Dubai homeowners understand the value of outdoor shade. A retractable awning creates a comfortable space where families can relax without worrying about harsh sunlight.
Many people buy awnings and never think about maintenance until problems appear. Taking care of your awning is actually quite easy and doesn’t take much time.
Your retractable awning stays outside all year. It handles burning sun, strong winds, sand, and occasional rain. Dubai’s desert climate makes things harder because sand particles settle on every surface.
The fabric, frame, and moving parts all need attention. Keeping the fabric clean, moving parts lubricated, and the awning stored properly helps it last for years.
Dust builds up fast in Dubai. Clean your retractable awning once every month, especially during dusty weather. Start by using a soft brush to sweep away loose dirt and sand.
Make a cleaning solution with mild soap and warm water. Spray or wipe this mixture on the fabric gently. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse everything with clean water from a hose.
Here’s something important: always let the awning dry completely before rolling it back. Storing a wet awning creates mold and bad smells. The fabric can also get damaged when moisture stays trapped inside.
Sometimes regular cleaning doesn’t remove all marks. Use a soft brush to scrub the stain gently. Never use hard brushes or rough materials because they scratch and tear the fabric. Patience works better than force when removing stains.
The retractable system has many moving pieces. Check the arms, joints, and brackets every few months. Look for loose screws or bolts and tighten them right away.
Add lubricant to hinges and moving parts twice each year. This keeps your retractable awning opening and closing smoothly. Listen carefully when operating the awning – strange noises often mean something needs fixing.
For motorized systems, test the controls regularly. Replace remote batteries when they get weak. Learn how to use manual controls in case the motor stops working during a power cut.
Strong winds are the biggest enemy of any retractable awning. Always pull the awning back when the wind speed increases. Even quality awnings can tear or bend when facing powerful gusts.
Sandstorms happen regularly in the UAE. After each storm, brush off the sand carefully before extending the awning. This simple step prevents scratches on both the fabric and frame.
Rain usually doesn’t harm awnings, but standing water does. Make sure water flows off properly and doesn’t collect in pools on the fabric surface. Sagging areas trap water, which adds weight and stress to the material.
Dubai doesn’t have traditional seasons, but weather patterns change throughout the year. During extremely hot summer months, check the awning more often. Heat can dry out moving parts and make them stiff.
In cooler months, when outdoor spaces get more use, clean the awning more frequently. More activity means more dust and dirt collecting on the fabric.
October 22, 2025
