Care & Maintenance

Sunbrella Marine Tops & Covers

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. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in 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 a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dock side. When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

• Always use a mild detergent such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
• Water should be cold to lukewarm.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residues.
• Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.

General or Light Cleaning

To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild detergent such as Woolite or Dawn.
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly until all detergent residue is removed.
• Air dry.
• May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/detergent mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see the Sunbrella Stain Chart for specific recommendations).

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew

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:

• Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild detergent per gallon of clean water.
• Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
• Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
• Air dry.

Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (Back side) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.

Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (underside) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.  

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric 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:

• Use mild detergent.
• For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
• Wash and rinse in cold water.
• Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
• Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.

Re-treating the Fabric

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 GuardTM as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information on re- treatment products, please visit www.303products.com

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency.

• Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
• Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
• Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
• Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)

Professional Cleaners

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 re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

Helpful Hints

Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non- Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. The supplier does not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environments that could be affected. Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.

If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece. DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting. Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.

References

http://www.sunbrella.com/en/how/cleaning/marine-tops-covers.php

Sunbrella Upholstery and Drapery Care and Maintenance General or light cleaning

• Brush off any loose dirt.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild detergent, such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid, per gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
• Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot cleaning

• Apply a light mist of mild detergent and water using a spray bottle.
• Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

• Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
• Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
• Air dry, repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.

For Removable Sunbrella Fabric

Hand washing

• Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild detergent per gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
• Air dry.

Machine washing

• Machine wash in cold water. Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry detergent and add 8 ounces (1 cup) cup of bleach.
• Allow fabric to air dry.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew

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:

• Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of clean water.
• Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
• Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.
• Allow fabric to air dry.

Re-treating the Fabric for Ease of Cleaning

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 GuardTM as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. For more information, visit www.303products.com

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency.

• Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
• Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
• Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
• Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)

Professional Cleaners

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 re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

Helpful Hints

Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolour non- Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. We do not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected. Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary or recommended.

If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece. DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.

Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.

Stain Chart

This chart contains the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods of Sunbrella® fabric for some of the most common and toughest stains. You may also use Carbona Stain Devil cleaning products. Available from national retailers, Carbona provides 9 formulas made to get out different types of stains. Apply the number indicated for your stain.