important that the chamois is soft, otherwise it could scratch the glass. Once it becomes stiff and hard, you should get a new one.

Even more shine

Would you like to a sparkling clean finish for your glass roof? Polish the panes with an old pair of nylon tights. Stubborn fly droppings are easily removed with rubbing alcohol.

Making the most of the rain

For places that are difficult to reach, simply let nature lend a helping hand. When it rains, simply squirt some washing-up liquid on the pane. This has the same effect as window cleaning and the glass ends up clean.

In need of help?

Our experts will help you if you cannot remove soiling or if you want to replace the fabric.

Service man