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Care and Cleaning

Marine Tops/Covers

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose 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 while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dockside.

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

Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100°F.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or Light Cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

Brush off loose dirt.
Hose down.
Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
May not require retreatment depending on the age of the fabric.
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 our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew

Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
One gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush.
Allow mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.
Retreatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be 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 a boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

Use mild soap and/or detergent.
For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
Retreatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Retreating 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™ as the preferred retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information on retreatment products, please visit www.303products.com.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.

Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
For more information please see www.303products.com.

Professional Cleaners

You may have access to professional cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

Helpful Hints

Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.

Marine Interiors

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes imbedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

For Removable Cushion Covers and Slipcovers:

Hand Washing

Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Air dry.
Machine Washing

Machine was in cold water with mild laundry soap.
Allow Sunbrella to air dry, or tumble dry on "no heat" setting.
Spot Cleaning Upholstered Pieces

Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Air dry, blot, or wet-vacuum excess water.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.
For Stubborn Stains and/or Mildew

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

Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
Soak affected area in solution for 20 minutes.
Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our stain chart for removal of specific stains.

Re-treating the fabric - for ease of cleaning: Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™, the preferred retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

Clean Sunbrella, allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow to dry.
Repeat step 2.
Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.

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 re-treatment requirements. Do NOT dry clean Sunbrella.

Helpful Hints

Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and soap.

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.

Do not use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to "synthetic fabric" heat.