Sunbrella®

Marine interiors care & cleaning

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella^® brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

Marine interiors care & cleaning (pdf) / Stain chart

For removable cushion covers and slipcovers:

Hand washing

• Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry.

Machine washing

• Machine was in cold water with mild laundry soap.
• Allow Sunbrella to air dry, or tumble dry on “no heat” setting.

Spot cleaning upholstered pieces

• Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
• Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry, blot, or wet-vacuum excess water.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.

For stubborn stains and/or 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.

• Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
• Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
• Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry.

*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our Stain Chart for removal of specific stains.

Re-treating the fabric – for ease of cleaning: 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 with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™, the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

• Clean Sunbrella, allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow to dry.
• Repeat step 2.

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.

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 re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella.

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 and soap.

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.

DO NOT use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to “synthetic fabric” heat.