Awning Care; Fabric Care; Support Arm Care - Carefree Freedom WM Owner's Manual

AWNING CARE

Maintaining a Carefree Awning is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
• A l w a y s operate the awning according to the instructions.
• P e r i o d i c a l l y check that the fasteners are tight. Tighten if necessary.
• K e e p the awning fabric and arms clean.

FABRIC CARE

C A U T I O N D o not use oil based cleaners or any caustic, granulated, or
abrasive type cleaners on your Carefree product.
1. O n e 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. T h i s practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply
imbedded in the fabric. I n most environments, a thorough cleaning will be
needed every two to three years.
2. W h e n it's time for a thorough cleaning, the fabric can be cleaned while still
on the awning frame.
• F o r Vinyl Fabric — Use a soft brush and warm water with soap.
• F o r Acrylic Fabric — Use a stiff brush and warm water with soap.
3. W h e n cleaning the fabric, it is important to observe the following:
• A l w a y s use a natural soap, never detergent.
• W a t e r should be cold to lukewarm, never more than 100°F.
• A i r - d r y only. Never apply heat to the fabric.
• A l w a y s 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 require the material to be washed more
frequently.
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. I t is recommended that if water
accumulates; 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. O n 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.

SUPPORT ARM CARE

The best method of keeping the support 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 joints and/or inside of the
channels with a dry silicone lubricant after the arms have been deaned and dried.
FREEDOM AWNING
5