Outdoor shades help transform your deck or patio area into a beautiful, comfortable space. Your exterior shades elevate your home’s outdoor aesthetics, make your space more energy-efficient, and provide protection from heat, glare, and elements like wind and debris. These shades also allow you and your guests to make the most of your outdoor area throughout the year.
Exposure to the elements means that outdoor shades may become dusty or grow mildew. Understanding how to clean and maintain outdoor shades allows you to keep your California room, deck, porch or patio pristine, and maintaining them allows you to enjoy them for longer.
The Benefits of Cleaning Your Outdoor Shades
Knowing how to clean outdoor shades has a significant impact on your California room, deck or patio’s appearance and functionality. The following benefits of cleaning your shades make it well worth it:
Visual Improvement
The immediate advantage of cleaning your outdoor shades is restoring their visual appeal. Clean, well-maintained shades give your outdoor area a cohesive and elevated look. They beautifully frame your view while making your outdoor space more comfortable.
Maintenance and Longevity
A long-term benefit of prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance is extending the life span of your outdoor shades. Exterior shades are built to withstand various outdoor conditions, but proper care is still essential. A continuous buildup of dirt, debris, stains and mold could cause the fabric to fray and deteriorate.
Debris and moisture buildup can also cause metal components to corrode. Without proper maintenance, you may need to replace your shades sooner or more frequently than necessary.
Improved Functionality
One of the most common reasons for installing exterior shades is they provide comprehensive light control and greater energy efficiency. Maintaining your shades and keeping them clean positively impacts their function. If debris builds up on the shades, it can affect their light control capabilities and interfere with your desired level of privacy and shade.
Maintaining your shades also ensures that the retractable mechanisms operate smoothly so that your shades open and close without jamming.
A Healthier Outdoor Environment
Shades can create a healthier outdoor area by creating a wind barrier — wind can carry allergens from pollen and dust. Regularly cleaning patio and deck shades also controls the buildup of dust and pollen and helps maintain a healthier outdoor environment.
Different Types of Outdoor Shades and Materials
There are different types of exterior shades, including outdoor roller shades and outdoor solar shades, and various materials from which shades can be made. There are also motorized outdoor shades and custom outdoor roll-up shades with manual settings, as well as shades with zipper side closures that secure the shades during strong breezes and help prevent excess debris from entering your home. Knowing these differences can help you determine which cleaning products are most suitable.
Common fabric material options for outdoor shades include:
- Acrylic: Acrylic fabrics are versatile and well-suited to outdoor shades thanks to their good moisture-repellency and quick-drying properties. They are one of the best choices if you want a fabric that is easy to clean and maintain, as they also retain their color exceptionally well.
- Polyester: Polyester is another excellent fabric choice for outside shades because it is crease-resistant, making it easier to maintain its appearance. Polyester is also flame-retardant, which is an extra consideration when choosing cleaning products, tools and techniques. It is important to follow manufacturer instructions for cleaning flame-retardant materials.
- Mesh: Mesh offers good airflow, water resistance and sun protection. It is also available in various colors, thicknesses and opacity levels. You can clean mesh with a soft-bristled brush.
Essential Cleaning Products and Tools
You will need the following tools and materials to clean your exterior shades:
- A protective sheet and a towel: If you’re using a cleaning solution that might stain your deck or patio, lay a sheet or old towel on the ground. A sheet also catches debris, making it easier to clean up. Having an extra towel on hand is helpful for drying your shades after cleaning.
- Mild dish soap solution: Most outdoor shade materials require no more than a mild detergent to remove most debris. Using harsher cleaner products may stain or compromise some fabrics — or stain your deck or patio — so it is always best to start with the mildest solution.
- Spray bottle: A spray bottle for the cleaning solution helps make the job quicker and easier.
- Sponges and microfiber cloths: A damp, nonabrasive sponge is ideal for cleaning exterior shades. You can also choose to dampen a microfiber cloth instead of using a sponge. In this case, having two microfiber cloths works well — one for cleaning and another dry, clean cloth for drying the shades.
- Soft bristle brush: A soft-bristled brush can help with stubborn stains.
- Paintbrush or feather duster: These items are perfect for removing excess dirt and debris without damaging the shade’s fabric.
- Vacuum with a brush attachment: A vacuum can also remove excess dirt and dust.
- A bottle of clean water: Having a bucket of clean water on hand allows you to rinse off the soapy residue before drying your shades.
- Gloves (optional): Outdoor areas harbor dirt, debris and sometimes even mold. You may feel it is more hygienic for you to wear gloves while cleaning.
- A mask (optional): A mask may be unnecessary if you simply clean dust and garden debris off your shades. However, if your exterior shades have mold or mildew spots, wearing a mask and gloves is recommended.
How to Clean Outdoor Roller Shades: Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
Following this simple process will leave your exterior shades in a good, clean condition:
1. Inspect the Shades
Inspecting your shades before you begin cleaning is important for three main reasons:
- Determine warranty coverage: Identifying issues like tears, deteriorating strands and other problems that your warranty may cover allows you to contact your manufacturer before you start cleaning.
- Choose proper supplies: Knowing the materials the shades are made from helps you determine the best cleaning tools and solutions. For example, a feather duster or paintbrush is ideal for removing dust from fabric shades.
- Identify spots that require extra attention: Stubborn stains might need some extra care and attention.
