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How to clean pergolas

Author Lisa CooperHead of Product at Hunter DouglasWritten 01/08/2026

A well-maintained pergola looks great and continues to work smoothly for years to come. With a little regular care with some basic equipment, it’s easy to keep it in top condition.

Here’s our simple guide to cleaning your pergola safely and effectively.

Watch our step-by-step guide

Discover the best way to clean a pergola with our simple step-by-step video. From removing dirt and debris to tackling stubborn stains, you'll find plenty of practical tips to help keep your pergola looking great for longer.

Modern aluminium pergola with a louvred roof shading a contemporary patio, framed by tall greenery beside a white house.

1. Prepare your space

For the best results, clean your pergola on a dry day. Avoid cleaning your pergola in wet, windy weather, as this can leave marks or streaks behind.

Start by clearing the area beneath your pergola. Move any outdoor furniture, cushions or accessories to one side, as these could get wet during the cleaning process.

Person using a handheld brush to clean the louvred roof and frame of a modern aluminium pergola on a sunny day.

2. Remove surface debris

Gently brush away any loose dirt, leaves and cobwebs using a soft bristled brush, making sure channels and guttering remain unblocked. Taking a moment to do this first will prevent dirt spreading when you begin washing.

Person wiping down the support post of a modern aluminium pergola with a cloth during outdoor cleaning and maintenance.

3. Clean the frame

Using a microfibre cloth or sponge with a solution of warm water and mild soap, wipe down the frame and any visible fixtures.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the surface of your pergola. A gentle wipe is usually all it takes.

Person cleaning the louvred roof of a modern aluminium pergola with a cloth, reaching up from a stepladder on a sunny day.

4. Freshen up the roof louvres

Fully open your roof louvres and clean these with the same solution of warm water and mild soap, working across both sides.

Person cleaning a pergola side screen with a purple cloth beneath a modern outdoor structure in a sunny garden.

5. Cleaning pergola side screens

If your pergola has side screens, these can be cleaned in much the same way:

  • Operable louvre side screens
    Fully open the louvres and wipe each section gently with a microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water, ensuring moving parts remain clear of debris.
  • Fixed louvre side screens
    A simple wipe-down with warm, soapy water will keep fixed louvre side screens looking their best.
  • Retractable side screens
    Fully open the side screen and, using a microfibre cloth, clean the fabric gently using warm soapy water. Rinse with clean water and allow it to fully dry before retracting.
Hand wiping dust from the louvred roof of a modern aluminium pergola with a purple cloth against a clear blue sky.

6. Tackle any stubborn marks

For more stubborn dirt, allow your cleaning solution to sit for a few minutes before gently wiping it away.

Person rinsing a modern aluminium pergola with a garden hose, washing the frame and louvred roof on a sunny patio.

7. Rinse and leave to dry

Once everything is clean, rinse the pergola thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue.

Let it air dry naturally, ideally with all louvres open. This helps prevent water marks and keeps everything in great working order.

With just a little care now and then, your pergola will stay looking its best, ready for you to enjoy your outdoor space.

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