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.
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
- Soak the umbrella fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
- Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge as needed to gently scrub the fabric.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all traces of soap residue.
- Allow the fabric to air dry completely.
- Wash the fabric in cooler water using mild laundry soap.
- Allow the Sunbrella fabric to air dry completely.
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.
- Prepare a solution of one cup of bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Soak the affected area in the solution for about 15 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled brush, clean towel, or sponge to gently scrub the stain until all soap residue is removed.
- Rinse the area thoroughly to remove all traces of soap residue.
- Allow the fabric to air dry completely.
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.
Professional Cleaners
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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.
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.) |