Caring for Sunbrella

A guide to the care and cleaning of your Sunbrella outdoor fabric

General or Light Cleaning

1. Brush off any loose dirt.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup mild soap, such as dishwashing liquid, per 4 litres of lukewarm water.
3. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean
4. Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
6. Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot Cleaning

1. Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
2. Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
3. For oil-based stains, an absorbent such as corn starch can be immediately applied directly to the stain for a period of 10 minutes and the excess removed using a straight edge. This aids in the removal process of the stain and prevents it from being pressed into the fabric.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
5. Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
6. Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
7. Air dry. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.

Note: Seam to seam cleaning in combination with an extractor may be required in order to avoid water rings/stains.

For Removable Sunbrella Fabric

Machine washing

Machine wash in cold water. Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry detergent and add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry. Be sure any zippered casings are closed prior to machine washing.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn/Set-in Stains and Mildew

Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning

As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, makers of Sunbrella, Glen Raven® recommend a product called 303® Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product.. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or as needed.

Applying 303 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.

1. Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
2. Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
3. Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
4. Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
5. Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating.)

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. 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. If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece. This guide is from http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/how/cleaning/upholstery.php If you have any further questions please contact our product care and maintenance technician Christian at christian@outdoorelegance.com.au or call your local store 1300 660 330