How do I clean and dry a marquee canopy before storage?

Why does a marquee canopy need cleaning and drying?

Dirt left sitting on a canopy can stain it, so it pays to clean it promptly. Moisture is the bigger risk. A canopy packed away damp or dirty can grow mildew in the bag.

The canopies and walls on our Gazebo 2 Go event marquees are dye-sublimation printed onto a close-mesh 600 denier polyester. The fabric is water resistant and fire retardant, and the water-based inks go into the fabric, so the print can't be scratched off. A little care after each event keeps it looking good for event after event.

When should I clean it?

Wipe the canopy down with fresh water after every event, and wash off any marks as soon as you can, before they stain. Give it a fuller wash, with the steps below, when it comes back muddy or marked.

Always check the canopy is dry before it goes back in the bag, even after a sunny day. Condensation can form on the fabric, and dew or a passing shower can leave it damp without you noticing.

What will I need?

• A soft brush or broom
• A bucket of water with a mild soap
• A soft sponge or cloth
• A hose with a gentle spray
• A dry, shaded spot to leave the marquee standing

Note: Use a mild detergent only. Don't use a pressure washer, a steam cleaner or a washing machine, as these can damage the material and reduce its water resistance.

Use the following steps to clean and dry your marquee canopy

1. Clean the canopy while it's on the frame. The Gazebo 2 Go canopy is already attached to the frame, so put the marquee up on a clean, level surface, ideally in the shade, and weight the legs as you would at an event. Undo the velcro straps and zips and take off any side walls first.

2. Brush off loose dirt, leaves and dust with a soft brush or broom. Let any mud dry first, then brush it away.

3. Wash the marks. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft sponge or brush. Work gently, and don't scrub hard over the printed areas.

4. Rinse the canopy with fresh, clean water from a hose on a gentle spray, until no soap is left.

5. Clean the frame and walls. Wipe dirt off the frame and check the joints and velcro. Lay the walls flat on a clean surface to wash and rinse them.

6. Dry everything completely. Leave the marquee standing with the canopy on, in a cool, dry, shaded spot, until every part is dry, including the seams, the valance and the corners where water collects. Hang the walls up to dry.

IMPORTANT: Feel the seams and corner pockets before you pack. If any part still feels cool or damp, leave it longer.

7. If you have to pack up wet or dirty at the event, unpack it as soon as you can. Put the marquee up again, or spread the canopy and walls out, in a cool, dry, shaded place, and only pack them away when they are completely dry and clean.

8. Fold the frame down with the canopy attached and zip it into its carry bag. Fold the walls and store them separately from the frame, so the hardware can't rub through the print.

9. Finally, store the bag in a dry, cool place, and you're done!

If a canopy is past saving, you don't need a new marquee. Because the frame and canopy are separate, one frame can run several printed canopies, so a new printed canopy or walls can go on the frame you already have. See our branded marquees and printed gazebos range for the options.