Clean Sunbrella® Marine Upholstery

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clean water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent cleaning.

Download Cleaning Instructions PDF

General Or Light Cleaning

  • Brush off any loose dirt.
  • Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup mild soap, 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 soap residue.
  • Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot Cleaning

  • Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
  • Work the solution into the spill by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap 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 soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
  • Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Air dry.
Machine washing

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

Heavy Cleaning For Stubborn Spills And Mildew

Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean stubborn spills:

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

For other spills, products such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner, Dawn®, or Resolve® are applicable. Specific information on spill cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaningguide

Retreating Sunbrella Fabrics

Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-term performance. After repeated thorough cleanings, or years of use and exposure, you may choose to refresh your fabrics with an appropriate retreating agent. We recommend 303® Fabric Guard, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally.

Applying a retreatment:
  • Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods outlined.
  • Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
  • Apply retreatment in a wellventilated area following instructions on the container.

Professional Cleaners

In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm’s experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.

DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.