Caring for Sunbrella Fabrics

The best way to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking nice and delay the need for deep cleaning is with proper maintenance. This can be accomplished by brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric, wiping up spills immediately after they occur, or spot cleaning if stains appear.
Spot Cleaning

1. Lightly mist the affected area with a mixture of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.

2. Gently scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or sponge.

3. Rinse the area thoroughly to remove all traces of soap residue.

4. Blot any excess water with a clean cloth or use a wet-vacuum to remove it.

5. Allow the fabric to air dry completely.

6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 as needed until the stain is fully removed.
For Cushion with zippers* and Umbrella Covers:
Hand Washing
  1. Soak the umbrella fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
  2. Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge as needed to gently scrub the fabric.
  3. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all traces of soap residue.
  4. Allow the fabric to air dry completely.
Machine Washing
  1. Wash the fabric in cooler water using mild laundry soap.
  2. Allow the Sunbrella fabric to air dry completely.
Note: If the umbrella cover is removable, do not put the cushion fill in the washing machine as it may lose its shape.
For Stubborn Stains and/or Mildew
Sunbrella fabric is resistant to mildew growth, but mildew may still form on dirt or other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.
  1. Prepare a solution of one cup of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
  2. Soak the affected area in the solution for about 15 minutes.
  3. Use a soft-bristled brush, clean towel, or sponge to gently scrub the stain until all soap residue is removed.
  4. Rinse the area thoroughly to remove all traces of soap residue.
  5. Allow the fabric to air dry completely.
Note: If the stain or mildew is severe, you may increase the amount of bleach used. Please refer to our Stain Chart for guidance on removing specific types of stains.
Re-treating Sunbrella fabric
Sunbrella brand fabrics are designed for easy cleaning, thanks to a special finish that enhances their water repellency. This finish is made to last for many years of normal use, but it can be refreshed with 303 High Tech Fabric GuardTM, which is the recommended re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
  • Clean the Sunbrella fabric and allow it to completely air dry.
  • Apply 303 High Tech Fabric GuardTM in a thin, even coat and allow it to dry.
  • Repeat step 2.
Note: Two light coatings are more effective at restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The manufacturer of 303 estimates coverage of 75 to 100 square feet per 16 oz. bottle. For Sunbrella brand fabrics, we recommend applying two thin, even coatings, which will yield up to 50 square feet of coverage per 15 oz. bottle.
Professional Cleaners
    When considering the services of a professional cleaning firm for Sunbrella brand fabrics, it’s important to ask about their experience working with these fabrics and their knowledge of the proper cleaning and re-treatment requirements.
Note: Sunbrella fabrics should not be dry cleaned.
Helpful Hints

When using a bleach solution to clean Sunbrella brand fabrics, it’s important to protect the area around the fabric, as bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Be sure to thoroughly rinse Sunbrella fabric to completely remove any soap or bleach.

Sunbrella fabric air dries quickly, so machine drying is not necessary. Avoid using a steamer or an iron with a steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to “synthetic fabric” heat. Synthetic fabric heat settings typically do not exceed 150°F.

Stain Chart
TYPE OF STAIN BEER REMEDY Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.)/ 1 gallon water/ white vinegar (3 oz.)
BERRY Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) /1 gallon water! ammonia (4-8 oz.)
BIRD DROPPINGS Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.)/ 1 gallon water
BLOOD (Dried) Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.)/ 1 gallon water/ ammonia (4-8 oz.)
BUTTER volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
CHARCOAL/ PENCIL MARKS vacuum, then Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
CATSUP OR MUSTARD Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) /1 gallon water
CHEWING GUM volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
CHOCOLATE Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) /1 gallon water /ammonia (4 oz.)
COFFEE Dawn® dishwashing liquid / water, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone)
COLA Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
CRAYON paint remover (100%), oil or grease remover (mix as directed)
EGG (Raw) Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
GRAPE JUICE Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
GRAVY Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
GREASE (Car) volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
INK (Permanent, India, Ballpoint) paint remover (100%), volatile solvent (acetone) 100%, soap and water
IRON RUST Carbona Stain Devil #9
LIPSTICK paint remover, oil or grease remover (mix as directed)
MASCARA paint remover (100%), volatile solvent (acetone-100%), Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
MILDEW bleach (1 cup) / Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) /1 gallon water
MILK Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
NAIL POLISH volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
OIL volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
ORANGE DRINK Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
PAINT (Latex) WET Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
PAINT (Latex) DRIED paint remover (100%), oil or grease remover (mix as directed)
PAINT (Oil or Lacquer) paint remover (100%), oil or grease remover            (mix as directed)
SHOE POLISH (Liquid) volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
SHOE POLISH (Wax) apply heated iron over towel,    volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
SUNTAN LOTION Pine Power® or pine oil detergent / water (mix as directed)
TEA Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
TOMATO JUICE Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water
TREE SAP turpentine (100%), Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) /1 gallon water
URINE Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water /  white vinegar (3 oz.)
VOMIT Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water /  white vinegar (3 oz.)
WATER COLOR Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water /  white vinegar (3 oz.)
WAX (Candle) apply heated iron over towel,    volatile solvent (acetone) 100%
WINE Dawn® dishwashing liquid (2 oz.) / 1 gallon water/ ammonia (4-8 oz.) / white vinegar (3 oz.)