About Awnguard

We’ve cleaned over 1,000,000 awnings!

AWNGUARD IS A PREMIER AWNING CARE VENDOR

SERVING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS

AwnGuard was founded in 2001 with a mission to provide cutting-edge fabric technologies and professional awning cleaning to help enhance the appearance of commercial properties. Since then, the company expanded to include pressure washing, window cleaning and awning repair, and in 2023 added Solar Panel Cleaning for both commercial and residential properties.

AwnGuard is based in Oceanside and is conveniently located between three major markets: San Diego, Riverside and Orange County. It now serves more than 300 businesses from Santa Barbara and south, with a strong focus on small- to mid-scale projects. AwnGuard provides customized, personal services to property managers and property owners throughout Southern California, delivering on the AwnGuard promise: “Big Company Credibility with Small Company Service."

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Dawn Wood | President

Dawn grew up in Anchorage, Alaska, and received her B.A. from the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. After graduating, she broadened her view of the world and spent five years in the financial services industry. Moving out of Alaska in 2000, she shifted gears to build the foundation for AwnGuard with her then husband, Dan. In 2004, Dawn transitioned from finance to full-time with AwnGuard, accepting the role as President in 2005. She consistently brings balance and heart to the company. Dawn is an avid ocean and pool swimmer, and enjoys bodysurfing. A forever lover of learning, she has taken up drawing and woodworking, and continues to enjoy a healthy balance between business and hobbies. She is supported by a small and mighty team, including office staff, field service teams and a few consultants that help keep her business growing.

Our FAQs

General FAQs

  • What is your Vision?

    We are a leading partner in the Urban Oasis Movement.  By providing reliable high value awning cleaning services, we maximize the beauty and function of shade structures in public spaces, contributing and enhancing safe havens in an otherwise concrete dominated landscape.

  • What is your mission?

    AwnGuard’s mission is to foster a culture of continuous improvement.  By searching for ways to improve processes and services, we strive to improve the customer experience.

  • What are your hours?

    Our office is typically staffed from 9:00 am -4:30 pm, although you are welcome to email us or fill out our online contact form at any time. 


    Our field service team works during 3rd shift to minimize our impact on regular business hours. That means we schedule cleaning work after hours for our commercial retail-facing customers; and weekday mornings for Apartment Management and Home Owner Association clients.  Let us know your preferred time for service and we will do our best to accommodate.

  • Do you only work with commercial clients?

    AwnGuard specializes in working with the commercial sector, included in this are any properties run with professional property management including HOA’s and apartment complexes, retail properties and restaurants.  See the full list on our industries page.

Recurring Services FAQs

  • What are recurring services?

    Recurring services include awning cleaning, pressure washing of sidewalks & building facades and window washing services.  We know how important it is to look your best, put your best foot forward.  AwnGuard is committed to serving commercial spaces with cleaning for store fronts and public spaces.  Let’s enhance all the Urban Oasis’ in our community!

  • How often should I clean my awnings?

    Most awning warranties require regular cleaning. For high traffic or coastal locations we recommend service monthly or every other month. For most other locations quarterly service is suggested.

  • How Does AwnGuard Clean Awnings?

    Our Awning Cleaning Guarantee:

    • For regular cleaning we use a gentle, hand cleaning process
    • We use only manufacturer approved cleaners and protectants
    • We extend the useable life of awning fabric by removing embedded soil, grime, mold and pollution which can weaken fabric
    • We leave your awning area rinsed and free from residual dirt after service
    • We squeegee excess water off of adjacent window glass
  • What causes mold on awnings?

    Usually mold is a problem when several conditions persist.

    • Mold grows on dirt – if awnings are not cleaned often enough, this lays the groundwork for a mold issue.
    • Mold loves moisture.  Coastal properties tend to have more mold issues; also, awnings with greater shade are more prone to mold problems.
    • Once mildew /mold has a foothold, it is always a battle to control it because it grows into the weave of the fabric – this is why there is often staining.
    • Finally, there is no way to 100% eliminate mold growing; after all, awnings are mounted in an exterior setting.  We recommend a regular cleaning schedule to help mitigate this natural process.
  • WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE?

    The top three causes are:

    • Pressure washing awnings for routine maintenance– Awning fabric is not designed to withstand high pressure water.  High PSI can literally push dirt through the fabric weakening the structural integrity.
    • Improper chemicals / detergents / degreasers / solvents – Only manufacturer recommended cleaning agents and protectants should be used.
    • Lack of regular cleaning

Awning Manufacturing FAQs

  • Do you help with awning recovers?

    One of our specialties is recovering existing frames. We want to make sure the life of your awning is maximized and awning recovery is a great way to revitalize your property.

  • What is the best awning color to pick?

    • Blues and greens: The best over time, retaining the original color and staying stain-free better than other colors.
    • Black: Another solid choice, however it can look linty especially in spring with high concentrations of airborne pollens and dust in the air.
    • Reds: Handle visible stains fine, but are prone to fading from UV damage.
    • White, Yellow, Tan, and other light colors: Are prone to channel streaks and visible stains.

    If any of these are part of your business’s branding or overall design, we can only advise on planning more frequent maintenance to keep the colors stain free and bright.

  • What fabric is the right fabric?

    We have a fully detailed article available, but we’ll give you the rundown of what to consider here.


    • Restaurants: Due to fire and building codes, you can only consider fabrics that are fire retardant
    1. Sattler
    2. Sauleda
    • Back Lit Signs: Consider vinyl fabrics like Cooley Brite for shade and protection from the elements.
    • Standard Entrance / Window Awning: The most common option is Sunbrella which comes in many colors and fabrics.

    If you have any specific fabric you have questions about, please feel free to ask us.

  • Do you make custom awnings?

    Yes! We work closely with our clients to determine the right design to add to their property. We can help connect you with a reputable awning manufacturer with whom we have been working with for years.

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