Caring for Your Sunbrella Fabric

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Caring for Your Sunbrella Fabric

Try this first... With a new spill on your Sunbrella fabric.

  • Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.
  • Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap (such as Dawn® or Woolite®) and water.
  • Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Air dry.

Try this next... If your first try doesn’t get the spill completely out.

Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both outdoors and in, your cleaning methods should differ slightly indoors and out because of the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.

Hand Washing

Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or very soft bristle brush to lightly agitate the spill. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and allow fabric to air dry.

Machine washing

Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine, however consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.

Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric

Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry.

Seam-To-Seam Cleaning

When cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.

Mold and Mildew

Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:

  • Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
  • Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
  • Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Air dry.

For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased.

It is best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and residue.

For other spills, products such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner, Dawn®, or Resolve® are applicable. Specific information on spill cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaningguide