How To Clean Sunbrella Upholstery Fabric

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good is to brush off dirt and debris before it becomes embedded in the fabrics and to address messes and clean spills soon after they occur. The quicker you clean spills, the easier they can be to remove.

Download Sunbrella Upholstery Cleaning Instructions PDF

Try This First... With a New Spill on Your Sunbrella Fabric:

• Blot (don't rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.
• For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as cornstarch, then remove with a straight edge.
• Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap and water or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner.
• Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry.

Try This Next... If Your First Try Doesn't Get the Spill Completely Out:

Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both indoors and outdoors, your cleaning methods should differ slightly based on the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.

Outdoor Upholstery

Cleaning Removable Fabric

Hand Washing

Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water or use Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. Use a sponge or very soft bristle brush to lightly agitate the stain. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry.

Machine Washing

Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine. However, consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.

Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric

Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water, or use Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue and allow fabric to air dry. For tough, colored stains, use Sunbrella Erase™ Stain & Spot Remover.

For best results when cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.

Specific information on cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.

Oil-Based Stains

If a stubborn oil-based stain persists after cleaning, use Sunbrella Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly.

Specific information on spill cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.

Mold and Mildew

Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:

• Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water or use Sunbrella Renew™ Mold & Mildew Stain Remover.
• Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
• Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Air dry.

For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased.

Specific information on spill cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.

Indoor Upholstery

• Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle or use Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner.
• Work the solution into the stain by lightly agitating the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam, with a sponge or very soft bristle brush. Avoid scrubbing, and do not use a hard-bristled brush or anything that will abrade the fabric.
• Rinse the entire fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
• Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
• Blot or wet-vacuum excess water from the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam.
• Air dry. Repeat rinsing and blotting until all soap residue is removed.

Machine Washing

Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine, however consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. Allow fabric to air dry.

Oil-Based Stains

If a stubborn oil-based stain persists after cleaning, use Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly.

Specific information on spill cleaning is available in our Cleaning Guide.