Outdoor Furniture
Sunbrella® fabrics should be cleaned regularly before substances such as dirt and food particles are allowed to accumulate on and become embedded in the fabric. This practice will eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings.
General or Light Cleaning
- Brush off any loose dirt.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water (less than 100°F/38°C).
- Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
For removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella and cushion covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100°F/38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap. Allow fabric to air dry.
Spot Cleaning
- Apply a light mist of our recommended cleaning solution using a spray bottle.
- Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge. Use a Wet Vac if available to remove excess moisture.
- Repeat these steps until stain is removed.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. 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 water.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased.
For removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella and cushion covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100°F /38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap and add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.
Retreating the Fabric
Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed after a thorough cleaning or extended use. Glen Raven 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, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.
- Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
- Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
- Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
- 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 www.303products.com.
Professional Cleaners
In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
Helpful Hints
- Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
- Sunbrella air-dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
- If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
- DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.
