Sun sails are ideal for adding shade to patios and gardens, and they are also a stylish addition to any building. However, they are exposed to the elements and can easily become dirty and damaged.
In winter, when the UV rays are weaker and the risk of extreme weather such as snow and wind increases, the sun sail's effectiveness decreases, so it is a good time to remove it. It's time to clean and maintain the sun sail and store it properly for better use next year.
The Whole Sun Sail Cleaning Process
The following are the specific steps for cleaning the sun shade sail, which we hope will be useful to you.
1. Safely Unfasten
Safely unfastening the sun shade sail is the first step in cleaning it. If you used fixing hardware, first loosen the hardware to release the tension. If you had someone install it, or the sun shade sail is suspended high, you may need to use a ladder or even seek professional help.
2. Inspect
The sun sail as you would when you first receive it and carefully check it for tears, holes and frayed threads. If there is any damage that affects its use, consider replacing your sun sail or having it repaired by a professional. Usually, sun sails come with a long warranty when you buy them. Our warranty is 5 years. If the sail develops a quality problem within the warranty period, you can request a replacement (20 years of brand reputation guaranteed).
3. Prepare Cleaning Tools
After inspecting the sun sail, take out the cleaning tools you have prepared. You will need a mild soapy water solution or a special cleaner for UV-resistant fabrics, as well as a soft brush or sponge for cleaning. And of course, a garden hose.
A mild cleaning solution will ensure that the sun sail is not damaged by chemicals. The soft brush and sponge will ensure that the sun sail is not damaged physically during the cleaning process.
4. Clean Carefully
Cleaning the sail is a patient project that requires you to use a soft-bristled brush (or sponge) to soak the cleaning solution into the sun sail and wipe it slowly and gently to avoid damaging the sail.
5. Rinse and Inspect
Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the sun sail using a garden hose. The aim of rinsing is to remove any cleaning solution residue and stains. The sun sail is finely knitted and needs to be rinsed carefully to ensure that there are no residues. If you want a more thorough clean, you can rinse before brushing and then rinse again after brushing to get a shiny new sun sail.
6. Dry
After rinsing, dry the sun sail. You can choose to dry it in place, as the original position is usually in strong direct sunlight, which can now be used to dry it naturally. If the sail is large, you can also dry it on the floor with a mat. However, avoid using a dryer or iron to prevent damage to the fabric.
7. Storage
Once the sun sail has dried, it can be stored. To prevent mould, it is best to store it in a vacuum bag. This way, the sail will still be in mint condition next year.
Simplified Method
Perhaps you have multiple sun sails, large sun sails or sun sails with complex structures, or perhaps you don't want to remove your beautiful sail. For such customers, we recommend the simplified method, which is to rinse with a hose the entire time.
This method saves you time and may be more to your liking. Note Rinse with clean water first, then rinse twice with a mixture of soap and cleaning liquid in water at a reduced flow rate, and then rinse three times with clean water at an increased flow rate.
Notes Supplements and Highlights
Remove in time: Remove the sun sail in good time before winter and store it properly to prevent it from being damaged by extreme weather. Buy the right type of sun sail for your local climate and take proper care of it during installation and maintenance.
Maintenance intervals: Sunshades are generally durable, but regular inspection and maintenance is recommended depending on your outdoor environment and usage.
Cleaning solution: Sunshades are mostly made of plastic fabric, and the use of mild cleaning solutions can prevent damage to the fabric and extend its service life.
Cleaning process: In most cases, lowering the height of the sun shade sail to make it easier to clean while still hanging, and you can also dry it in place directly after cleaning. If you wash the sail on the ground after removing it, remember to place a plastic sheet under the sail to prevent stains from being absorbed into the ground or lawn.
Regular rinsing: Your outdoor patio can accumulate more dust and foreign matter than you think. Regularly rinse your sail to prevent dirt from accumulating and affecting the appearance of your outdoor space and your health. If your sun sail is light or neutral in colour, set this cycle more frequently.
Finally
cleaning a sun shade sail does indeed preserve its decorative effect and prolong its service life, the key being to do the cleaning correctly. By combining the above cleaning guidelines and recommendations with your actual situation, you can enjoy the wonderful outdoor experience brought by the sun sail for a long time.
If you have more questions about the product, please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.
