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Clean Sunbrella Horizon


Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl is engineered to last through years of fun with family and friends. Horizon stands up to all the challenges of constant exposure to marine conditions, and an important part of maintaining long-lasting performance is regular care.

Download Sunbrella Horizon Cleaning Instructions PDF

To care for Horizon, we suggest the following methods:

Method 1:

  • Wipe spills as they occur with a dry towel, soft cloth or napkin.
  • An art gum eraser or cleaning eraser sponges/pads are effective against some stains (see Horizon Cleaning Guide below).

Method 2:

  • Clean with a soapy water solution, such as 1 teaspoon(4 ml) of mild soap to 1 cup (250 ml) of water or Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner or a cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
  • Blot excess moisture with a clean, dry towel, soft cloth or napkin.
  • For stubborn stains, use isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol.
  • Rinse thoroughly with water until all soap is removed.
  • Allow fabric to air dry.
  • Cornstarch is effective against some stains (see Horizon Cleaning Guide below). If using cornstarch, apply first as an absorbent and remove excess with a straight edge before general cleaning.

Method 3: Heavy Cleaning

Sunbrella Horizon fabric does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. For mildew and other stubborn stains:

  • Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach: 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
  • Apply and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
  • Remove stain with a non-abrasive sponge, towel or very soft bristle brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Allow fabric to air dry.
  • If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased.
  • If necessary, acetone may be used to remove nail polish.

To Disinfect

  • Sanitize using a 10:1 solution of water to bleach.
  • Common disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide can be used.

Professional Cleaners

In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements.

Sunbrella Horizon Cleaning Guide

This chart contains our recommended cleaning methods of Sunbrella Horizon fabric for common spills and messes. For best cleaning results, spills should be cleaned as soon as they occur. Set-in stains may require professional cleaning. After cleaning with any solution, always rinse fabric thoroughly.

Please refer to the methods detailed above for cleaning instructions.

  Spill/Mess Recommended Cleaning Solutions
  BBQ Sauce Method 2
  Beer Method 2
  Berries (Fresh, Jam or Juice) Method 2
  Bird Droppings Method 2
  Blood Method 2
  Butter Method 2
  Charcoal Method 2
  Chewing Gum Method 1
  Chocolate Method 2
  Coffee Method 2
  Cola Method 2
  Crayon Method 1
  Grease Method 2
  Ink Method 1
  Ketchup Method 2
  Lipstick/Cosmetics Method 1
  Mayonnaise Method 2
  Mildew & Mold Method 3
  Motor Oil Method 2 (cornstarch)
  Mustard Method 2
  Nail Polish Method 3
  Oil Method 2 (cornstarch)
  Paint (Wet/Dried) Method 2
  Pencil Method 1
  Rust Method 2
  Salad Dressing Method 2
  Shoe Polish (Liquid & Wax) Method 2
  Tea Method 2
  Tomato (Fresh, Sauce or Juice) Method 2
  Tree Sap Method 1
  Urine Method 2
  Vomit Method 2
  Wax Method 2
  Wine Method 2

Helpful Hints

Hose fabrics off monthly with clean water to help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent cleaning.

While Sunbrella Horizon fabric offers excellent protection against stains, full removal is not always guaranteed if stains are not addressed promptly.

Always use non-abrasive towels, soft cloths or napkins to avoid scratching the surface.

When using any cleaning solution, always test a small patch in an inconspicuous place.

Sunbrella Horizon does not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.

DO NOT use abrasive powders, steel wool, industrial strength or solvent cleaners, vinyl “conditioners” or “protectors.” 

DO NOT use undiluted bleach. When using any cleaning solution, always test a small patch in an inconspicuous place.

DO NOT apply solvent-based cleaning solutions to Sunbrella Horizon fabric as it may accelerate the aging and degradation of the fabric. These items would include chemicals such as liquid fuels, paint thinner, mineral spirits and turpentine.

DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

DO NOT recommend the use of steam on Sunbrella Horizon for consumers and non-professionals with little to no experience in fabricating with upholstery.

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