How to Maintain Aluminum Window Awnings

Basic supplies can help clean and maintain aluminum window awnings.

Aluminum awnings are known for their fade-proof protective coating, sturdiness and longevity. You usually install them above your windows to provide shade from the sun and thus keep your home cooler. Aluminum awnings are durable, but they aren't entirely maintenance-free. Dirt, dust, leaves, bird droppings, sap and pollen collect on window awnings, marring the aluminum's shiny appearance. Exposure to sunlight causes accumulated grime to harden and adhere to aluminum awning surfaces over time. Fortunately, you can maintain aluminum window awnings using regular cleaning techniques.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• 1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent
• Bucket
• Nylon brush
• Cleaning sponge
• Mineral spirits
• Terrycloth towel

Instructions

1. Allow the awning to cool completely if it feels hot when you touch it.

2. Spray down the awning to detach loose dust and grime. Using a garden hose, rinse the entire aluminum surface.

3. Mix 1 gallon of warm water with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent in a bucket.

4. Wash the aluminum surface with the solution. Using a nylon brush, scrub the solution onto the entire awning to dislodge bugs, bird droppings, dirt and gunk. Frequently rinse accumulated grime from the brush.

5. Rinse the awning with fresh water to wash away all loosened debris and grime.

6. Examine the awning for stubborn stains such as tree sap. If there are such stains, moisten a cleaning sponge with mineral spirits and scrub the sponge over the stubborn stains until you remove them completely.

7. Spray the entire awning with fresh water to rinse away all loosened grime.

8. Dry the entire awning with a terrycloth towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Revive discolored aluminum awnings with a solution of 1 quart water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar. Heat the solution, and wipe it over the discolored aluminum.

• Baking soda will discolor an aluminum awning.

• Abrasive cleaning supplies such as steel wool, abrasive polishes and scouring powders can damage the aluminum awning.

References

• Service Magic: Aluminum Awnings - Made for Shade
• Outdoor Shades: Aluminum Awnings and Metal Awnings for the Patio
• Michigan State University Extension: Cleaning Aluminum
• Repair Home: Cleaning Aluminum