Clean Sunbrella® Fabrics with Sunbrella Graphics System
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clean water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent cleaning. 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 an awning frame. When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild soap such as Woolite® or Dawn® dishwashing liquid.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
- DO NOT use a power washer/sprayer.
- DO NOT use vigorous abrasive scouring action to clean areas with graphics.
- DO NOT use harsh cleaners/solvents, such as acetone, to clean areas with graphics.
- DO NOT machine wash.
General Or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn spills persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar spills.
Heavy Cleaning For Stubborn Spills And Mildew
Sunbrella fabrics do 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 spills:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Avoid brushing the “edge” of the vinyl graphics. Brush from the vinyl graphics out; away from the edge of the vinyl.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
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 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 wellventilated area following instructions on the container.
Professional Awning Cleaners
You may have access to professional awning 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 re-treatment requirements.
DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.