Sunbrella® fabrics are made to last through years of fun with family and friends. Sunbrella fabrics stand up to life on the water, but an important part of maintaining long-lasting performance is regular care.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning dock side.
General or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or use our Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner or a cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains, a strong degreaser may be required. See our Cleaning Guide for specific recommendations.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean stubborn spills:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and one fourth cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel. Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (back side) of Sunbrella Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (back side) of Sunbrella SeaMark with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.
Oil Based Spills
Immediately apply an absorbent such as corn starch directly on the oil based spill. Let sit for 10 minutes and remove the excess using a straight edge or ruler. This helps remove the spill and prevents it from being pressed into the fabric. Then proceed with the general cleaning process. For tough stains, use Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly.
Specific information on spill cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.
Retreating Sunbrella Fabrics
Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-term performance. After repeated thorough cleanings, or extended use and exposure, you may choose to refresh your fabrics with an appropriate retreating agent. We recommend Sunbrella Restore™ Fabric Protector & Repellent or 303® Fabric Guard™, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally.
Applying a Retreatment:
- Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
- Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
- Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
Professional Cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaners. In evaluating the services of a professional cleaner, you should inquire about a their experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements.
Helpful Hints
While Sunbrella fabric offers excellent protection against stains, full removal is not always guaranteed if spills are not addressed promptly.
Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. We do not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected.
Sunbrella should only be allowed to air dry.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and othernon-Sunbrella components.
