How to Clean and Maintain Your Patio Cover

A patio cover is designed to spend every day outdoors, protecting your space from rain, snow, leaves, dirt and everything else Canadian weather brings with it. Over time, it’s completely normal for dust, pollen, moss, bird droppings and other debris to build up.

The good news is that keeping your patio cover clean doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little regular maintenance and the right cleaning method, you can keep your aluminum patio cover looking great for years to come.

At Advantage Aluminum, we recommend a gentle approach. You don’t need harsh chemicals or aggressive scrubbing to get good results.

How Often Should You Clean Your Patio Cover?

For most homes, giving your patio cover a thorough cleaning once or twice a year is usually enough.

Spring is a great time to remove dirt and debris left behind from winter, while a fall cleaning can help clear leaves and organic buildup before colder weather arrives.

Homes surrounded by trees or exposed to heavy pollen may need more frequent cleaning.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, gather a few basic supplies:

• Garden hose

• Bucket of warm water

• Dawn dish soap

• Soft microfiber cloth or wash mitt

• Soft-bristle cleaning brush with an extension pole — [Click to view our recommended cleaning brush on Amazon]

• Squeegee for glass panels

• Clean microfiber towels

A small amount of Dawn dish soap mixed with warm water works well for general cleaning. There’s no need to use a large amount—a little soap goes a long way.

Our Recommended Cleaning Brush

For patio covers, an extendable soft-bristle cleaning brush makes it much easier to reach roof panels and other areas from below without using an abrasive scrubber.

[View our recommended patio cover cleaning brush on Amazon]

As an Amazon Associate, Advantage Aluminum may earn from qualifying purchases.

Step 1: Remove Loose Debris

Start by removing leaves, branches and other loose debris from around the patio cover and gutters.

Pay particular attention to the drainage system. Keeping gutters and downspouts clear allows rainwater to drain properly and helps prevent unnecessary buildup.

Step 2: Rinse the Patio Cover

Use a garden hose to rinse the roof panels, beams, posts and gutters.

Starting at the highest point and working downward will help wash loose dirt away rather than spreading it onto areas you’ve already cleaned.

For most regular cleaning, a garden hose provides plenty of water pressure.

Step 3: Wash the Aluminum Frame and Roof Panels

Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of Dawn dish soap.

Using a soft microfiber cloth, wash mitt or soft-bristle brush, gently clean the aluminum surfaces. Work in smaller sections so the soap doesn’t dry onto the surface before you have a chance to rinse it.

An extension cleaning brush can be especially helpful for reaching across larger roof panels.

Once clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all soap residue.

Cleaning Black Aluminum Panels

Black patio covers create a bold, modern appearance, but dust, pollen and water spots can sometimes be more noticeable on darker surfaces.

Use the same gentle mixture of warm water and Dawn dish soap with a soft microfiber cloth or brush. Avoid abrasive products that could affect the finish.

After rinsing, drying visible areas with a clean microfiber towel can help reduce water spotting.

Step 4: Clean Polycarbonate Panels

Polycarbonate skylight panels should always be cleaned gently.

Use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasive pads, stiff brushes or harsh chemicals that could scratch or damage the surface.

Rinse the panels thoroughly afterward to remove any soap residue.

If you have clear or bronze polycarbonate panels, regular gentle cleaning will help maintain their appearance and allow light to continue passing through effectively.

Step 5: Clean Glass Panels

Glass patio covers and glass sections can be cleaned with mild dish soap and water followed by a thorough rinse.

A soft squeegee can help remove excess water and reduce streaks.

For stubborn spots, use a cleaner that is appropriate for exterior glass and follow the product manufacturer’s directions.

Never use abrasive tools that could scratch the glass.

Don’t Forget the Gutters

Your patio cover’s drainage system is one of the most important areas to maintain.

Check the gutters periodically for:

• Leaves

• Pine needles

• Moss

• Dirt

• Small branches

• Other debris

Keeping the gutters and downspouts clear helps water flow away from the patio cover properly, especially during the heavy rainfall we experience throughout British Columbia.

What About Moss and Green Buildup?

In the Lower Mainland’s damp climate, moss and green organic buildup can develop on outdoor surfaces.

If you notice buildup starting to appear, it’s better to clean it sooner rather than allowing it to accumulate.

Start with warm water and a small amount of Dawn dish soap. Allow the soapy water to help loosen the buildup before gently cleaning the area with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.

Avoid aggressively scraping the surface.

Should You Pressure Wash a Patio Cover?

We generally recommend being cautious with pressure washers.

High-pressure water can potentially damage finishes, seals or other components when used incorrectly. A garden hose combined with mild soap and gentle cleaning is usually sufficient for normal patio cover maintenance.

A Few Things to Avoid

To help protect your patio cover, avoid using:

• Steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads

• Harsh solvents or chemicals

• Highly abrasive household cleaners

• Stiff wire brushes

• Sharp tools for scraping debris

• Excessive pressure from a pressure washer

When you’re unsure about a particular cleaning product, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Regular Maintenance Makes a Difference

Cleaning is also a good opportunity to take a quick look over your patio cover.

Check that gutters and downspouts are clear, look for excessive debris buildup and make sure water is draining normally.

A little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your outdoor space looking its best.

Built for Canadian Weather

At Advantage Aluminum, our aluminum patio cover systems are designed to provide durable, low-maintenance protection for Canadian outdoor spaces.

We offer all-aluminum patio covers, clear and bronze polycarbonate skylights, glass options, black roof panels, free-standing covers and our heavy-duty TITAN Series.

Homeowners can choose from our large selection of DIY patio cover kits online, and if you don’t see the exact dimensions you need, we can custom cut your patio cover to fit your project.

Based in Richmond, British Columbia, we serve homeowners and contractors throughout the Lower Mainland, Greater Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island, while our DIY aluminum patio cover kits can be shipped across Canada.

Whether you’re maintaining an existing Advantage Aluminum patio cover or planning your next outdoor project, proper care will help keep your outdoor space looking clean and ready to enjoy throughout the seasons.