How to Clean Your Retractable Awning (Without Ruining It)
If you're looking for the ultimate in flexibility for an outdoor dining or alfresco area, retractable awning systems are hard to beat. Chances are you've already spotted some retractable awnings at many of Melbourne's most popular restaurants and bars, and they're just as popular in homes around the city too.
Keeping them cleaned and maintained is more than just cosmetic. Weather and debris can decay, damage, damage, or stain your awning. A lack of maintenance and cleaning can also cause mechanical problems.
At Indoor Outdoor Imports, we’ve been selling and installing retractable awnings for over 35 years. We have a lot of advice we’d like to give you on cleaning and maintaining your retractable awnings. Keep reading to learn more!
What is a Retractable Awning

“Retracable awnings” is an umbrella term that refers to both folding arm awnings and retractable roof systems. While cleaning and maintenance for them are similar, the different mechanisms do mean there are different needs for cleaning. They are popular for rooftop bars and cafes with courtyard space that needs a large coverage.
They're usually both water resistant and UV resistant, and certainly provide shade against Melbourne’s harsh sun. Some of these retractable awnings are motorised and run along tracks, while others are more manual, extended with a crank and handle system.
Easily customisable by our guys, you can have a retractable awning matching the tiles of your roof, or contrasting if you’d like. They can be branded to match your cafe or pub too, which looks fantastic.
Where do you Install a Retractable Awning
Retractable awnings are typically installed to a home or cafe’s exterior wall, or roof, to shade patios decks and outside spaces.
Installation height should be around two and a half to three meters above the ground for good head clearance. In Melbourne that majority of commercial buildings and residential homes are solid brick, concrete or brick veneer. Awnings need to be fixed using heavy-duty dynabolts or chemsets into masonry. Or you need to use specialised brackets installed into structural framing or fascia.

How do you Clean Your Retractable Awning
You’ll be cleaning your awning with it fully extended, so open up your awning for cleaning.
- The first step in cleaning your awning is to remove all the debris. Sticks and leaves and such can fall on them if they’re left out for shade. They then get dragged back into the holding when you wind the awning away.
Use a broom or a gentle vacuum to remove dirt and other debris from both sides of the awning. - Thoroughly wet the entire awning with a garden hose. Give it a good soaking.
- The premium fabrics used in awnings, such as Sunbrella or Docril, are treated with specialised IV-resistant and Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings. This means you must ONLY use a mild, pH-neutral soap solution when cleaning your awnings. Check your dishwashing liquid for this, or you can find a specially formulated canvas cleaner. Only use cold to lukewarm water when washing your awning.
- Scrub the whole awning gently with a brush or a sponge. Apply in circular motions, as this helps dislodge dirt from awnings which may have a material grain.
- Rinse thoroughly. Don’t let the soapy water dry on your awning as it may leave soapy marks and residue behind. Rinse with the hose until all the soap has been washed away.
- Make sure the awning is completely dry before packing it away. If you retract the awning and it is still damp, this may encourage mould and mildew to start to grow.

DO NOT use bleach. Bleach can damage the fabric and cause unwanted discolouration with your awning. If you have stubborn stains, try some oxy-action laundry detergent.
DO NOT use a high pressure washer. This can risk damaging the fabric of your awning.
DO NOT neglect the cleaning of your awning. You need to clean more than once a year when the weather turns nice. Neglect can have the awning deteriorate over time.
Also to remember to check any moving parts and motorised equipment. Be careful with water and soap around these items, as extended exposure can lead to rust or corrosion. If a strange sound is coming from the motorised components, be sure to get that checked out so you’re not stuck with a retractable awning halfway out.
Across the board, retractable roof systems offer a unique blend of both open-air and sheltered spaces as they can be expanded or retracted as per the user's needs. This makes them a versatile choice for patios, decks, or even commercial spaces like restaurants and cafes. They are storm and weather proof and provide excellent UV protection on sunny days.
A folding arm awning is cantilevered off a wall or roof eave. It is easily affected by wind and can only be used in rain if there is enough angle for the water to run off. We don’t recommend using a folding arm awning in heavy weather.
Indoor Outdoor Imports are your experts in Melbourne for retractable awnings and roof shadings. We’ve helped hundreds of local businesses and homeowners turn their outdoor spaces into open rooms with coverage from the sun and weather.
Enquire with us today on how we can uplift your outdoor world and give it that chic, alfresco styling.
FAQ
Is an awning suitable for both home and commercial use?
Yes, absolutely. We supply and install folding arm awnings for everything from residential backyards and alfresco areas to cafes, restaurants and commercial spaces across Melbourne and beyond.
Can you repair or re-fabric an existing awning?
Definitely. We repair and re-fabric awnings regularly in fact, it's one of the things customers love about us. We can often revive an awning for much less than you'd expect, and we even service awnings from other suppliers.
Do you offer a free measure and quote?
Yes, we do! Because there are so many options, an onsite measure and quote is the best way to go. We'll come to you, check out the space, advise on fixings and the best product for your situation, and provide a full quote including installation.
What warranty comes with a retractable awning?
The hardware is covered by a 5-year warranty against manufacturing faults, and the motors are covered for 5 years or more depending on the brand. Just keep in mind the warranty doesn't cover wind, rain, hail, or storm damage or general wear and tear.
Can I use my retractable awning when it's windy?
Short answer? No, it's not a good idea. Retractable awnings aren't designed for windy conditions and aren't covered for storm damage. A good rule of thumb: if the supports are starting to flex in the breeze, bring it in. And never leave it out when you're not around to keep an eye on it.
Do you deliver, and how quickly?
We offer same-day delivery across Melbourne metro. If you're in regional Victoria or interstate, delivery is usually 2–5 days depending on where you are. We supply all over Australia.
How long has Indoor Outdoor Imports been around?
We've been in business since 1988, that's over 35 years! We started out as a retail store in Smith Street Collingwood and grew into a wholesale supplier to the food and beverage industry. Today we serve both commercial and home markets right across Australia.
Do you service and repair products you didn't sell?
Yes, and this is something we're quite proud of! We regularly service and repair umbrellas, awnings and barriers from other suppliers. If something's broken or looking a bit tired, give us a call we can often fix it up at a very reasonable cost.
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