Cleaning and Maintaining Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric

Sunbrella is considered to be the "gold-standard" in outdoor fabric applications due to its stain resistance, durability, and water repelling properties. However, Sunbrella fabrics should be cleaned regularly, and any spills should be treated quickly to prevent them from setting in. On-going maintenance prevents the need for more vigorous cleanings.

General or Light Cleaning

Sunbrella® fabrics should be cleaned regularly and consistently. Any spills should be tended to early on, before the substance have the chance to accumulate and be rubbed in, embedding themselves in the fabric. This on-going maintenance will eradicate the need for more frequent and vigorous cleanings. Sunbrella fabrics are designed to be resistant to mold, mildew, UV, and stains. However, it should be cleaned regularly to prevent the need for more fervent cleaning.

Please follow these steps for cleaning:

Remove any loose dirt and/ or debris.
Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild detergent per gallon of semi-warm water (under 100°F/38°C).
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean, use light stokes to brush on the solution in the same direction as the weave of the fabric.
Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric for a few minutes.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Most hoses have attachments that can be very helpful during this process.
Allow fabric to air dry.

Removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella canopies and cushion covers are machine-washable: wash on cold water setting (less than 100°F/38°C). Use an appropriate amount of mild laundry detergent. Allow fabric to air dry, do not put in the dryer.

Spot Cleaning

Apply a light mist of cleaning solution, given above, using a misting spray bottle.
Gently work in the solution into the stain by lightly blotting and brushing the affected area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
Rinse completely with clean, cool water.
Blot out excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge. You may also use a Wet Vac to remove excess moisture.
Repeat these steps until stain is removed. Patience is key!

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew

Sunbrella fabric is resistant to mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other debris that are not removed from the fabric in a timely manner. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap per gallon (8 cups) of clean water.
Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric.
Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush, sponge, or clean towel.
Rinse thoroughly with clean cool water.
Allow fabric to air dry.

If a stain and/or mold or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased by small amounts. Do be frugal in the use of bleach, however, as it has potential to damage the fabric when used in larger concentrations.

Retreating the Fabric

Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish guard that adds to the fabrics ability to repel water . The finish is created to last for several years of normal use, However, it may need to be reapplied after a thorough cleaning or extended use. Glen Raven, the maker of Sunbrella, recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning.

Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area or outside. Be sure to follow all instructions on the container of 303 guard.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)

For more information please see the manufacturer's website.