Here are six steps to cleaning your awning graphics so they look vibrant and attractive for years.

1. You can clean your awning while it's still on its frame, although you may need a ladder to do so. Be sure to work with a partner and make sure your ladder is securely placed and stable.

2. Brush off any loose dirt with a long-handled broom. You can forgo the ladder if you can get an extra-long handle that lets you work from the ground. You might even be able to find a special hose attachment for windows that uses a brush on the end of a long handle.

3. Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water, and a brush to scrub the awning. Important: Clean from the bottom of the awning and go up, and only scrub as much of the area as you can keep wet. If you clean from the top to the bottom, the runoff can cause streaking and even bleaching as the cleaning chemicals run down the awning. This can also happen if you let the cleaning solution dry, so remember to keep the cleaning area wet.

4. Don't use a pressure washer, unless it has a fan tip and the water pressure is set to a low pressure. Some water pressure nozzles are designed to blast-clean, which means you can blast the awning graphics right off your awning, or rip through the canvas or vinyl.

5. Apply a protective spray to the awning. This will help reduce fading of the fabric and awning graphics from UV rays, as well as help keep the awning material waterproof. It also helps the awning to be more soil and stain resistant. The spray usually lasts for an entire season, so apply it two or three times a year (four, if you live in an area with mild winters).

Regular cleaning will help your awning and awning graphics last for several years. A typical awning will last 5 – 10 years, and the awning graphics should last just as long. With proper care, cleaning, and maintenance, you can extend that into the 9 and 10 year span.

For more information on awning graphics, please visit the Signarama website. You can also use our online store locator to find your local Signarama store.