Because of overwhelming interest on the subject is pleased to present you with the following cleaning instructions for our two most popular fabrics.

How to Care for a Dickson Awning

Dickson Awning Fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic fiber. Dickson Awning fabrics are designed and manufactured for outside use and the following care instructions should be observed:

Awning frames must provide constant tension that will stretch the awning fabric and avoid rubbing. This tension will prevent formation of water pockets on the awning.

In case of strong winds, lateral arm and other retractable awning systems should be retracted.

If an awning is retracted while wet, open it as quickly as possible and allow the fabric to dry. Although the fabric is mold, mildew, and rot proof, this procedure is necessary because atmospheric pollution deposits on the surface of the fabric can mold and mildew under damp conditions.

Dickson Awning Fabrics have a special finish which delays the formation and accumulation of dirt. To preserve this finish, cleaning of the fabric must include the following:

Standard Maintenance

Thoroughly remove the dust from the dry awning fabric by vacuum cleaning, gently beating, or brushing.

Then clean with prolonged spraying of lukewarm water and a mild natural soap (i.e. Ivory) while gently brushing. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap.

Stain Removal

For more stubborn cases, a general solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of bleach (Clorox) and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) of natural soap per gallon of water is normally recommended. The fabric should be soaked in this mixture for no more than 20 minutes.
Note: Excessive soaking in bleach can deteriorate sewing threads. The fabric should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap. This method of cleaning may remove part of the water repellency of the fabric. Therefore, if water repellency is important, the fabric afterwards should receive an application of air-curing fluorocarbon water repellent treatment.

Sunbrella®

Sunbrella is made from 100% solution dyed acrylic dyed fiber. It is guaranteed for a period of five years against loss of color or strength from normal exposure conditions including sunlight, mildew, rot, and atmospheric chemicals. It is a solution dyed fabric which gives it a color brightness which is unsurpassed. Being a woven fabric it breathes, and is translucent, both of which are desirable characteristics. Sunbrella has a fluorocarbon finish which provides excellent water repellency.

Care and Cleaning

Sunbrella fabric should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt, roof particles, etc., are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. The fabric can be cleaned without being removed from the frame. Simply brush off any loose dirt, roof particles, etc.; hose down and clean with mild natural soap in lukewarm (no more than 100 degrees fahrenheit.) Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. Do not use detergents.

Another method of cleaning for more stubborn cases is as follows: Soak the fabric for approximately twenty minutes in a solution of no more than 1/2 cup (4 oz.) of bleach and 1/4 cup (2 oz.) natural soap per gallon of water at approximately 100 degrees fahrenheit. A non-clorine bleach is recommended for Sunbrella "Plus" because of the urethane coating. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to remove all of the soap.
Note: Excessive soaking in bleach can deteriorate sewing threads. This method of cleaning may remove part of the water repellency and the fabric should receive an application of an air-curing water repellency treatment, such as APCO, UNISEAL, SUNSEAL, or similar products, if water repellency is a factor. Silicone repellents such as AQUA-TITE are effective moisture resistant agents but do not provide soil and stain release properties.

Sunbrella may be dry cleaned but a water repellent treatment must be applied to the fabric after dry cleaning to reestablish water repellency. Sunbrella is made from 100% acrylic fiber and is thermoplastic or heat sensitive. When washing or cleaning, DO NOT SUBJECT TO EXCESSIVE HEAT as the fabric will shrink. DO NOT STEAM, PRESS, OR DRY IN ELECTRIC OR GAS DRYERS, but allow to air dry.

In cases where Sunbrella awning is taken down and stored during the winter season, it should be cleaned, allowed to air dry, and stored in a dry, well ventilated area. Many fabricators offer a reasonably priced removal, cleaning, storage and rehanging service on a yearly basis.

For optimum appearance and performance Sunbrella should be cleaned regularly.

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