How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric

Sunbrella is a popular brand of outdoor fabric made by Glen Raven. It is prized for its durability, fade resistance, and easy care. Sunbrella fabrics are designed to withstand exposure to sun, rain, snow and saltwater without losing their color or strength. With proper cleaning and care, Sunbrella fabrics can look beautiful for many years. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean Sunbrella fabrics to keep them looking their best.

What is Sunbrella Fabric?

Sunbrella is a patented brand of acrylic fabric made by North Carolina-based company Glen Raven. Acrylic fibers are colorfast, which allows Sunbrella fabrics to resist fading even after prolonged sun exposure. The fibers are also solution-dyed, meaning the color pigment is injected directly into the liquid acrylic before the fibers are extruded. This dyeing process means the color becomes an integral part of the fiber rather than just coating the surface. As a result, Sunbrella retains its vibrant colors much longer than traditional fabrics.

In addition to exceptional fade resistance, Sunbrella fabrics are breathable yet water-repellent. The fabric is designed to dry quickly and resist mold and mildew growth. Sunbrella is used to make a wide range of outdoor cushions, drapes, umbrellas, awnings, boat covers and other products that endure sun, wind and rain. It comes in over 250 colors and patterns that coordinate across product lines.

Benefits of Sunbrella Fabric

There are several key benefits that make Sunbrella a popular outdoor fabric choice:

Fade resistance – Sunbrella fabrics resist fading even after years of sun exposure. The solution-dyed acrylic retains its rich colors much longer than regular fabrics.
Water repellent – Although breathable, Sunbrella fabric repels water and dries very quickly. It won’t absorb moisture like cotton and other natural fabrics.
Mildew resistant – Sunbrella resists mold, mildew and bacterial growth that can damage natural fabric fibers.
Easy to clean – Sunbrella can be cleaned easily at home with mild soap and water without losing its protective properties.
Durable – Acrylic Sunbrella fabric is designed to withstand years of outdoor use without significant wear and tear.
Comfortable – Sunbrella has a soft, cotton-like feel but dries faster than cotton after getting wet.
Stylish – Available in a myriad of colors and patterns, Sunbrella offers style and design flexibility for all types of outdoor décor.

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabrics

Sunbrella fabrics are designed to be easy to care for. Here are some tips for cleaning Sunbrella depending on how dirty it is:

For Light Cleaning:

Brush off dirt – Use a soft bristle brush to remove loose dirt particles and debris. This prevents abrasion from rubbing dirt into the fabric.

Rinse with water – Rinse Sunbrella with cool, clean water to wash away light soil. Use a sponge or soft cloth but avoid abrasive scrubbing. Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot clean with mild soap – For localized stains, promptly spot clean with a mild soap, detergent or fabric cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

For a Deep Clean:

Hand wash – Fill a tub or basin with cool, clean water. Add a small amount of mild detergent like Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid. Immerse the Sunbrella fabric and gently wash by hand. Don’t place the fabric in a washing machine or dryer.

Use a soft brush – Use a soft bristle scrub brush to gently work soap into heavily soiled areas. Avoid harsh scrubbing that can damage the fabric.

Rinse thoroughly – After washing, rinse repeatedly in cool, clean water to remove all soap residue. Otherwise soap can attract dirt after drying.

Air dry – Hang largeSunbrella pieces to drip dry or lay flat in the shade. Don’t place wet Sunbrella fabric directly on hot surfaces.

For Disinfecting:

Use bleach solution – For mildew stains or disinfecting, prepare a solution of 1 part bleach to 5 parts water. Spray or sponge onto entire Sunbrella fabric and allow to soak for 15 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly – After soaking in the bleach solution, rinse the fabric several times with cool water until there’s no bleach odor. Residue left behind can damage the fabric over time.

Air dry – Always allow Sunbrella to completely air dry before using or storing. Never place wet fabric directly in sun.

For Removing Mold and Mildew:

Make baking soda paste – Create a paste with baking soda and water. Generously apply the paste to stained or mildewed areas using a soft cloth or sponge.

Let paste sit – Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the fabric for 2-4 hours. The baking soda will help lift and absorb the stain.

