You’ve just invested in beautiful exterior screens for your outdoor space. Now that you’ve spent all that time and money implementing these screens, you will want them to stay in good shape so you can enjoy them for years to come. To do this requires proper patio shades maintenance. Today, we will provide practical tips and advice on how to maintain patio shades to ensure they remain in excellent condition, prolong their lifespan, and enhance their functionality.
The Benefits of Patio Shades Maintenance
Beyond protecting your investment in your exterior screens, patio shades maintenance provides many benefits that will serve you for years to come.
First, regularly cleaning and maintaining your patio shades keeps their aesthetic appeal high. This makes your home beautiful and enhances your home value and curb appeal should you decide to sell.
Second, regular maintenance ensures operational efficiency. This will make for easier and smoother use of the shades while protecting the longevity of your investment.
Lastly, regular cleaning will maintain consistent light control. If your shades get too dirty, they reduce the amount of light visible through the shade. Therefore, keeping them clean maintains their light control efficiency.
How to Clean Patio Shades
Regular cleaning is required to ensure the highest level of efficiency and beauty for your exterior screens. Let’s go through the steps together:
1. Understand Your Shade Material
Prior to jumping in, it is vital to understand the unique cleaning requirements for your patio shades. Depending on the materials (cotton, nylon, mesh, etc.), they will require a different set of cleaning tasks. We suggest reading the instructions carefully and reaching out to your installer if you have any questions.
2. Gather Cleaning Supplies
Once you know your cleaning process, it is time to gather materials. In most cases, you will need a feather duster, a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, a bucket of warm water, patio shade-friendly soap, a hose, and towels.
3. Dust & Vacuum the Shades
Now, it is time to get off the top layer of grime. We recommend dusting your outdoor shades with a feather duster to eliminate the loosest dirt. Then, with your soft brush attachment, gently vacuum your shades to pull off more dirt.
4. Wash Outdoor Side
When your patio shades are exposed to the elements, they get dirty much faster. It is expected that the outside of the shade will get dirtier faster than the inside of the shade; therefore, you may need to wash one side more frequently.
To wash, you will want to gently spray your exterior shades with your hose using a gentle setting like mist or shower. This will pull any excess loose dirt off the screen. Then, you will want to mix patio shade-friendly soap into a bucket of warm water. (Note: Not all patio shades can have soap, so read the instructions carefully.) With a soft sponge, wring out any excess water and gently scrub your exterior screens. At the end, gently rinse off the screen.
5. Leave the Shades Open
Fortunately, exterior screens are located outside, so the sun and air will dry them. Just make sure to leave them completely open until they are fully dry.
6. Repeat Regularly
To maintain the cleanliness of your exterior screens, it is recommended that they be cleaned weekly. However, we understand that frequency may be too much for most homeowners. Therefore, we recommend giving them a good dust weekly and a wash once a month, which you can modify to meet the changing needs of the season.
How to Identify and Address Minor Repairs
Cleaning your exterior screens is the perfect time to check them for any issues. If you notice a problem, be sure to address it right away. For minor repairs, check your owner’s manual for recommendations on how to fix common problems, or message your installer for a solution. For larger concerns or anything you are not comfortable addressing on your own, call for professional assistance.
Seasonal Patio Shades Maintenance
Homeowners have a long list of maintenance tasks to ensure their homes stay in top condition, typically working through the year by the season. Therefore, here are our suggestions for seasonal patio shades maintenance.
Spring – First Annual Check
In the early spring, we recommend unrolling your patio shades after the winter and inspecting them for damage. If there are any issues, have them fixed immediately. Once your shades are in proper working order, it is time for a good bath!
Summer – Stubborn Stain Prevention
Late spring and early summer coincide with an increase in natural air pollutants, such as pollen and dust. Due to this, more frequent cleanings may be required to keep a patio shade clean and prevent stubborn stains.
Fall – Lubricate Moving Parts
As the seasons get colder, now is the time to lubricate any moving parts. We recommend reviewing your owner’s manual for the best products and procedures for this.
Winter – Winterize Your Shades
As winter looms, it is time to winterize your home. If you are in an area susceptible to high winds, hail, or snow, you will likely want to retract your shades to protect them unless they are in use. If you do use them, make sure to let them fully dry before retracting them again.
Common Mistakes with Patio Shades Maintenance
1. Waiting Too Long to Clean
Waiting too long to clean can cause an excess accumulation of grime and create stubborn stains. It is best to keep a consistent and thorough cleaning schedule.
2. Using Harsh Chemicals
Most exterior screens just need water with a little soap to get clean. Harsh chemicals can cause damage not only to the screen but also to the surrounding environment.
3. Forgetting to Retract During Harsh Weather
The winter season features harsh weather conditions that can cause extensive damage to patio screens if left unprotected. Retracting or removing your exterior screens before inclement weather is always best.
Patio Screen Installation and Maintenance with Blind Guy of the Tri-Cities
Do you need assistance with new screen installation or repairs? Contact Blind Guy of Tri-Cities today for expert advice and professional maintenance services to keep your patio shades looking and functioning like new!
