How to care for cushion fabrics

When You First Bring Your Furniture Home

• Fabric Protector makes cushion fabric repellent to water and dirt and inhibits the growth of mold and mildew while assisting in the prevention of stains.
• In a ventilated area, apply Fabric Protector to all dry and clean Sunbrella^® fabric surfaces until soaked, then let dry completely. 

Reapply to clean surfaces 1x per year or after cleaning.

If Spills, Dirt, or Dust Occur

Easy Care Instructions

The best and simplest way to preserve the beauty, comfort and performance of Sunbrella^® fabric is by brushing off any dirt before it gets entrenched, as well as by cleaning up any spills or stains with soap and water shortly after they occur when they are easiest to remove. 

To keep your Sunbrella^® fabric looking good and lasting longer, follow these simple guidelines:

Hand Wash

• Moisten fabric surfaces with a sponge or wet towel then spray a light mist of Fabric Cleaner over the entire surface of the fabric.
• Use a sponge or a clean towel to gently break up any stains.
• Rinse fabric completely to remove all soapy residue.
• Let fabric air dry completely.

ALTERNATIVELY: You can prepare a cleaning solution of ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of warm water and place the cleaning solution into a spray bottle. 

Machine Wash

CAUTION: Although Sunbrella^® fabrics machine wash just fine, we recommend that you handwash your outdoor cushions due to the fitted nature of the fabric to the cushion and difficulty most have with re-covering the cushions unless experienced in the process.

• Begin by removing the Sunbrella^® fabric covers off of the cushions and then making sure to close all zippers.
• Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with a regular amount of mild laundry detergent.
• Let fabric air dry completely. DO NOT dry in an automatic dryer.

Removing Mold and Mildew Stains

While Sunbrella^® fabrics do not naturally promote the growth of mildew, please be aware that mildew may grow on any dirt or unfamiliar substances that collect on the fabric and are not promptly removed. 

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup bleach per gallon of water. For severe mold or mildew growth, the amount of bleach may be increased.
• Pour the cleaning solution into a spray bottle.
• Spray the entire surface area, as it is best to clean the complete surface of the fabric to prevent any water rings or stains from forming.
• Let the cleaning solution penetrate into the fabric for 15 minutes.
• Clean the complete area with a clean towel, a sponge or a very soft-bristled brush.
• Rinse the area well with water to eliminate any soapy residue.
• Let fabric air dry completely.

Bird Droppings, Coffee, Tea, Cola, Ketchup or Mustard Stains

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup bleach per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Wine Stains

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid, ⅓ cup white vinegar and ½ – 1 cup hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Beer, Food Color, Vomit or Urine Stains

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid and ⅓ white vinegar per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Blood Stains

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid and ½ -1 cup ammonia per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing. Clean any remaining with dishwashing liquid and water.

Butter, Oil, Grease, Salad Dressing, Suntan Lotion or Paint Stains

• Apply cornstarch onto the stain as an absorbent.
• Remove excess with a straight edge.
• Clean any remaining with dishwashing liquid and water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Chocolate Stains

• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid and ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Wax Stains

• Cover wax stain with a towel.
• Apply a heated iron over the towel.
• Remove towel and treat the remaining stain with isopropyl alcohol.
• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Chewing Gum or Crayon Stains

• Treat the stain with isopropyl alcohol.
• Create a cleaning solution of ¼ cup dishwashing liquid per gallon of water.
• Proceed with cleaning directions for Handwashing.

Removing Ink or Nail Polish Stains

• Treat the stain with 100% acetone.
• Clean with mild soap and water.
• Rinse the stain thoroughly.

Winter Storage

During the winter months we recommend that you wash, dry, then store your cushions safely away from the harsh conditions that winter can bring. Follow the instructions to handwash your cushions then allow to dry completely before storing them away.

Prepare a suitable place: the basement, attic, or garage can be ideal, or even the top shelf in a closet. The main thing is finding a sheltered spot that will stay cool and dry. Once you’ve cleared a spot, finish your project:

• Make sure your outdoor cushions are genuinely dry when you store them. This is important. If you stow them away for the winter while they’re still wet or even a little moist, a plastic storage bag will provide the perfect petri dish for fungal growth and upholstery damage.
• When you’re sure they are dry, seal your spotlessly clean, sweet-smelling outdoor cushions inside plastic bags. You can purchase bags made for this purpose, but an ordinary plastic bag will do as long as you can seal it up tight.
• Place the bagged cushions in your designated winter storage area, knowing that when you bring them out in the spring they’ll be fresh and clean and ready to use.

NOTE: Beware of rodents. If you have a known mouse problem in the vicinity of your cushion storage space, consider setting traps to take care of it, or wrap your cushions in old sheets or blankets for extra protection before you store them. A family of nesting mice can make quick work of upholstery and fill, leaving you with ruined bits and pieces where there was once a pretty seat cushion.