One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good is to brush off dirt and debris before it becomes embedded in the fabrics and to address messes and clean spills soon after they occur. The quicker you clean spills, the easier they can be to remove.
Try This First... With a New Spill on Your Sunbrella Fabric:
- Blot (don't rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.
- For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as cornstarch, then remove with a straight edge.
- Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap and water or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
Try This Next... If Your First Try Doesn't Get the Spill Completely Out:
Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both outdoors and in, your cleaning methods should differ slightly based on the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.
Download Sunbrella Upholstery Cleaning Instructions PDF
Outdoor Upholstery
Cleaning Removable Fabric
Hand Washing
Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or very soft bristle brush to lightly agitate the stain. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry.
Machine Washing
Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine. However, consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.
Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric
Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry.
For best results when cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.
For our Sunbrella solution, we recommend Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. Or an upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
Specific information on cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.
Oil-Based Stains
If a stubborn oil-based stain persists after cleaning, 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.
Mold and Mildew
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
- Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
- Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased.
We recommend using our Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by a diluted bleach solution.
Specific information on spill cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.
Indoor Upholstery
- Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. You can also use an upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.
- Work the solution into the stain by lightly agitating the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam, with a sponge or very soft bristle brush. Avoid scrubbing, and do not use a hard-bristled brush or anything that will abrade the fabric.
- Rinse the entire fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
- Blot or wet-vacuum excess water from the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam.
- Air dry. Repeat rinsing and blotting until all soap residue is removed.
Machine Washing
Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine, however consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. Allow fabric to air dry.
Oil-Based Stains
If a stubborn oil-based stain persists after cleaning, 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.
Retreating Sunbrella Fabrics
Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-term performance. After repeated thorough cleanings, or years of use and exposure, you may choose to refresh your fabrics with an appropriate retreating agent. We recommend Sunbrella Restore™ Fabric Protector & Repellent or 303® Fabric Guard™, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally.
Applying a retreatment:
- Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods outlined.
- Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
- Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
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.
Sunbrella should only be allowed to air dry.
Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using bleach or other chemical solvents that may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly.
Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. Please follow all safety and environmental precautions according to the bleach label.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron on the synthetic setting. As iron temperatures may vary, first test a small inconspicuous area before ironing the entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or an iron set to the steam setting.
Seam-To-Seam Cleaning
For best results when cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.
Professional Cleaners
Should you want to enlist the help of a professional cleaner, we recommend inquiring about a firm's experience working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.