If you’re looking for a durable, easy clean, weather-proof fabric, then you might want to Sunbrella Canvas. Sunbrella fabric comes in a variety of textures and colours. For this reason Sunbrella fabrics are a wonderful choice for outdoor upholstery, awnings, blinds umbrellas and more. It is through this fabric guide, we're going to take a closer look at the most efficient ways to clean and care for your Sunbrella Material to keep it lasting year after year.
With a new spill or stain on your sunbrella fabric we advise to try the following things.
1. Blot, don't rub. Blotting liquid spills allows for the stain to be 'lifted' and not embedded further.
2. Spray a cleaning solution of soap and warm water .
3. Rinse the fabric to remove all of the soap.
4. Air dry.
Sunbrella canvas is designed to be breathable. Sunbrella canvas is water repellent but not completely waterproof. If you happen to leave your cushions uncovered during a rainstorm, the rain will bead and roll off the canvas. Sunbrella Plus however is water-proof. Sunbrella Plus combines the regular Sunbrella marine acrylic yarn with additional durable polyurethane undercoating for superior water resistance.
Most performance fabrics have some level of UV resistance. Many performance fabrics are normal fabrics that have had a protective finish applied to the surface. It's not to say this level of protection is bad, it's just not as strong. These fabrics are only fade resistant for up to 500 hours of UV sunlight.
Outdoor Upholstery - Cleaning Removable Fabric.
There are 2 ways in which you can clean Sunbrella fabric which is removable.
1. Hand Washing
Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup soap per 3L of warm water. Use a sponge or a very soft brush to softly move the stain. Then rinse thoroughly to remove the soap. Air Dry.
2.Machine Washing
To wash, close all zippers. Machine wash cold with water on a gentle cycle. For severe mold add 1 cup of bleach. Air dry.
Outdoor Upholstery - Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric.
1. Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup soap (with warm water) per litre. Use a brush to clean, allowing the soapy water to soak int the fabric. Remove soap and air dry.
Indoor Upholstery
-Using a spray bottle apply a light mist of soap and warm water.
-Agitate the surface of the fabric with a sponge or bristle brush, do not scrub harshly.
-Rinse fabric to remove soapy water.
-Blot moisture with a towel.
- Repeat process until stain is gone.
- Air-dry.
Mold and Mildew Stains.
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however mildew may grow on dirt and other substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold and mildew:
-Prepare a solution of 1cup bleach and 1/4 cup soap for 3 litre of water.
-Spray entire area and allow to soak for 15 minutes.
- Clean entire surface with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly. Air-dry.
For severe mold and mildew, increase the amount of bleach.
Oil Based Stains.
Apply an absorbent such as a corn starch directly onto the stain. Let it sit for 10 minutes and remove the excess using a ruler or the edge of something straight and sharp. This helps remove the stain and prevents the oil stain from being pressed into the fabric.
Helpful Hints.
1. Avoid scrubbing.
2. Avoid hard bristle brushes.
3. Only air dry.
4. Protect the area around your Sunbrella Fabric when using bleach as the bleach can discolour non-Sunbrella fabrics.
5. Always rinse thoroughly.
