Clean Sunbrella^® Shade Fabrics

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 vigorous 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 or, size permitting, they can be removed to aid in the cleaning of stubborn stains or for professional cleaning.

General or Light Cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on an awning frame:

• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. or a cleaner such as 303™ Multi-Surface Cleaner.
• 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.

For roof run-off or other similar spills a strong degreaser or Sunbrella Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover may be required.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains 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 stubborn stains:

• Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
• Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
• Clean with soft bristle brush. Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (back side) of Sunbrella Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.
• 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 after using a bleach solution.

We recommend using our Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by a diluted bleach solution.

Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (underside) of Sunbrella Plus, Supreme, or Clarity with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

Oil Based Spills

Immediately apply an absorbent such as cornstarch directly on the oil based spill. Let sit for 10 minutes and remove the excess using a straight edge or ruler. This helps remove the spill and prevents it from being pressed into the fabric. Then proceed with the cleaning process.

For tough stains, 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.

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.