How To Clean An Ez Up Canopy

Once you've made the investment in a new canopy, you want to make sure it lasts. To ensure years of lasting service and proper operation from your canopy, follow these 14 tips, broken down into four categories, for taking the best care of your canopy and frame!

Fabric Care

1. Washing Your Canopy Fabric

To clean your canopy, simply use warm, soapy water. Dish detergent works well and will remove any heavy deposits. Remove the soap off both sides before setting the canopy up to dry. A garden hose with a spray nozzle set to a ?flat? setting works well. Spray from top to bottom in vertical swipes until all of the soap residue has been removed. Do not use bleach - it will cause the fabric to discolor.

2. Drying The Canopy Fabric

Fully stretch the canopy fabric out. To keep it off the ground, you can use a clothesline, sawhorses, or even the bed of a pickup truck. Many trucks will have a black spray in or fiberglass bed liner that retains heat, speeding the drying process. Allow air and light to hit as much of the fabric as possible — this will reduce the chance of mold and mildew.

3. Folding The Fabric

Fold it along existing creases and folds to better help it retain its natural shape. Never bunch up the canopy top or force it into storage bags. The sharp and random folds that will result from this practice severely truncates the expected life of the fabric.

4. Repairing Your Canopy Fabric

Unfortunately, snags and tears are bound to happen for any well used canopy top. When you notice holes and tears, fix them as soon as possible before they continue to rip! If you have a tear, consider a seam sealer or a patch kit.

Frame Care

5. Cleaning The Canopy Frame

Only wash your canopy frame when it is set up, with legs and sides fully extended. Since structures can vary, consult the owner's manual for the best way to clean your frame. Make sure it's completely dry before putting it away. Residual moisture can cause steel frames to rust!

6. Keep Your Frame Like New

When washing the frame, it is a good practice to check for any loose fasteners. Determine what size bolts, screws, or nuts the canopy frame uses and procure the correct tools. As you are washing the frame and approach each bracket or swivel point, ensure the fasteners at that joint are snug. Take care not to over-tighten the fasteners.

7. Additional Options

Some manufacturers recommend using a sprayable silicone sealant to protect the frame. This can help to prevent debris from sticking to the frame while in use. Consult the manufacturer of your canopy for more information regarding use of these products.

Severe Weather

8. Wind

Do not use your canopy in strong winds. The design of pop up canopies makes them highly susceptible to uplift. Unsecured canopies may blow over, causing potential property damage or injuries.

9. Rain

Don't let rain pool on the top of your canopy. Not only will pooling water cause the canopy fabric to stretch, but the excessive weight may damage canopy truss bars and brackets.

10. Lightning

Never keep the canopy up when lightning is present. Canopies are not meant for use as a severe weather shelter!

11. Snow

If your canopy is not rated for snow loads, do not let snow build up on it. As with pooling rain water, excessive amounts of snow will stretch the fabric and potentially damage the frame. Take careful note of the snow ratings provided in your owner's manual.

Accessories

12. Transporting Your Canopy

Most carrying bags for canopies are not universal. Make sure you have the correct one for your specific model! Some are soft-shelled, while others are hard. Pick the right one for you and your model.

13. Making It Sturdier

To make your canopy sturdier, consider using weight bags or gravity tubes. These products are highly recommended if the canopy will be used on hard surfaces that will not allow use of tent stakes or augers.

14. Other Options

There are a wide variety of canopy accessories. Sidewalls, anchors, stakes, and pole covers are just some of the different ones you can find.

Taking Care of Your Canopy

Taking care of your canopy has never been easier now that you have this handy list of tips to use. If you have any questions about anything you've read here or have additional questions, feel free to contact our knowledgeable canopy experts or call us at 1-800-445-5611.

About the Author

Dani Bell

Dani is a passionate writer with a thirst for knowledge. When she isn't writing, she is still usually found at her computer, either playing video games with her husband, creating digital art, or looking for something new to learn. Dani also likes reading, one of her favorites being Lord of the Rings.

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Richard

from Houston, TX asked:

March 4, 2021

I have black stains on my canopy. How should I clean it?

1 Answer

I would attempt to clean it with warm water and a light detergent.

Submitted by: Chaz A. on March 4, 2021

Most Helpful Answer

Leila S.

from Savannah, GA asked:

January 30, 2021

How do I remove mold and mildew?

1 Answer

It depends on the material. Most manufacturers recommend using warm water and a light detergent.

Submitted by: Chaz A. on February 1, 2021

Most Helpful Answer

Carolyn

from Newport, NH asked:

October 21, 2020

I have a lot of spots of sap on my canopy. How can I clean it?

1 Answer

Most canopies can be cleaned with mild soap and water.

Submitted by: Chaz A. on October 22, 2020

Most Helpful Answer

How do you get sand out of the canopy leg so that it slides in and out easily?

1 Answer

I would recommend you unassemble the canopy leg to make sure all sand is out of the leg itself.

Submitted by: Chaz A. on September 8, 2020

Most Helpful Answer

DLM

from Florida asked:

December 27, 2019

If dry, can you leave the canopy top on the frame when you fold it for storage?

1 Answer

Yes, you can leave your top on most canopies when you fold them for storage.

Submitted by: Chaz A. on December 27, 2019

Most Helpful Answer

Charles

from MA asked:

September 5, 2016

Can you wash the Canopy of an E-Z Up in the washing machine and then dry it on a clothes line?

1 Answer

EZ-Up recommends that these covers be hand-washed only, using a mild detergent to scrub any spots from them. Washing and drying will cause the fabric to degrade.

Submitted by: Justin R. - eCanopy Product Specialist on September 6, 2016

Most Helpful Answer

Tim

from FL asked:

May 24, 2016

Can you put a canopy cover in the washing machine?

1 Answer

These covers cannot be washed in the washing machine, and must be hand-washed only.

Submitted by: Justin R. - eCanopy Product Specialist on May 24, 2016

Most Helpful Answer