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 embedded 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.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dockside.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Sunbrella fabric does 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 stains:
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.
If a boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
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 retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information on retreatment products, please visit www.303products.com.
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which can deplete the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.
Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The manufacturer of 303 estimates coverage of 75 to 100 square feet per 16 oz. bottle. For Sunbrella, we recommend the application of two thin, even coatings which would yield up to 50 square feet of coverage per 15 oz. bottle.
For more information please see www.303products.com.
You may have access to professional 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 retreatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F.
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes imbedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.
*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our stain chart for removal of specific stains.
Re-treating the fabric - for ease of cleaning: Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™, the preferred retreatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.
Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The manufacturer of 303 estimates coverage of 75 to 100 square feet per 16 oz. bottle. For Sunbrella, we recommend the application of two thin, even coatings which would yield up to 50 square feet of coverage per 15 oz. bottle.
In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. Do NOT dry clean Sunbrella.
Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and soap.
Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
Do not use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to "synthetic fabric" heat.
