Canopies and walkways can be used in many settings. We have installed these covering structures across the UK in schools, offices, factories, and various other commercial places, including coffee shops. Those places have universally seen the benefits of having a roofed path, which facilitates moving around and protects people and property. Typically, clients have also strived to maintain the look of their outdoor area and naturally have included the new canopies and walkways in their maintenance and cleaning routines.
Cleaning canopies and walkways are essential to maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional integrity. Regular maintenance prevents dirt buildup, removes debris, and ensures that the surfaces are free from damage that could affect their lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean canopies and walkways effectively.
Assess the Material
Before cleaning, identify the materials your canopy or walkway is made from. Canopies and walkways are often constructed from steel and polycarbonate. Furthermore, steel can be untreated, galvanised, powder-coated, or some combination of the three. Each material requires a specific cleaning method.
Polycarbonate parts are often sensitive to abrasive cleaners and can be more easily scratched than glass. They are best cleaned using a mild soap solution with warm water and a soft cloth to wipe the surface. You can also use a specialist anti-static detergent to slow down dust buildup over time. Just remember that small stones or other debris may get in the folds of your cloth, so don’t scrub too hard, or you might accidentally scratch the surface.
When cleaning your polycarbonate panels, don’t use harsh chemicals, as they might soften or otherwise damage the material. Additionally, it may sound like a good idea but don’t use a pressure washer, either, as that, too, might do some damage.
The steel parts of your structure might be galvanised or powder-coated. If they are powder-coated, avoid using harsh chemicals as they might crack the paint and defeat the protective purpose of the coat of colour. However, unlike polycarbonate, powder-coated metal can be cleaned with a pressure washer; make sure you use it on a low-pressure setting so as not to cause any unnecessary strain on the paint coat. Like with polycarbonate, you can also simply clean the metal with warm water and mild soap using a cloth or a brush.
If the metal is galvanised or powder-coated, a solution of water and mild detergent is often enough, and generally speaking, and you should avoid abrasive cleaners that are too harsh. They can sometimes strip the protective layers at the top of the steel, defeating the purpose of galvanising and speeding up corrosion. Galvanised products can be cleaned with water-based emulsifiers, alkaline-based cleaners with a pH of 12 or lower or organic solvents. Often, products made for vehicle maintenance are suitable as they are designed to protect metals. Whatever you decide to use, however, rinse the steel with water afterwards and wipe it clean with a soft cloth.
Remove Loose Debris
To start your cleaning, you can first remove larger loose debris like leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated on your canopy or walkway. This can be done by hand or with a broom if the debris is accessible, but you can also use a leaf blower to ensure you get rid of dirt and dry debris. This should ensure no large stones or sticks can get lodged somewhere in the structure or trapped in the folds of cleaning cloths and scratch the surfaces.
Wash with a Gentle Solution
Once you have cleared the area, you can prepare a cleaning solution of warm water and mild soap or detergent. This solution would work on all materials and won’t be harmful to either surface. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the materials. As we said above, you can also use a pressure washer on a low setting on the metal, but avoid it on the polycarbonate parts.
The soft cloth and soap-water combination should work well for general maintenance. For persistent stains, you may need a soft brush or specialist cleaners. For example, if there is graffiti, you need to go further than soap water.
On galvanised steel, that type of paint can be cleaned off using paint thinners. If physical removal is necessary, opt for plastic or wooden tools rather than metal ones. Fresh or still-wet paint can typically be dissolved with standard thinners. For dried or hardened paint, a non-alkaline paint remover is more suitable. For polycarbonate, start with isopropyl alcohol or a mild commercial graffiti remover labelled safe for plastics and avoid strong solvents like acetone, toluene, or paint thinners—they can damage or cloud the polycarbonate. Rub the area with a soft cloth soaked in the solvent and rinse really well with soap and water.
Regular Inspections
Finally, make cleaning a regular part of your maintenance routine. This will make it easier to keep up with it and ensure it is done at sensible intervals. When doing so, it is a good opportunity to check for damage, such as rust or cracks, and address those promptly. Regular cleaning will help extend the life of your canopies and walkways while maintaining their appearance.
Cleaning Frequency Recommendations
How often you clean your canopies and walkways depends on their location, usage, and exposure to the elements. For high-traffic areas and busy entrances, you should check in more regularly and clean every 6-8 weeks to maintain appearance and have a chance to inspect for any safety issues that might be building up.
For locations of moderate use, you could probably clean the structures every 2-3 months, as this will probably be sufficient to keep dirt, dust and debris from accumulating.
For low-traffic or sheltered spaces, you can do a once-a-season check and clean up, focusing on debris removal, a quick wash, and a check for any other damage. Regular inspection between cleanings will help you spot any issues early and adjust your cleaning schedule as needed.
Seasonal Recommendations
Cleaning needs may vary slightly depending on the season, so it is worth thinking about that, too. Spring and summer generally bring increased pollen, dust, and bird droppings, so it’s important to clean more frequently to prevent staining and buildup. Warm weather also encourages algae and moss growth, especially in shaded or damp areas—regular washing with mild detergents and a soft brush can keep this under control.
Autumn arrives with an abundance of leaves and twigs, which, if unattended, can accumulate over a few weeks. This can cause problems with drainage and trap moisture, so remove debris regularly to avoid damage and reduce the risk of slipping hazards caused by wet leaves.
In winter, you should be mindful of the extra weight snow and ice can put on roofed structures. It might be worth brushing it off with a broom before it causes any further trouble.
Keeping canopies and walkways clean is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s a key part of preserving their durability and ensuring they remain safe and visually appealing. By using the right techniques and materials for cleaning, you protect your investment and help these structures perform their protective function for years to come. Regular inspections and maintenance will not only extend the life of your installations but also uphold the professional appearance of your outdoor spaces.