Owner`s manual
Carefree of Colorado
AWNING CARE
Maintaining a Carefree Awning is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
Periodically check that the fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.
Keep the awning fabric and arms clean.
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ABRIC
C
ARE
CAUTION DO NOT USE OIL BASED CLEANERS OR ANY CAUSTIC, GRANULATED,
OR ABRASIVE TYPE CLEANERS ON YOUR
CAREFREE PRODUCT.
1. One of the best ways to keep the fabric looking good and to delay the need
for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with
clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. For a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still on the awning frame.
For Vinyl Fabric – Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
For Acrylic Fabric – Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3. When cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a natural soap, never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100F.
Air-dry only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
Always allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before rolling up the awning.
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus growth that looks like dirt. Vinyl coated polyester fabrics are
mildew resistant because of a chemical biocide in the vinyl coating. Under
ordinary conditions, mildew will not appear. However, in areas where high
temperature and humidity are common, mildew can be a problem and required
the material to be washed more frequently. Thoroughly rinse the fabric with
clean water and allow to air dry completely before rolling up the awning.
POOLING
When water collects on the top of the fabric, this is known as "pooling". This can occur
during inclement weather or if a running air conditioner discharges over the awning.
The water is dumped when the awning is retracted. It is recommended that if water
accumulates on the top; retract the awning in steps (8"-12") to dump the water. This will
help prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting.
LEAKING
On vinyl canopies, side hems and poly cords are stitched in with a sewing machine. On
occasion, this stitching may allow water to seep or leak through the stitches. This is
normal and not a defect covered by warranty. Treat the seams with a quality seam
sealer.
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RM
C
ARE
The best method of keeping the arms and braces operating smoothly is to clean
them. Dirt and debris can cause the channels not to slide easily. Periodically
wash out the channels with running water (i.e. a hose) to keep them clean. If the
channels still do not slide easily, lightly spray the inside of the channels with a dry
silicone lubricant, after the arms have been cleaned and dried thoroughly.
Locking knobs should be periodically loosened and removed then sprayed with a
dry lubricant to prevent binding and locking.
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