One key feature of shade sails is that they are durable. However, as with almost every physical product, that durability will only remain if the shade sails are cared for properly.
That is not to say that shade sails are a “high-maintenance” product, but simply that the more and better you care for them, the longer they will last.
That care we mentioned also includes cleaning shade sails.
If you have shade sails you will know that they can become grubby and marked due to the amount of dust and dirt that gets blown around and onto them.
Given that shade sails are also meant to be an aesthetically pleasing asset, cleaning them properly should be part of any care regime.
If you are reading this and have realised that you are not caring for your shade sails, possibly because you are unsure how to, then you want to continue reading this article.
The reason for that is we are going to outline in some detail how you can clean and care for shade sails properly, to keep them looking great and prolong their usefulness.
Wash Them On A Sunny Day: We advise this, not just because it will be more pleasant than doing it on a foul day with wind and rain, but because your shade sails need to dry completely.
A sunny day will speed up that process and allow you to reinstall your shade sails quicker than you could on a dull, cold day.
Wash Using Mild Detergent Only: For most shade sails the only detergents you should use are mild ones.
Even if your shade sails are extremely dirty, avoid strong detergents as they can fade colours, or worse, damage the material and thus compromise its durability or necessitate repairs.
Scrub With A Soft Bristle Brush: For many shade sails, removing marks and stains from them should be done by scrubbing gently using a soft-bristled brush.
Do not get too aggressive with your scrubbing as there is a risk of you damaging the fabric.
Take Extra Care With Vinyl, UV, And Waterproofed Shade Sails: With shade sails made from vinyl, which have been waterproofed, or coated with a UV filter, even greater care is required concerning what detergents you use.
It should be a detergent marked as suitable for vinyl and clean with a sponge, not a brush.
Do Not Wash Shade Sails In A Washing Machine: It might seem easier to place shade sails in a washing machine and then dry them using a tumble drier, but we assure you all that is likely to do is create a scenario where you have to replace those shade sails as the fabric will have ruined completely.
Do Not Use A High Pressure Cleaner: This is another tip to avoid damaging your shade sails. High pressure cleaners risk ripping holes in your shade sails so avoid using them.
You can use a hose or a low-pressure cleaner to try to remove more stubborn marks but do so with extreme care.
When Reinstalling Ensure The Tension Is Tight: When you reinstall your shade sails after cleaning them, ensure that the tension is tight.
If you leave any of it loose, you risk that section flapping in the wind and the fabric being damaged.
Check Stitching Regularly: The stitching in shade sails is critical which is why we recommend you closely inspect it regularly.
This will let you arrange for repairs sooner and before any damaged stitching goes beyond repair and you end up having to replace your shade sails completely.
Consider Removing Shade Sails If A Storm Or Extreme Winds Are Forecast: We started talking about sunny days, and now we finish referring to days when the weather is not so pleasant.
Though rare in some locations, storms and extreme winds can happen and they are no friends of your shade sails.
So, if extremely stormy weather is forecast, it may be wise to temporarily remove your shade sails to avoid them being damaged.