When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.

When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

• Always use a mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never detergent.
• Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
• Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.

If you are cleaning Sunbrella while still on an awning frame or a boat, follow these simple steps:

• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild soap (no detergents).
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow soap to soak in.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Air dry.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see the Stain Chart above for specific recommendations).    Stain Chart

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

• Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
• Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild soap.
• One gallon of water.
• Clean with soft bristle brush.
• Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Air dry.
• Repeat if necessary.

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution.   Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.

If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

• Use only mild soaps. No detergent.
• Wash and rinse in cold water.
• Air dry. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in your dryer.

Re-treating the Fabric
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, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™   (Available At Web-Catalog).

If the fabric can be removed from furniture, it may be cleaned in a mild soap and lukewarm water solution (less than 100 degrees F) in a washing machine and dried in an environment also less than 100 degrees F. When washing or cleaning, do not subject to excessive heat as the fabric will shrink. Do not steam press or dry in electric or gas dryers. Allow fabric to air dry.

Cleaning Solutions
Our recommended cleaning solution for most stains consists of 0.5 ounce of antibacterial dishwashing liquid to 22.5 ounces of water.  For stubborn stains please consult the SUNBRELLA Stain Chart above.     Stain Chart

Cleaning Method

1. Remove any residual soil by lightly brushing or scraping the stain. Attempt to remove stain by sponging with water.
2. If further cleaning is needed, apply light mist of our recommended cleaning solution using a spray bottle.
3. Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
4. Remove cleaning solution with a wet-vac if possible, but at the very least blot with a clean soft towel or sponge to remove the stain and excess cleaning solution. Repeat steps 2-4 until stain is removed.
5. Rinse the affected area thoroughly with clean water applied with a spray bottle and extract the remaining moisture using a wet-vac, sponge, or towel. Repeat rinsing method if needed to thoroughly remove cleaning solution from the fabric.

Helpful Hints
If possible remove fabric and wash-and-rinse in a washing machine using lukewarm water (less than 100 degrees F) and mild soap. Air dry.