Shade sails don’t only add value to your home, they are also functional and beautiful to look at.

In order to keep them looking their best while maximizing your investment, it’s worth taking a moment to know how to properly maintain them. Proper maintenance doesn’t only affect the value but it also affects the proper function of the sun shade sails such as protecting against ultraviolet radiation.

Here are some tips to help you maintain your outdoor shade sails:

Proper Shade Sail Installation

Shades sails may be installed for you or you may also install them on your own. You need to make sure you have access to tools and read the manual to properly install them if plan to DIY. When installed properly, you can prevent problems that damage the shade sail.

Regular Cleaning

Due to exposure outdoors, your shade sail can get stained or dirty due to bird droppings or wet leaves. In case you see such things, make sure you remove them immediately so that they don’t stain deeply. 

When cleaning your shade sails, make sure not to use high-pressure water. Although it can remove the dirt, it can also ruin the threads of the fabric. Instead, use a soft bristle brush to over the area where the dirt or debris is.

Use Mild Detergents

It can be tempting to use strong detergents so you can easily remove the dirt and stains but it can also damage the fabric. Sulfur and halogens are some of the harsh chemicals that you find in detergents. Additionally, chlorine-treated water should also be avoided.

Instead, choose to use a mild dishwashing liquid. This is mild enough for the fibers of the shade sail but is still strong enough to remove dirt and stains.

Fabric Inspection

Another thing you should do is to take a closer look at the fabric. Make sure there are no parts that are damaged or are starting to wear out. Small holes or tears can grow bigger and will make the shade sail unattractive and dysfunctional.

In some cases, the shade sail would need to be replaced but there are some cases when it can still be repaired. You should contact your shade sail provider to see if they have any products that can be used for them.

Take Them Down

Shade sails are durable but they are not indestructible. Some can withstand the sun and gentle rain but they may not outlast a storm. Make sure to take them down or else water can accumulate on it and damage it. Also, the structure can topple and cause more destruction when winds are very strong.