Awning Maintenance, Cleaning and Repairs
A little care each year keeps an awning looking good and working smoothly. Here is what to do – and when to call in a specialist.
Awnings need surprisingly little maintenance, but the small amount they do need makes a big difference. Most problems – mildew, stiff arms, sagging fabric, a motor that stops in the wrong place – are either preventable or easy to fix if caught early.
This guide covers the routine care you can do yourself and the common repairs that are best left to an awning specialist.
Cleaning the fabric
Brush off loose dirt, leaves and cobwebs with a soft brush when the fabric is dry. For general cleaning, use lukewarm water with a mild soap, work gently with a soft brush or sponge, then rinse thoroughly and let the awning dry fully open before closing it.
Avoid pressure washers, bleach and solvent cleaners: they can strip the water-repellent finish and damage the stitching. Specialist awning cleaners and re-proofing sprays are available for stubborn marks.
- Brush down the fabric a few times each season
- Wash with mild soapy water once or twice a year
- Never roll up wet fabric for more than a day or two
- Re-proof the fabric every few years to restore water repellency
Frame, arms and motor
Wipe the arms and front bar down with a damp cloth and check them for loose bolts or worn joints. The elbows and shoulders can be lubricated with a silicone spray if they start to squeak – avoid oil, which attracts dirt and can mark the fabric.
If an electric awning stops short, overruns or does not close fully, the motor limits may need resetting. This is a quick job for an installer and should not be forced.
Common repairs and when to re-cover
Typical repairs include replacing a worn arm spring or belt, re-tensioning sagging fabric, replacing a faulty motor or remote, and re-stitching seams. If the frame is sound but the fabric is faded, torn or stained beyond cleaning, re-covering is usually far cheaper than a new awning.
Before winter, close the awning fully and use it as little as possible in stormy weather. Full cassette awnings are well protected; open awnings benefit from a fitted winter cover.
Typical maintenance and repair costs
| Job | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Professional clean and re-proof (up to 4m) | £120–£250 |
| Replacing an arm or arm spring | £200–£500 |
| Replacing a motor and remote | £300–£650 |
| Re-covering an awning with new fabric (3–5m) | £400–£1,100 |
Indicative UK prices. Parts for discontinued models may need to be sourced, which can add time and cost.
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Maintenance and repair: common questions
How do I get mildew off my awning?
Brush off as much as possible when dry, then clean with a mild soap solution or a specialist awning cleaner. Prevention is easier: always let the fabric dry fully before rolling it away for long.
Can I pressure wash my awning?
It is not recommended. High pressure can damage the fibres, stitching and protective coatings, shortening the life of the fabric.
Why is my awning sagging?
Usually the arm springs or belts have weakened, or the pitch needs adjusting. A specialist can re-tension the arms or replace the worn parts.
Is it worth repairing an old awning?
If the frame and roller are sound, repairing or re-covering is usually good value. If the arms are corroded and the brand no longer supports parts, a new awning may make more sense.
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