One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella Shade fabrics that contain PVC 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.
General or Light Cleaning
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or our Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner or a cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- Use a sponge to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
Oil Based Spills
Immediately apply an absorbent such as cornstarch 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 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.
Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Spills 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 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Allow fabric to air dry.
- Isopropyl alcohol can also be used to spot clean stubborn stains, using a sponge or towel.
If stain and/or mildew is severe, bleach quantities may be increased. We recommend using our Sunbrella Clean Multi Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by a diluted bleach solution.
DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
DO NOT apply any solvent-based cleaning solutions to Sunbrella Shade fabrics that contain PVC, as it may accelerate the aging and degradation of the fabric. These items would include chemicals such as acetone, liquid fuels, paint thinner, mineral spirits and turpentine.
Helpful Hints
While Sunbrella fabric offers excellent protection against stains, full removal is not always guaranteed if spills are not addressed promptly.
Avoid scrubbing, hard bristle brushes or any other abrasive cleaning method.
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.
