Cushion cleaning does not have to be a hard job. The best advice is a little care in advance. If you will not be using your cushions for a long period of time it is best to store them indoors. If you are in a highly wooded area or a very sunny area you may prefer protective furniture covers. If using suntan lotions try placing a towel on the cushion when possible.

 

Storage: 

When storing cushions indoors, do not place in plastic bags. It is best to cover the cushions with a breathable material such as an old sheet. Store cushions on the ends when possible.

It is important to know the type of material you have before cleaning. Here is the list;
 
Solids: 

Includes Acrylics, Polyesters, Olefins and PVC coated fabrics.

Use 1/4 cup of detergent with 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Wet cushion thoroughly, wash with sponge and rinse twice. Place cushions on edge to drain water quickly. Bleach should only be used is cushions are very soiled.
 

Stripes: 

These are woven stripes only. Includes all fabrics above.
Use 1/4 cup of detergent with 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Wet cushion thoroughly, wash with sponge and rinse twice. Place cushions on edge to drain water quickly. Bleach should only be used is cushions are very soiled.
 

Prints: 

Floral prints and printed stripes. If the back of the material is solid color this is a print. Includes Acrylics, Polyesters and Olefins.
Use a mild dish detergent such as "Dawn" or Joy" in small amounts mixed in one gallon of warm water. A low suds detergent such as "All" is also useful for stubborn dirt. Wet thoroughly, wash with sponge and rinse twice. Place cushions on edge to drain faster. 
 
Sunbrella: 
General or light cleaning
  • Brush off any loose dirt.
  • Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water (less than 100°F/38°C).
  • 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.

For removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella and cushion covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100°F/38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap. Allow fabric to air dry.

 

Spot cleaning

  • Apply a light mist of the recommended cleaning solution 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 soap residue.
  • Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
  • Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
  • Repeat these steps until stain is removed.

 

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 soap per gallon of clean water.
  • Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric.
  • Scrub vigorously with a soft bristle brush, sponge, or clean towel.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Allow fabric to air dry.

If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased.

For removable Sunbrella fabric umbrella and cushion covers, machine wash in cold water (less than 100°F/38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap and add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.

 

Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning

Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed after a thorough cleaning or extended use. Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

 

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

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.

 

Helpful hints

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

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 100°F/38°C 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.

 

Outdura:  

For maintenance and light cleaning, brush off dirt. Add a quarter-cup of mild soap to a gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or soft brush to apply the solution, allowing it to soak into fabric. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then air dry. Removable umbrella and cushion covers may be machine washed in cold water using normal amounts of mild soap. Air dry. To spot-clean, spray with a mist of water and mild soap, then clean vigorously with a sponge, brush or clean towel. Rinse thoroughly in clean water, then air dry, blot or use a wet-vacuum. Repeat final steps until all soap residue is gone. To clean stubborn stains and/or mildew, use 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water (increase for severe stains). Soak affected area for 20 minutes before using sponge or clean towel to remove stain. Rinse well and air dry.

 

Removable umbrella and cushion covers may be machine washed in cold water using normal amounts of mild soap and 1 cup of bleach. Air dry. NEVER DRY CLEAN OUTDURA. IF NECESSARY, CAREFULLY IRON ON SYNTHETIC SETTING; DO NOT USE STEAM.

 

Maintaining Water Repellency

Normal wear, usage and cleaning will reduce the effectiveness of Outdura's water-repellent finish. If water repellency is important, a water-repellency treatment (available at marine and awning stores) should be used if the fabric has been cleaned or if the fabric is constantly exposed to the elements.