Sunbrella Fabric for
Awning/Marine
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella brand fabrics looking good and to delay
the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly
basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming
deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous
cleanings. 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 an awning
frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a
washing machine.
When cleaning
Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild soap i.e. Ivory Snow, Dreft
or Woolite. Never detergent.
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more
than 100 degrees.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella
fabrics.
If you are cleaning
Sunbrella while still on an awning frame or a boat, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild
soap (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
- Allow soap to soak in.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
If stubborn stains
persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning
of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart below for
specific recommendations).
Prepare a special
cleaning mixture:
- Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of mild soap.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
Remember to protect
the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics
that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.
If an awning or
boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be
followed:
- Use only mild soaps. No detergent.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in your
dryer.
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 Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment
product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough
cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella dealer or
distributor for more information.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which
typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's
water repellency. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and
then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to
air dry, 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 lightweight
fabric. Always apply 303 to clean fabric.
Stain Chart
Recommended cleaning methods for Sunbrella for some of the most common and
toughest stains.
STAIN
|
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
|
BEER
|
liquid
detergent, white vinegar
|
BERRY
|
liquid
detergent / ammonia (3-6% water)
|
BLOOD
(DRIED)
|
detergent
/ ammonia (3-6% water)
|
BUTTER
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
CHARCOAL,
PENCIL MARKS
|
vacuum,
then liquid detergent
|
CATSUP
OR MUSTARD
|
liquid
detergent
|
CHEWING
GUM
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
CHOCOLATE
|
liquid
detergent, ammonia water
|
COFFEE
|
detergent,
white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone)
|
COLA
|
liquid
detergent
|
CRAYON
|
paint,
oil or grease remover
|
EGG
(RAW)
|
liquid
detergent
|
GRAPE
JUICE
|
liquid
detergent
|
GRAVY
|
liquid
detergent
|
GREASE
(CAR)
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
INK
(PERMANENT, INDIA,BALLPOINT)
|
paint
remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent
|
IRON
RUST
|
oxalic
or citrus acids, water
|
LIPSTICK
|
paint,
oil or grease remover
|
MASCARA
|
paint
remover, volatile solvent (acetone), detergent, water
|
MILDEW
|
1
cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water
|
MILK
|
liquid
detergent
|
NAIL
POLISH
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
OIL
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
ORANGE
DRINK
|
liquid
detergent, water
|
PAINT
(LATEX) WET
|
liquid
detergent, water
|
PAINT
(LATEX) DRIED
|
paint,
oil or grease remover
|
PAINT
(OIL OR LACQUER)
|
paint,
oil or grease remover
|
SHOE
POLISH (LIQUID)
|
volatile
solvent (acetone)
|
SHOE
POLISH (WAX)
|
apply
heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
|
SUNTAN
LOTION
|
Pine
Power® or pine oil detergent
|
TEA
|
liquid
detergent
|
TOMATO
JUICE
|
liquid
detergent
|
TREE
SAP
|
turpentine,
liquid detergent
|
URINE
|
liquid
detergent, white vinegar
|
VOMIT
|
detergent,
water, white vinegar
|
WATER
COLOR
|
liquid
detergent, water, white vinegar
|
WAX
(CANDLE)
|
apply
heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone)
|
WINE
|
liquid
detergent / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar
|