Quick Summary: Cleaning your Sunesta awning starts with knowing what fabric you’re working with.

• Extend the awning fully.

• Rinse away loose debris before touching the fabric.

• Clean using the method appropriate for acrylic, screen fabric, or clear vinyl.

• Rinse thoroughly.

• Allow the awning to dry completely before retracting.

• Apply 100% silicone lubricant to moving frame components.

For most inland homes, a thorough cleaning in spring and fall is usually enough. Homes near the coast need more attention. Salt buildup can affect both fabric and hardware, so monthly cleaning is recommended.

The Problems Usually Show Up in Spring

Most homeowners don’t think much about their residential awning when they retract it for the season. It disappears into the background until the weather warms up again and somebody decides it’s time to sit outside.

That’s when maintenance issues tend to reveal themselves.

A strip of mildew appears along the edge of the fabric. The extension arms seem reluctant. A clear SmartDrop™ panel that looked perfectly transparent last summer now has a cloudy appearance that wasn’t there before. None of those problems usually point to a manufacturing defect. More often, they’re signs of months of exposure to pollen, moisture, airborne debris, bird droppings, or, in coastal areas, salt.

Like most exterior features, a retractable awning ages according to how it’s maintained. Dirt doesn’t just affect appearance. It settles into fabric, works its way into moving components, and creates the conditions that allow mildew to develop. The longer it’s ignored, the harder it becomes to remove.

Retractable awnings can reduce cooling costs by 25–40% during peak summer months, according to the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association.

An awning that’s spending months shading a patio or helping reduce solar heat gain is worth a little routine attention.

The Biggest Cleaning Mistake Is Treating Every Material the Same

Many maintenance problems start with good intentions.

A homeowner notices dirt or mildew, grabs a cleaner from the garage, and starts scrubbing. The issue is that Sunesta awnings aren’t built from a single material.

Depending on the system, you may be dealing with acrylic fabric, screen fabric, clear vinyl, or a combination of all three. That’s particularly common when a SmartDrop is involved. The main canopy may use one material while the drop valance uses another.

The safest approach is identifying the material first and then choosing the cleaning method that matches it. What works perfectly well on acrylic can permanently damage clear vinyl.

Source

Start With Water Before Anything Else

Regardless of fabric type, the first step is almost always the same.

Extend the awning fully and rinse away as much loose debris as possible before touching the surface. Pollen, dust, leaves, and grit are often responsible for more wear during cleaning than homeowners realize. Removing them first reduces the need for scrubbing later.

From there, the cleaning process depends on the material.

Acrylic fabric is generally the most forgiving. Most buildup can be removed with warm water, a soft brush, and a mild soap such as Woolite or Ivory Snow. If mildew has developed, a little patience and gentle brushing usually work better than aggressive cleaners. Sunesta specifically advises against products labeled as detergents.

Screen fabric requires a lighter touch. It’s designed to resist mildew and fading, so heavy scrubbing typically creates more problems than it solves. A sponge or soft brush with mild detergent is usually all that’s necessary.

If your SmartDrop includes clear vinyl sections, this is the area where careful cleaning matters most. Many cloudy or scratched panels were damaged during cleaning, not weather. Dry wiping is the biggest culprit, as dust trapped between the vinyl and a cloth acts like sandpaper.

Before cleaning clear vinyl, flood the surface with water, then clean with a soft cloth and mild soap solution. Keep glass cleaners, alcohol-based products, and silicone treatments away from the vinyl panel.

Don’t Ignore the Parts That Move

Fabric tends to get all the attention, but most operational issues start elsewhere.

Extension arms, joints, pivots, and moving hardware are exposed to the same environment as the canopy itself. Dirt works its way into those components gradually, and homeowners often don’t notice anything is wrong until the awning starts feeling stiff or uneven during operation.

A quick rinse of the frame followed by a wipe-down with a soft cloth is usually sufficient. Afterward, apply 100% silicone lubricant to moving components.

This is one of the few areas where product selection matters. General-purpose lubricants such as WD-40 leave residue behind, and that residue can eventually find its way onto the fabric.

How Often Is Cleaning My Awning Necessary?

The answer depends largely on where you live.

For many inland homeowners, a thorough cleaning in spring and another in fall is enough to keep the awning in good condition. Coastal environments are different. Salt settles on hardware, fabric, tracks, and fasteners, often long before it’s visible. Left unchecked, it can contribute to staining and corrosion that become increasingly difficult to address.

That’s why coastal maintenance schedules tend to be much more aggressive than inland ones.

