Easy, routine maintenance will keep your Sunbrella fabrics looking spectacular season after season. Whether you are cleaning away the remnants of winter weather or want to establish an easy routine for the coming summer months, we have tips for the best way to clean and maintain your Sunbrella awning fabric.
Easy-care Sunbrella Fabrics
It’s easy to keep your Sunbrella awning fabric clean year-round. One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking great is to brush off any dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush and to hose fabrics off monthly with clean water.
These simple steps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent intensive cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will only be needed every two to three years.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame:
- Brush off loose dirt with a soft bristle brush
- Hose down with clean water
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap (such as Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid)
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean. Avoid excessive scrubbing, and do not use a hard-bristled brush or anything that will abrade the fabric
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed
- Air dry
Cleaning Stubborn Stains on Awnings
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. If you Sunbrella awning (or umbrella) falls victim to a stubborn stain, follow these steps:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes
- Clean with soft bristle brush
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed
- Air dry
- Repeat if necessary
- Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary after using bleach solution
Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame. Some fabrics, size permitting, can be removed to aid in the cleaning of stubborn stains or for professional cleaning.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Sunbrella Shade
For roof run-off or other similar spills, a strong degreaser may be required. Visit our How to Clean page or see our Cleaning Guide for specific recommendations. For any questions about stains, cleaning, or help in finding the right solution, contact a Sunbrella representative.
Retreating Sunbrella Shade Fabrics
Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-lasting performance. After repeated thorough cleanings or years of use and exposure, you may choose to refresh your fabrics with an appropriate retreating agent.
We recommend 303® Fabric Guard™ to strengthen and restore any lost water repellency. To apply a retreatment:
- Clean Sunbrella fabric using one of the cleaning methods outlined above
- Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry
- Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area, following instructions on the container
Enjoy the Shade Worry-Free with Sunbrella
Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-lasting performance. With minimal routine maintenance, your Sunbrella awning will stay beautiful and worry-free for many years to come.
Learn more about Sunbrella Shade fabrics or find a retailer today!