Scrub and rinse – After letting it sit, use a soft brush to gently scrub the paste. Rinse the fabric thoroughly with cool clean water.

Vinegar rinse – For extra disinfecting, fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Lightly spray vinegar over entire surface and let sit 5 minutes before rinsing clean. Vinegar will remove any baking soda residue.

Air dry – Always hang Sunbrella out of direct sunlight until completely dry after deep cleaning and disinfecting.

Sunbrella Fabric Care Tips

Check Sunbrella fabric regularly for spills which should be cleaned up promptly before they have a chance to set and stain.
Use scissors to trim any loose threads rather than pulling them which can distort the weave.
Turn cushions on outdoor furniture weekly to equalize sun exposure and wear.
Bring outdoor cushions and fabrics indoors during rainy or snowy weather to prevent accumulation of dirt and mildew.
Use furniture or sail covers in winter to protect Sunbrella fabrics from dirt, pollution, fading and weather damage.
Avoid applyingexcessive heat from barbecue grills or fire pits near Sunbrella fabrics which can be damaged by high temperatures.
Use protective carpet or furniture pads beneath any metal furniture legs to prevent snags, pulls or puncture holes in the fabric.
Inspect folding sling chairs and folding furniture edges carefully before setting up to prevent tearing the fabric.
When washing or scrubbing Sunbrella, use mild soap and always rinse thoroughly. Harsh detergents can remove water repellent finishes.
Turn cushions on their sides when not in use so both sides are exposed to light and air which prevents mildew growth in hidden surfaces.

How to Remove Specific Stains from Sunbrella Fabric

Accidents happen. Follow these tips for removing common stains from Sunbrella fabrics:

Food stains – Ketchup, chocolate, wine, coffee, etc:

Scrape off any solid bits gently with a dull knife. Avoid pushing the stain further into the fabric.
Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels. Avoid rubbing.
Pretreat with dish soap, detergent or enzymatic stain remover. Let sit 5-10 minutes.
Rinse the spot from backside with cold water. Repeat until water runs clear.
If needed, use a soft brush and mild soap solution. Gently scrub and rinse.
Blot excess water and air dry in the shade. For coffee stains, lay fabric in direct sun which helps bleach coffee.

Grease and oil stains:

Blot up any excess grease or oil immediately with paper towels.
Sprinkle corn starch, baking soda or talcum powder generously over the stain. Leave for 2-3 hours to absorb grease.
Use a soft brush to gently loosen powder and vacuum it away. Avoid brushing grease deeper into fabric.
If needed, spot clean with mild dish soap. Rinse and let air dry.

Bird droppings or tree sap:

Allow dried droppings to harden completely before attempting removal. Avoid smearing soft droppings further into fabric.
Gently scrape off any solids with dull knife. Pretreat remaining stain with dish soap.
For sap, place ice cubes in plastic bag on the sap for 30 minutes. Then work at the sap gently with the dull edge of a knife.
Clean pretreated areas with soft brush and cool, soapy water. Rinse and air dry.

Mold or mildew stains:

First disinfect and kill mold spores with a solution of 1 part bleach mixed with 5 parts water. Spray onto entire stain.
After 15 minutes, rinse bleach solution thoroughly. Vinegar spray helps neutralize bleach.
Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply generously over stain. Allow to sit for 2-4 hours.
Use soft brush and cool water to scrub paste. Rinse clean and air dry. Repeat if needed.

Rust stains:

First treat rust stain with vinegar or lemon juice to help dissolve rust particles.
Make a paste from cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Apply paste to stain for 1 hour.
Rinse paste away thoroughly. If needed, spot clean area with mild soap solution.
For stubborn rust stains, use oxalic acid solution. Wear gloves and rinse very thoroughly after use.

Sunscreen and suntan lotions:

Pretreat stain with dish soap or alcohol-based cleaner like Windex. Let sit 5 minutes.
If fabric is washable, launder in warm soapy water with bleach. Air dry in the sun.
For spot cleaning, use soft brush and mild soap to scrub stain. Rinse and dry in direct sunlight.
For severe stains, apply rubbing alcohol with soft cloth. Rinse with vinegar solution to neutralize.

