Clean your pergola cover efficiently!

You've decided toshade your garden with a pergola. Practical and decorative, it will allow you to create an intimate, covered space sheltered from the outside world. There are different types of pergola and a whole range of roofs to cover them. Let's take a closer look at the tarpaulin cover. Also known as an arbour cover or pergola cover, it is made from polyester, acrylic or micro-ventilated fabric. It provides effective shade while avoiding the greenhouse effect of glass. But how do you clean it?

Whether your pergola is freestanding or leaning against your house, it can be covered with a tarpaulin. Pergola covers are available in a wide range of colours. So you have a wide choice for decorating your garden. However, some covers are made from more resistant materials than others. Avoid buying a polyester or cotton cover!

Even when waterproofed, the fabric will only withstand a very small amount of water;
Even when treated with anti-mould treatment, the fabric will deteriorate very quickly when exposed to the elements.

If you choose an acrylic fabric, opt for one that has been solution-dyed, as it will fade less quickly and is more resistant to UV rays. Acrylic pergola covers are highly resistant to the elements and to tearing. Most receive a water-repellent treatment to increase their resistance. If you're looking for a top-of-the-range cover, don't be afraid to opt for a micro-ventilated or micro-perforated fabric. These ultra-resistant covers absorb the sun's rays and then evacuate them! They are also available in a range of colours, but are a little more expensive than acrylic tarpaulins.

Wind, rain, dirt, damp - the roof of your pergola sees a lot all year round. If you've followed our advice, your tarpaulin is weatherproof and has been properly treated. However, you might not think about it, but a roof tarpaulin needs regular cleaning to maximise its lifespan.

Once or twice a year is enough to maintain your pergola cover. You can schedule a cleaning at the start of the summer season, then another at the end of the summer, for example. To clean the cover effectively, it must be removed. It can be washed flat on the ground. You can unroll it as the cleaning progresses, if you don't have the space to spread it out completely. A word of warning: do not use a karcher, as its power could tear the tarpaulin!

Start by dusting the cover to remove any dead leaves, dust and insects: use a broom. Using soapy water and a brush, brush gently as you go. Don't push too hard, or you'll damage the surface. Then simply rinse with clean water. A simple hose will suffice. The tarpaulin should dry flat in the sun before being re-hung on the pergola or put away for the winter. If you decide to put it away, make sure it's completely dry, otherwise the next time you put it up, mould will appear!