Use and Care Guide

Sunbrella® Care and Cleaning Instructions
Some of the most frequently asked questions about Sunbrella® fabrics concern care and cleaning.  e good news is that Sunbrella® is designed to be easy to
maintain. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will maintain its beauty for many years.
Important Background
Important Background
Sunbrella® fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fi bers during manufacturing while
they are in a liquid state.  is characteristic of Sunbrella® fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life. Because Sunbrella® fabrics are woven,
they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It’s also important to know that Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a
fl ourocarbon fi nish, which enhances water repellency.  is fi nish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning. Sunbrella® fabrics will not support the growth of
mildew, but dirt on the fabric can lead to mildew growth, which makes regular cleaning 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.
Sunbrella® awning fabrics carry a fi ve-year limited warranty. With proper care and cleaning, you can expect excellent service from Sunbrella® fabrics far beyond
warranty periods.
Cleaning
Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear
water.  is practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded into the fabric and eliminate 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, size permitting they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
When cleaning Sunbrella® fabrics is it important to observe the following:
• Always use mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. Never detergent.
• Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
• Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella® fabrics.
Sunbrella® Care and Cleaning Instructions
Sunbrella® Care and Cleaning Instructions
If you are cleaning Sunbrella® fabric while still on the frame, follow these simple steps.
• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose the awning down thoroughly.
• Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild soap (no detergents).
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow soap to soak in.
•
Rinse thoroughly.
• A
ir dry.
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 more specifi c recommendations at http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/stainchart.shtml)
Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
• Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
• Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild or natural soap.
• One gallon of water.
• Clean with soft bristle brush.
• Allow mixture to soak in for up to 20 min.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Air dry.
• Repeat if necessary.
If an awning cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
• Use only mild soaps. No detergent.
• Wash and rinse in cold water.
• Air dry. Never put Sunbrella® fabrics in your dryer.
Re-treating the Fabric
Re-treating the Fabric
As part of the fi nishing process, Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fl uorocarbon fi nish, which enhances water repellency.  is fi nish 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 GuardTM as the preferred
re-treatment product for Sunbrella® fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after fi ve years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella® dealer or
distributor for more information.
Sunbrella® is a registered trademark of Glen Raven Mills, Inc. • Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC
1.800.901.3313