Sunbrella Product Care
Try this first… With a new spill or stain on your Sunbrella fabric.
- Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.
- Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap (such as Dawn or Woolite) and water.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
Try this next… If your first try doesn’t get the stain completely out.
Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both outdoors and in, your cleaning methods should differ slightly indoors and out because of the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.
Indoor Upholstery
- Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
- 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.
Professional Cleaners
Inquire about a firm’s experience working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.
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
Immediately apply an absorbent such as corn starch directly on the oil-based stain. Let sit for 10 minutes and remove the excess using a straight edge or ruler. This helps remove the stain and prevents it from being pressed into the fabric. Then proceed with the cleaning process.
Seam-To-Seam Cleaning
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 stain. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and stains.
STAIN | RECOMMENDED CLEANING SOLUTIONS | COMMERCIAL CLEANER |
---|---|---|
Berry | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup – 1 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Bird droppings Catsup or Mustard Coffee Cola Egg (raw) Grape Juice Milk Tea |
Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Beer Food Color Urine Vomit |
Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/3 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Butter Grease Oil Paint Wet/Dried (latex, oil, lacquer) Salad Dressing Shoe Polish (liquid) Suntan Lotion Tomato Juice Tree Sap |
Apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge, clean up residual with dishwashing liquid and water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® or strong degreaser |
Blood (dried) | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup – 1 cup ammonia per 1 gallon water. | Hydrogen peroxide and upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Charcoal, pencil marks | Vacuum, then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Chewing Gum | Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Chocolate | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Crayon | Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water. | Carbona™ Stain Devils for Ink and Crayon |
Ink (india, ballpoint) Nail Polish |
Treat with volatile solvent (acetone 100%). Then clean with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Iron Rust | Treat with CLR® and rinse thoroughly. | Rust remover such as CLR® |
Kool-Aid | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water and rinse thoroughly. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Mildew | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon water. | No commercial cleaner recommended. A stronger percentage of bleach may be necessary for severe mildew. |
Shoe Polish (wax) | Apply heated iron over towel. Apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge, clean up residual with dishwashing liquid and water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® |
Wax (candle) | Apply heated iron over towel. Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water. | Wax remover such as Car- bonaTM Stain Devils for Glue, Gum, and Nail Polish |
Wine | Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid, 1/3 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup – 1 cup isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon water. | Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve. |