Removing Sunbrella Fabric Odors

Sunbrella fabrics that get wet or are left in damp storage can develop musty, sour or stale odors over time. Here are some tips for removing odors and freshening Sunbrella fabrics:

Hang fabric out fully open in fresh air and direct sunlight which naturally deodorizes.
Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Lightly mist over entire fabric. Allow to air dry fully in sun.
Make a baking soda paste with water. Spread paste generously on fabric and let sit overnight before rinsing off.
Fill a large tub with cool water. Add 1 cup baking soda. Fully immerse fabric for 30 minutes and rinse clean. Hang dry.
Steam clean mildewed Sunbrella fabrics. Wipe down afterward with undiluted white vinegar which kills odor-causing bacteria.
For severe odors, contact a professional carpet cleaning service to deep clean and deodorize using specialized equipment.
Consider re-treating Sunbrella fabric with a water repellent finish which can prevent odors from mildew and dampness.

How to Re-Waterproof Sunbrella Fabrics

Over time after repeated washing, Sunbrella fabrics can lose some of their water repellency. The fabric may start to absorb small amounts of moisture if not re-treated occasionally. Here are some options for re-waterproofing Sunbrella:

Purchase Sunbrella Water Repellent Treatment spray or liquid formula. Re-treat by evenly spraying or sponging liquid over fabric surface.
Make your own re-waterproofer solution by mixing 1/2 cup fabric softener and 1/2 cup vinegar in 2 gallons water. Sponge over fabric.
Apply waterproofing sprays made for tents and outdoor gear found at camping supply stores. Always test product first on an inconspicuous area.
Use spray products containing fluoropolymers like Scotchgard Heavy Duty Water Shield. Apply a light, even coat. Avoid over-saturation.
Consider hiring a professional service to re-treat stubborn Sunbrella fabrics using specialized equipment and commercial water repellent formulas.
Read product instructions carefully and re-apply water repellents every 1-2 years or as directed. Thoroughly rinse and dry fabric first before re-treating.

How to Remove Sunbrella Fabric Odors: FAQ

How do I get mildew smell out of Sunbrella cushions?

First disinfect fabric using a bleach solution (1 part bleach, 5 parts water). Rinse thoroughly.
Steam clean or immerse cushions in cool water with 1 cup baking soda for 30 minutes. Rinse well.
While still damp, spray white vinegar over entire surface. Let air dry fully in direct sunlight.

Why does my Sunbrella furniture smell after getting wet?

Dampness encourages mold and mildew growth which causes musty odors. Always dry Sunbrella thoroughly before storing.
Bacteria thrive on wet fabric and produce unpleasant odors as they multiply. Disinfect with bleach or vinegar solution.
Use baking soda or vinegar soaks and commercial cleaners to kill odor-causing microbes. Air dry and re-treat fabric.

How do I get rid of bad smells on my boat’s Sunbrella covers?

Remove cover and hose down fully with water to rinse out dirt. Allow to dry completely open in sunlight.
Fill large tub with cool water and 1 cup baking soda. Soak cover 30 minutes, rinse and air dry.
Use a steamer on covers while outside to sanitize and deodorize. Wipe down with white vinegar after.
Consider re-treating covers with a waterproofing formula to prevent future odors from moisture damage.

What gets urine smell out of outdoor Sunbrella cushions?

First rinse cushion with water and blot excess liquid with towels.
Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle. Spritz over entire cushion and let sit 10 minutes.
Make a solution of 2 tbsp dish soap, 3% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Sponge over stain.
Rinse cushion thoroughly with clean water. Allow to dry fully in direct sunlight.

Conclusion

With routine care and cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can stay looking vibrant for many seasons. Always promptly treat spills before they set and disinfect fabric at the first sign of mildew. For best results, use mild, eco-friendly cleaners and allow plenty of time to air dry after washing. Re-apply waterproofing treatments periodically to keep Sunbrella fabrics in top condition. With proper maintenance, you can enjoy the unparalleled performance and longevity of beautiful Sunbrella fabrics for years to come.