In 1992, Mikel was seeking a new career path when a close family friend introduced him to a foaming brush cleaning system designed for a variety of surfaces, including awnings.

During his research, Mikel discovered that while there were many awning manufacturers, professional awning cleaners were virtually nonexistent. Recognizing a clear gap in the market, he saw an opportunity to build the first full-service awning maintenance company in Atlanta and North Georgia.

Eager to get started, Mikel attended a training seminar and purchased the cleaning system. However, he quickly realized that the system was not effective on canvas awnings and, while it worked on vinyl, it left a foamy mess that was impractical for customers.

Undeterred, Mikel dedicated himself to researching and developing the best cleaning methods for both canvas and vinyl awnings. This commitment to innovation, quality, and results laid the foundation for what would become Atlanta Awning Cleaners, a trusted name in awning care for over 30 years.

In its early years, Atlanta Awning Cleaners was fully focused on achieving perfection in awning cleaning. Mikel personally tested countless methods, searching for techniques that not only restored awnings’ appearance but also extended their lifespan.

Through persistent research and hands-on experience, he discovered the best cleaners, tools, and approaches for every type of material. Each job was a learning opportunity, and every satisfied customer became a testament to his dedication and commitment to quality.

Once the fundamentals of awning cleaning were mastered, the company advanced further by developing proprietary methods tailored to each type of awning material—from fabric and vinyl to metal. These innovations set new industry standards and allowed Atlanta Awning Cleaners to expand its range of services.

In the early days, moving all equipment from job to job was a significant challenge. When the company was ready for a vehicle upgrade, Mikel made a pivotal decision. While searching for a used cargo van, he discovered an old Bell South bucket truck and recognized its potential.

This became the company’s first high-lift truck, dramatically increasing efficiency and enabling the team to tackle even more challenging awning projects safely and effectively.

As Atlanta Awning Cleaners’ reputation grew, so did the demand for more than just cleaning. By the year 2000, Mikel recognized a gap in the market for quality awning repair. Rather than addressing only cosmetic issues, the company focused on structural solutions for both fabric and frame repairs.

Through meticulous research and hands-on testing, the team developed in-house methods to handle common problems such as frame damage, stitching degradation, and water leaks.

To support this work, Atlanta Awning Cleaners invested in professional-grade tools, including a ratcheting open-end wrench set, a lifesaver for securing awning frames in tight spaces where traditional tools are too bulky.

By offering these specialized repair services, the company evolved from a cleaning-only business into a full-service awning maintenance provider.

Homeowners and businesses could now rely on Atlanta Awning Cleaners for comprehensive care, from routine cleaning to detailed repairs, ensuring their awnings remain functional, attractive, and long-lasting.

In the mid-2000s, Atlanta Awning Cleaners began receiving requests to clean and maintain awning-related products such as shade sails, awning enclosures, umbrellas, vestibules, tents, and more.

At the time, there was a noticeable gap in the Georgia market for professional cleaning and repair services for these items. Recognizing the need, we stepped in to provide reliable, high-quality solutions.

Adding these services helped solidify our reputation as a truly full-service awning maintenance company. By definition, an awning is any canvas, vinyl, or metal material stretched over a frame for sun or rain protection. This means that shade sails and umbrellas function as awnings, while vestibules, tents, and vinyl enclosures use the same durable vinyl as traditional awnings.

Thanks to our years of experience and proprietary cleaning methods perfected for awnings, we were able to safely clean, restore, and protect these additional structures, extending their lifespan and maintaining their appearance.

This expansion allowed Atlanta Awning Cleaners to meet the full range of outdoor fabric and shade maintenance needs for both residential and commercial clients across North Georgia.

Over the years, Atlanta Awning Cleaners has had the privilege of serving a wide range of remarkable clients, from respected institutions to iconic local landmarks.

Our work with Morehouse College, Hard Rock Café, Peachtree-Dekalb Airport, and Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church has helped establish the company as a trusted partner in the community.

Beyond these high-profile projects, we’ve occasionally provided services for movie stars, athletes, and musicians, further highlighting the trust and confidence clients place in our expertise.

These experiences have been both exciting and humbling, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in every job—from routine residential awning cleaning to complex commercial projects.

For more stories about how we work with our clients, click here for commercial customers’ stories and here for residential customers’ stories.

After nearly three decades of dedication, Mikel retired in 2020, entrusting Atlanta Awning Cleaners to his youngest son, Joel Simon. Joel, who joined the company full-time in 2002, had already been instrumental in refining operational practices and introducing innovative solutions for awning maintenance and recovery.

Joel carries forward the core values instilled by his father: quality, integrity, and a customer-first mindset. Under his leadership, the company has continued to thrive by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Committed to innovation, Joel has embraced advanced equipment and techniques, ensuring that services are faster, safer, and more efficient, without ever compromising the high standards of quality that have defined Atlanta Awning Cleaners for over 30 years.

As Atlanta Awning Cleaners moves forward, we remain deeply committed to our roots as a family-owned and operated business. We continue to invest in cutting-edge tools and eco-friendly solutions, ensuring that every project is completed with the highest quality while minimizing our environmental impact.

Our mission is simple: not just to meet, but to exceed our clients’ expectations, building trust and loyalty with every job.

The company’s rich history of service, innovation, and dedication provides the foundation for our future. Whether it’s cleaning, repairing, or sealing awnings, we take pride in maintaining the beauty and functionality of every project we undertake.

Through decades of hard work, innovation, and family leadership, Atlanta Awning Cleaners has grown into more than a service provider, we are a trusted partner to homeowners, businesses, and institutions across North Georgia.

Take a look at our gallery of work to see real-world examples of our workmanship. Every awning installation, cleaning, and repair showcases the hands‑on precision and care our expert team brings to every project.

When a homeowner in Roswell contacted us for routine awning cleaning, our certified technician discovered that the spline,  the cord that secures the canvas to the frame, had pulled loose. Recognizing how crucial the spline is for the awning’s structural support and longevity, we explained its importance before proposing solutions.

Technician’s Assessment

• Initially recommended a full canvas replacement was recommended for optimal durability, yet the homeowner preferred a more cost-conscious repair option.

Repair Process

1. Removed the canvas from the frame and transported it to our workshop.

2. Carefully unstitched a section to reach the damaged spline.

3. Extracted the old spline and installed a new, high‑quality replacement.

4. Re-stitched and fully reinstalled the canvas onto the frame.

This precision repair not only preserved the structural integrity of the awning but also saved the homeowner over $1,000, extending the awning’s service life affordably.

Related Success Story Categories

• Commercial Cleaning Services Success Stories

• Residential Cleaning Services Success Stories

• Awning Repair Services Success Stories

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Page Last Updated September 2025 By Joel Simon