Where the SmartDrop Fits In

The SmartDrop often gets treated as an accessory, but it solves a different problem than the main canopy.

A retractable awning does an excellent job blocking overhead sun. Late-afternoon sunlight is another matter. As the sun drops lower in the sky, light begins reaching underneath the canopy. That’s where the SmartDrop becomes useful.

Because SmartDrop panels may use either screen fabric or clear vinyl, cleaning should follow the same material-specific guidance described earlier. Clear vinyl should always be flooded with water before cleaning. Screen fabric should be cleaned gently without aggressive scrubbing.

Seasonal positioning can make a difference as well.

Sometimes Cleaning Isn’t the Answer

A maintenance inspection occasionally uncovers issues that cleaning won’t fix.

Fabric tears, delamination, visible corrosion, SmartDrop track misalignment, motor hesitation, or extension arms that remain difficult to operate after lubrication usually point to a repair issue rather than a maintenance issue.

That’s often the point where professional service makes sense.

Lednor’s Sunesta installers are manufacturer-certified before performing installations, and homeowners who already have a Sunesta system often find that having a knowledgeable technician evaluate a developing problem prevents a much larger repair later.

Regular cleaning protects your awning. Knowing when cleaning isn’t enough protects your investment.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Most awning maintenance comes down to consistency. Cleaning the fabric, keeping moving parts lubricated, and addressing small issues before they worsen can help your Sunesta awning continue performing season after season.

If you’re considering a new retractable awning, adding a SmartDrop, or have questions about choosing the right Sunesta system for your outdoor space, Lednor Home Solutions can help. Our team can walk you through available options, explain installation considerations, and help you get the most from your outdoor living area.

Schedule your free estimate today.

FAQ

What soap should I use on a Sunesta awning?

For acrylic fabric, use a mild soap such as Woolite or Ivory Snow mixed with warm water. Screen fabric can be cleaned with mild detergent and water. Clear vinyl should be cleaned with plain water or a mild soap solution and a soft cloth.

How often should I clean my awning?

Most inland homeowners do well with a spring cleaning and a fall cleaning. Homes near the coast should be cleaned much more frequently because salt accumulates on both fabric and hardware.

Can I use WD-40 on the moving parts?

No. Sunesta care guidance recommends 100% silicone lubricant. WD-40 can leave residue that may eventually stain awning fabric.

What is a SmartDrop?

A SmartDrop is a vertical drop valance integrated into the front bar of certain Sunesta awning systems. It helps block low-angle sun, glare, wind, and adds privacy to outdoor living areas.

Can I retract the awning while it’s still wet?

It’s better not to. Moisture trapped inside a closed awning creates conditions where mildew can develop. Allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting.

What happens if I use glass cleaner on clear vinyl?

Glass cleaners often contain ingredients that can damage clear vinyl surfaces. Hazing and loss of clarity are common results.

How do I know if a problem requires professional service?

If lubrication and cleaning do not resolve the issue, or if you notice motor problems, tears, corrosion, or track alignment issues, schedule a professional inspection.

Does maintenance affect warranty coverage?

Always review current warranty documentation for specific coverage details. Routine maintenance helps prevent avoidable wear and allows potential issues to be identified before they become larger repairs.

How do I apply rain repellent to acrylic fabric?

Wait until the fabric is fully clean and completely dry. Test a small area first for colorfastness. If no discoloration occurs, apply according to the product manufacturer’s directions.

Can Lednor add a SmartDrop to an existing Sunesta awning?

Availability depends on the existing awning model and configuration. Contact Lednor Home Solutions to determine whether your current system can accommodate a SmartDrop addition.

References

Professional Awning Manufacturers Association. (n.d.). Awnings significantly reduce cooling costs. Country Canvas Awnings. https://www.countrycanvasawnings.com/awnings-significantly-reduce-cooling-costs-in-pittsburgh-pama-study-shows/

Note: Verify publication date before publish. Replace with a current PAMA-citing source if necessary.

Superior Awning. (2025, May 21). Retractable awnings energy-efficient benefits. https://superiorawning.com/2025/05/21/retractable-awnings-energy-efficient-benefits/

Canvas ETC. (n.d.). How to prevent and treat mildew on outdoor canvas: Expert guide. https://www.canvasetc.com/how-to-prevent-amp-treat-mildew-on-outdoor-canvas/

Note: Verify publication date before publish. Replace if necessary.

Sunesta. (n.d.). Proper care & cleaning of your Sunesta product. https://www.sunesta.com

Note: Use a live webpage version if available; otherwise retain manufacturer citation information.