One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to wipe fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years. When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella® fabrics can be cleaned in the following manner.

Brush off loose dirt
down
Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural 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 and other similar stains.

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap
One gallon of water
Clean with soft bristle brush
Rinse thoroughly
Air dry
Repeat if necessary
When cleaning Sunbrella® fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella® fabrics.

After a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella® fabrics should be treated to re-establish water repellency. Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with fluorocarbon-based water repellency chemicals during manufacturing, and it is recommended that a fluorocarbon product be used for retreatment, such as Apco, Uniseal or Sunseal.

Fabric Specific Cleaning Facts

Furniture Fabrics

Sunbrella® features a soil and stain-resistant finish, so it's very easy to clean. Spot wash by sponging briskly with a soapy solution of natural soap in lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly with clear water to remove the soap and let the fabric air dry. For stubborn stains or suntan lotions, use a fabric spot remover, following the directions on the container. These solution dyed yarns do not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To remove mildew stains, prepare a mild solution of one cup bleach plus two caps full of a natural soap per gallon of water. Spray on entire area and allow to soak in. If necessary, scrub vigorously with a sponge or clean rag. Sponge thoroughly with clean water, and let air dry.