2. Remove Dry Dirt
Start by removing any bits of dry and loose dirt and debris. You can use a paintbrush, a feather duster or a vacuum on a low setting with a brush attachment.
3. Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Mix your cleaning solution of mild detergent or soap in a bucket of warm water. You can also make natural solutions using a combination of baking soda, white vinegar and hot water. For particularly stubborn stains, you may try diluting some commercial fabric cleaner. You can then transfer the solution to a spray bottle.
4. Clean the Shades
Put on your gloves and masks — if you choose — and prepare to clean. Begin with a spot test on a small area of the shades that is not too visible, and wait a moment to determine whether your solution is suitable for the material. Dampen your cloth or sponge with the cleaning solution and gently wipe down or scrub the shade’s surface.
5. Rinse the Shades
Use clean water to dampen a clean sponge or cloth and rinse off any residue. You can also spray some clean water directly onto the shades and wipe them with a clean cloth to remove excess detergent.
6. Dry Your Shades
Drying your shades thoroughly is essential for ensuring that mildew doesn’t develop. Keep your shades down, and use a soft towel to speed up the drying process. Simply pat off excess water from the shades and then allow the shades to continue air drying.
7. Clean the Mechanisms
The last step is to wipe down the shade’s mechanisms. Use a clean cloth and clean water to wipe down pulleys, brackets and other hardware, then wipe the hardware dry with a soft towel.
Additional Tips
These additional tips make the cleaning process even more effective and convenient:
- Avoid using bleach or other harsh cleaning products on your shades. Strong chemicals can stain the fabric or cause irreparable damage to the fabric.
- Apply light pressure when using a soft-bristled brush to remove dry debris or stubborn stains. This way, you will avoid scratches or fraying.
- Avoid high-pressure cleaning, which may damage the fabric or mechanisms.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guide regarding maintenance and cleaning.
Exterior Shade Maintenance Tips
Maintaining your exterior shades is vital for retaining their appearance and functionality. Maintenance needs may change throughout the year with varying weather conditions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for maintaining your outdoor shades:
- Protective measures: One of the best ways to maintain your outdoor shades is to take protective and preventive measures during inclement weather. Always roll up your shades before severe weather, such as heavy winds or rains, to help ensure they aren’t damaged.
- Caring for hardware: To properly maintain your outdoor shades, pay attention to your hardware. Be sure to lubricate moving mechanisms with the recommended product and clean debris from tracks and guides whenever you clean your shades.
- Professional assistance: There may be times when you cannot remove a stain or mold from your shades or when your mechanisms do not work as they should. In this case, reach out to the manufacturer for the best advice regarding warranties or professional cleaning services.
How to Clean Mold off Outdoor Shades
Mold and mildew can grow on your outdoor shades without regular cleaning — especially if you live in a humid climate. Mold ruins the appearance of your shades and also poses a health risk. Exposure to mold can trigger allergies or cause other respiratory issues.
When cleaning mold, it is vital to prioritize your health by wearing gloves and a mask. With your mask secure, you may start by vacuuming on a light setting to remove most of the dry mold. Throw away the vacuum bag when you are done. You can also opt to lightly brush off the mold with a soft-bristled brush instead of vacuuming.
Once most of the dry mold is removed, you can use a sponge or soft microfiber cloth to wipe off the remaining mold. Dampen the sponge or cloth in a diluted commercial fabric cleaner or a mild soap solution and wring it out before gently washing down your shades. Then, allow your shades to naturally air dry.
If the amount of mold seems extensive or you are concerned about health risks, contact a professional to discuss cleaning your shades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore the answers to these FAQs on how to clean outdoor sun shades:
How Can You Prevent Mold and Mildew From Forming on Your Exterior Shades?
Mold and mildew are of particular concern if you live in a humid and rainy climate. Thankfully, you can combat them with these tips:
- Keep your California room, patio or deck as well-ventilated as possible.
- Expose your shades to sunny weather as much as possible to combat mold.
- When it is very humid, regularly wipe your shades dry using a microfiber towel.
- Dry your shades after heavy rain.
- Check your shades often so that you can catch any mold early and stop it from spreading.
How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor Window Shades?
How often you need to clean your exterior shades usually depends on weather conditions. You will likely need to clean your shades more frequently during rainy, humid and windy periods. Windy months can cause an excess buildup of dust and debris, while rainy or humid weather can lead to an increased chance of mold and mildew.
Are There Special Considerations for Cleaning Motorized Shades?
You can clean motorized outdoor shades as you would any other exterior shades. The most important tip is to stick to manufacturer-recommended lubricants for cleaning mechanisms to ensure your motorized shades last.
Find High-Quality Outdoor Shades With Shutter & Shade Shoppe
Keeping your outdoor shades clean and well-maintained is the key to retaining their beautiful appearance, extending their life span and enjoying your outdoor area. Cleaning your shades is a generally straightforward process that does not have to be time-consuming or costly. You only need simple cleaning products to complete the job well.
However, you can always reach out to your manufacturer if you need additional advice regarding your warranty or recommendations for tough stains or mold. It may even be time to treat yourself to new exterior shades from Shutter & Shade Shoppe to revitalize your California room, deck or patio!
We offer an extensive range of outdoor shades and custom designs to fit your Southern California home. After a free consultation, one of our friendly experts will walk you through your options and provide you with a quote for your favorite designs. We also offer professional installations, and our shades come with a limited lifetime warranty. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, or visit our virtual showroom to find your favorite outdoor shades!