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CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sunbrella® fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella® fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.
MOLD AND MILDEW
Sunbrella® fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric can lead to mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.
BASIC CLEANING
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 imbedded 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.
THOROUGH CLEANING
When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella® fabrics can be cleaned while still in a cushion state, on an awning frame or a boat.
When cleaning Sunbrella® fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a natural soap (like dishwashing liquid). Never detergent.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella® fabrics.If you are cleaning Sunbrella® while still on a frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
Hose down. - Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow soap to soak in.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.
PREPARE A SPECIAL CLEANING MIXTURE:
- Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with a soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if 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.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, these steps should be followed:
- Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
- Wash and rinse in cold water. Never machine wash your Sunbrella® fabric covers.
- Air dry. Never put Sunbrella® fabrics in your dryer.
RE-TREATING 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 re-treatment product for Sunbrella® fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella® dealer or distributor for more information.
APPLYING 303 HIGH TECH FABRIC GUARD
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 re-treatment product for Sunbrella® fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella® dealer or distributor for more information.
PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS
You may have access to professional cleaning firms that service awnings. 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.
STAIN CLEANING CHART
Below are our recommended Sunbrella cleaning methods for some of the most common stains.
| BEER | liquid detergent, white vinegar |
| BERRY | liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water) |
| BLOOD (DRIED) | detergent / ammonia (3-6% water) |
| BUTTER | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| CHARCOAL, PENCIL MARKS | vacuum, then liquid detergent |
| CATSUP OR MUSTARD | liquid detergent |
| CHEWING GUM | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| CHOCOLATE | liquid detergent, ammonia water |
| COFFEE | detergent, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone) |
| COLA | liquid detergent |
| CRAYON | paint, oil or grease remover |
| EGG (RAW) | liquid detergent |
| GRAPE JUICE | liquid detergent |
| GRAVY | liquid detergent |
| GREASE (CAR) | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| INK (PERMANENT, INDIA,BALLPOINT) | paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent |
| IRON RUST | oxalic or citrus acids, water |
| LIPSTICK | paint, oil or grease remover |
| MASCARA | paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent, water |
| MILDEW | 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water |
| MILK | liquid detergent |
| NAIL POLISH | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| OIL | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| ORANGE DRINK | liquid detergent, water |
| PAINT (LATEX) WET | liquid detergent, water |
| PAINT (LATEX) DRIED | paint, oil or grease remover |
| PAINT (OIL OR LACQUER) | paint, oil or grease remover |
| SHOE POLISH (LIQUID) | volatile solvent (acetone) |
| SHOE POLISH (WAX) | apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) |
| SUNTAN LOTION | Pine Power® or pine oil detergent |
| TEA | liquid detergent |
| TOMATO JUICE | liquid detergent |
| TREE SAP | turpentine, liquid detergent |
| URINE | liquid detergent, white vinegar |
| VOMIT | detergent, water, white vinegar |
| WATER COLOR | liquid detergent, water, white vinegar |
| WAX (CANDLE) | apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) |
| WINE | liquid detergent / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar |
For more information about the care and cleaning of Sunbrella upholstery fabrics please visit sunbrella.com/cleaning