A Guide to Cleaning Shade Sails
Shade sails do get dirty from dust, dirt, leaf materials, bird droppings and other things as they remain outdoors. Since these things can make your shade sails dull and dirty over time, you need to maintain them. Moreover, keeping them clean also improve their longevity, making them look good for many years. Regular maintenance for shade sails is a must, and to help you begin, we have come up with an easy guide on cleaning shade sails.
How Do You Wash Shade Sails?
To do a thorough clean on a shade sail that has not been washed in a long time, it may be necessary to have the shade sail taken down to clean it properly. A professional shade sail installation team can assist you with this if you are not confident in doing it yourself. They can also help with cleaning and maintenance.
Once you remove and take them down successfully, check for any damages and proceed to wash the shade sail fabric. So go ahead and:
- Clean your shade sail with water and a microfibre cloth or a soft-bristled brush if they are lightly soiled.
- If they are heavily soiled, you will need a mild detergent or any cleanser that your shade sail professional as suggested.
The point to note here is how exactly you wash them. The best way to wash is to lay your shade sail flat on a clean flat surface on your patio or just any cement slab. Wash off the loose dirt with a low-pressure hose and then spray the detergent using a spray bottle. Let them soak in the soapy water for some time, and then start scrubbing with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, wash off with clean water. You must also make sure that you wash the shade sail before the soapy water dries out.
Washing shade sails by yourself can be messy. So, if you think cleaning shade sails is time-consuming, call a professional shade sail company to check if they provide a cleaning service. Professionals will make your shade sails look brand new again.
Tips To Follow While Cleaning Shade Sails
Follow the below-given tips to improve the life of shade sails:
1. Pick a Sunny Day
As much as washing is important, you must also choose a perfect day to do the washing for a few reasons. Whenever you decide to wash and dry your shade sail, make sure to do it on a sunny day. The main reason is shade sails need to dry completely before reinstalling them. The best way to dry them is to spread them over a clean flat surface to dry them evenly on all sides. If you are storing them for a few days, roll them to avoid creasing. Also, make sure they are completely dry to prevent mildew and moulds.
2. Use a Mild Detergent
Whenever you wash your shade sail, always use a mild and gentle detergent – no matter how dirty it looks. Also, avoid using chlorine-treated water. It’s because using harsh detergents and acidic base cleansers will damage the fabric. Precisely, the UV stabilisers. It also ruins its look. Make sure to use mild detergents that are easy on the shade sails.
3. Avoid Machine Washing
Do not wash your shade sails in the washing machine. By washing them in the washing machine, you will ruin the quality of the fabric and the spins can create creases. As a result, they will end up wearing out quicker than the expected life.
4. Avoid Pressure cleaners
If you are washing shade sails at home, do not use high-pressure cleaners, as they can damage the threads of the fabric. Use a hose to spray water or clean your shade sails. However, check with a professional before using any power cleaner to wash your shade sails.
We hope this helps you. Contact us for more professional tips and guidance on washing shade sails.
