Fabric Care Guide

For optimal cleaning results, it’s important to address spills and stains on Sunbrella® and other Solution-Dyed fabrics as soon as they occur. Set-in stains may require professional attention. After applying the cleaning solutions listed below, be sure to rinse the fabric thoroughly and allow it to air dry.

 

Spill/StainAt-Home SolutionSunbrella Solution
BBQ Sauce, Beer, Berries (Fresh, Jam, or Juice), Coffee, Cola, Tea, WineMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner
Bird Droppings, Urine, VomitMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of white vinegar in 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and white vinegar
BloodMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and hydrogen peroxide
Butter, Grease, Mayonnaise, Motor Oil, Oil Paint (Wet/Dried), Salad Dressing, Sunscreen, Tomato (Fresh, Sauce, or Juice)For fresh stains, apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove the excess, and clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Follow with a strong degreaser.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by Sunbrella Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover
CharcoalVacuum to remove excess, treat with isopropyl alcohol, then clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and isopropyl alcohol
Chewing Gum, CrayonTreat with isopropyl alcohol, then clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and isopropyl alcohol
ChocolateMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. For any remaining oil, use Sunbrella Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover
Dye TransferMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of isopropyl alcohol or bleach in 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and isopropyl alcohol
Ink, Nail PolishTreat with a volatile solvent (100% acetone), then clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and acetone
Ketchup, MustardMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. For remaining discoloration, use bleach water or a bleach pen.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and bleach
Lipstick, CosmeticsMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water, then use a strong degreaser.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by Sunbrella Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover
Mildew & MoldMix 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of bleach per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. For severe mildew, increase bleach concentration.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and bleach
PencilVacuum, then clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner
RustUse a rust remover such as CLR®, then rinse thoroughly.
Shoe Polish (Liquid & Wax)Apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge. For wax polish, cover stain with a towel and apply a heated iron to remove debris.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by Sunbrella Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover
Tree SapTreat with a solvent like Murphy® Oil Soap, turpentine, or 100% acetone. Repeat as necessary, then clean with soap and water, and rinse thoroughly.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner and volatile solvent (100% acetone)
Wax (Candle)Cover the stain with a towel and apply a heated iron to remove surface debris. Then clean with 1 teaspoon (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water.Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by Sunbrella Extract™ Oil-Based Stain Remover

 

HELPFUL HINTS:

  • Avoid scrubbing, hard bristle brushes, or any other abrasive cleaning method.
  • After cleaning with these recommended solutions, rinse fabric thoroughly and allow to air dry.
  • Protect the area around your fabric when using bleach or other chemical solvents that may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics.
  • DO NOT use a steamer or an iron set to the steam setting.