How to Care for Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella awning and furniture

Sunbrella offers a wide range of outdoor fabrics that are resistant to the elements. The company advises using mild cleaning products found in most homes for general care and offers advice on removing stains that happen from time to time. Buying Sunbrella products is an investment and will last longer if properly cleaned and maintained.

Things You'll Need

• Soft-bristled brush
• Terrycloth cleaning rags
• Garden hose
• One gallon of cool to lukewarm water
• Dawn dishwashing liquid
• Plastic spray bottle
• 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

Instructions

How to Care for Sunbrella Fabric

1. Use a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dirt and grime that can work its way into fabric fibers. Ground-in dirt will not only make the fabric unattractive, it will also abrade the fibers over time, shortening the lifespan of the Sunbrella fabric.

2. Wet awnings, boat covers, bimini tops and sail covers with a garden hose. Most Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned in place without removing them from their frames. Use an ounce of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a gallon bucket of lukewarm water (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Using a terrycloth rag, wipe all surfaces. Rinse all traces of soap with the hose and allow the Sunbrella fabric to air dry.

3. For removable indoor upholstery covers, take them off and handwash them in lukewarm water with a mild laundry agent such as Ivory or Woolite. Allow them to air dry before replacing them.

4. For outdoor or marine upholstery that is not removable, mix an ounce of Dawn dishwashing liquid in a gallon of water and fill a plastic spray bottle with the solution. Lightly spray the cleaning solution on the upholstery and let it soak for a few minutes. Scrub dirty spots gently with a terrycloth rag. Remove all soap from the Sunbrella fabric by using clean water and rinsing out the cloth. Blot excess moisture with a clean and dry rag. Allow to air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Sunbrella recommends re-treating cleaned fabric to restore its water-impermeable and fade-resistant qualities. The company recommends the use of 303 High Tech Fabric Guard.

References

• Sunbrella
• Sunbrella re-treatment products