How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric on Outdoor Furniture

1. Vacuum the Fabric

   • Use a hand-held or vacuum with a hose and upholstery brush to vacuum away dust and loose soil.
   • Start at the top of the upholstered piece and slowly vacuum all fabric surfaces.

2. Treat and Remove Stains

   • For liquid stains, blot with a microfiber cloth immediately to absorb as much moisture as possible.
   • For solid messes, lift away the solid matter with a dull knife, spoon, or edge of a credit card. Never rub because that will push the stain deeper into the fibers.
   • Pretreat stains with an enzyme-based stain remover before cleaning the entire piece of fabric.

3. Machine Wash Removable Cushion Covers

   • If the fabric is removable from the cushions, it can be machine-washed or hand washed in a laundry sink.
   • Remove the covers and close all the zippers.
   • Select the cold water and delicate cycle on the washer.
   • Add a gentle laundry detergent and wash the covers on the delicate cycle.
   • Allow the fabric to air dry on a clothesline or drying rack. Do not place it in a heated dryer.

4. Clean Non-Removable Sunbrella Fabric

   • In a large plastic bucket, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid in one gallon of warm water.
   • Fill a second bucket with clean water.
   • Dip a soft-bristled brush in the solution and gently scrub the Sunbrella fabric. Rinse the brush often.
   • Clean the entire surface of the fabric from seam to seam to avoid water spots.
   • Dip a microfiber cloth in the clean water and wring until it is not dripping. Wipe the freshly cleaned fabric with the cloth to remove any soapy residue. Rinse the cloth often and change the water as soap and soil are transferred.
   • Allow the freshly cleaned fabrics to air dry.
   • Place cushions and pillows so they have good air circulation around all sides to speed drying.

How to Clean Sunbrella Umbrellas

1. Lower the Umbrella and Vacuum

   • Lower or tilt the umbrella so you can reach the upper surface.
   • Use a handheld vacuum or vacuum hose to remove dust and loose soil.
   • Repeat the process on the underside.

2. Clean the Umbrella

   • In a large plastic bucket, mix 1/4 cup of all-purpose cleaner or dishwashing liquid in one gallon of warm water.
   • Dip a soft-bristled brush in the solution and gently scrub the Sunbrella umbrella fabric. Rinse the brush often.
   • Clean the outside and inside of the umbrella from seam to seam to avoid water spots.

   Tip

   If the umbrella cover is removable, it can be machine or hand-washed following the guidelines for cleaning Sunbrella cushion fabrics.

3. Rinse the Umbrella

   • Use a garden hose to rinse away soapy residue from the umbrella.

4. Air-Dry

   • Open the umbrella and allow it to air-dry.
   • Do not close the umbrella until it is completely dry.

Tips to Keep Sunbrella Fabric Clean Longer

• Treat and remove stains promptly.
• Adjust cushions and open umbrellas after rain so they will air-dry quickly.
• Never store soiled Sunbrella fabric. Clean thoroughly before storing.

Removing Stains From Sunbrella Fabric

• Mildew: For machine-washable Sunbrella pieces, add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to the wash cycle. For non-removable pieces, mix 1 cup of chlorine bleach and 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid in one gallon of warm water. Spray the solution onto the mildew-stained piece. Allow it to soak in for 15 minutes. Gently scrub the entire piece with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water, rinsing the cloth often. Allow the fabrics to air dry.
• Oily Stains: Blot away as much oil as possible with a paper towel. Sprinkle the stained area with a thick layer of cornstarch (about 1/2 inch thick). Let the cornstarch sit on the stain for four hours and then vacuum it away. Treat the stain with an enzyme-based stain remover.
• Bird Droppings: Combine 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar in 1 cup of water. Dip a soft-bristled scrub brush in the mixture and scrub the stained areas. Rinse well.
• Charcoal or Soot Stains: Vacuum away dust and small pieces. Clean with an enzyme-based stain remover or 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in one cup of water.
• Food Stains: Blot liquids and lift away solids. Clean with an enzyme-based stain remover or 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in one cup of water.