How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric: Mildew & Stains

Sunbrella is the go-to fabric for outdoor living. The color stays rich, the weave shrugs off sun and rain, and a set of cushions holds up season after season on patios, boats, and awnings. Living outside also means it collects bird droppings, spilled drinks, pollen, and the odd splash of red wine.

The good news is that you rarely have to live with the mess. Sunbrella fibers are solution-dyed, so the color runs all the way through the acrylic instead of sitting on the surface. That lets you reach for stronger cleaners, bleach included, without fading the fabric.

Below you will find the exact way to wash Sunbrella, lift specific stains, clear mold and mildew, and re-treat the fabric so water keeps beading off.

Can You Machine Wash Sunbrella Fabric?

Many Sunbrella fabrics are machine washable, but it is not a universal rule. Check the specific care tag on your item before tossing it in the wash. Here is a quick reference guide to help you sort which fabrics handle the machine and which need hand washing:

For a machine-safe cover, Sunbrella recommends washing in cold water on the delicate cycle with a normal amount of mild laundry detergent. If you are fighting stubborn mildew on a removable cover, you can add one cup of bleach to that wash.

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric

We have broken this down into two categories: removable covers, which are easy to soak, and non-removable upholstery, which takes a bit more elbow grease. Either way, a mild soap solution does most of the work. If you would rather buy a ready-made cleaner, Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner is the brand’s own version of the same mild formula.

Cleaning Removable Fabric

• Time: 45 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy.

What You Will Need

• Mild dish soap.
• Water.
• Sponge or soft-bristled brush.
• Large clean towel.

1. Prepare the Solution

Fill a sink, bathtub, or large bucket with lukewarm water. Add ¼ cup of mild dish soap per gallon of water and mix it until suds form.

2. Soak the Fabric

Submerge the fabric covers completely in the solution. Let them soak for 15 minutes to loosen dirt and grime.

3. Scrub Gently

Take your sponge or soft-bristled brush and lightly work the fabric seam to seam. Focus on visible spots and high-traffic areas, but avoid hard scrubbing, which can rough up the surface.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

Drain the soapy water. Rinse the fabric under clean, lukewarm water until there is no soap residue left. This step matters, since leftover soap attracts new dirt.

5. Air Dry

Gently squeeze out excess water; do not wring it harshly. Roll the fabric in a dry towel to absorb moisture, then unroll it and hang it in a well-ventilated spot to air dry.

Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric

• Time: 25 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy.

What You Will Need

• Soft-bristled brush.
• Mild dish soap.
• Bucket of water.
• Hose (optional).

1. Brush Off Debris

Before getting anything wet, use a dry soft-bristled brush to sweep away loose dirt, leaves, and pollen. This keeps you from rubbing mud deeper into the fibers.

2. Apply Cleaning Solution

Mix ¼ cup of mild dish soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Dip your brush into the mixture and apply it liberally to the fabric. Let the solution soak in for a few minutes.

3. Scrub and Agitate

Work the fabric gently to lift stains, moving seam to seam in small sections so you cover the whole surface. Keep to a soft brush; hard bristles and abrasive pads damage the finish.

4. Rinse Well

Use a garden hose or a bucket of clean water to rinse the fabric. Continue rinsing until all soap suds are gone.

5. Let It Dry

Allow the furniture to air dry completely before using it.

How to Spot-Clean Spills on Sunbrella

Speed is your best friend here. If you catch a spill immediately, it likely will not turn into a permanent stain.

• Time: 15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Very Easy.

What You Will Need

• Clean cloths.
• Cornstarch (for oil).
• Mild dish soap.
• Water.
• Spray bottle.

1. Blot the Liquid

Use a clean, dry cloth to blot the spill. Do not rub or scrub, as this pushes the liquid deeper into the weave.

2. Absorb Oils (If Needed)

If the spill is oil-based, like salad dressing or sunscreen, sprinkle cornstarch over the spot. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the grease, then brush it off.

3. Spray and Clean

Mix water and a few drops of mild soap in a spray bottle. Mist the area, then agitate lightly with a sponge or cloth, working from seam to seam so you do not leave a clean ring in the middle of a dirty panel.

4. Rinse and Dry

Wipe the area with a fresh damp cloth to remove soap residue. Allow the spot to air dry naturally.

How to Remove Specific Stains from Sunbrella

Sunbrella is tough, but some stains are stubborn. Because the fibers are solution-dyed, the color goes all the way through, so you can use stronger, targeted cleaners without bleaching out the pattern.

Find your specific stain in the chart below and follow the “Removal Method.”

How to Clean Mildew on Sunbrella Fabric

Mildew loves outdoor furniture. Here is the part that surprises people: Sunbrella fabric does not actually feed mildew. The acrylic fiber resists it. What mildew grows on is the dirt, pollen, and organic film that settle on the surface, so a clean cushion is far less likely to spot than a neglected one. When you do see black or green spots, break out the bleach; Sunbrella fibers are safe to bleach.

• Time: 1 hour.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

What You Will Need

• Dish soap.
• Bleach.
• Water.
• Protective gloves.
• Soft-bristled brush.
• Spray bottle or bucket.

1. Mix the Bleach Solution

Combine ¼ cup of dish soap, one cup of bleach, and one gallon of water. For severe growth you can increase the bleach. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling it.

2. Apply to Fabric

Spray the solution onto the fabric or apply it with a sponge. Soak the entire surface area, not just the mildew spots, so you do not leave water rings behind.

3. Let It Sit

Allow the mixture to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes. This gives the bleach time to kill the mold spores.

4. Scrub and Rinse

Work the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all bleach residue. A ready-made option, Sunbrella Renew Mold and Mildew Stain Remover, follows the same soak-and-rinse routine if you would rather skip mixing.

5. Air Dry

Place the cushions in a sunny spot to dry. Sunlight helps kill any remaining spores.

Cleaning Different Types of Sunbrella Fabric

While the general rules apply to most items, some specific weaves require special attention.

Indoor Upholstery

You can usually put indoor upholstery covers in the washing machine. Use a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild laundry detergent. Always close zippers before washing.

Outdoor Upholstery

Follow the hand-washing methods outlined above. If stubborn mildew is an issue, the bleach method is your best bet. Remember to rinse well to protect the foam inside the cushions.

Sling Fabric

Sling chairs are non-removable, so you cannot machine wash them. Use the hand-washing method. Sunbrella specifically recommends 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner or Dawn Dish Soap for these tough meshes.

Marine Canvas

Brush off loose dirt and hose down the fabric. Apply a soapy solution and scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Let it soak for 15 minutes before rinsing.

If you use bleach on marine canvas to kill mildew, avoid the “coated” side of fabrics like Sunbrella Plus or Supreme, as bleach can damage the waterproof backing.

Sunbrella Graphics System

This fabric has custom logos or designs printed on it. Never use a power washer, harsh chemicals, or the washing machine on these items. Stick to mild soap, water, and gentle hand washing to preserve the graphics.

Tips for Maintaining Sunbrella Fabric

Want to keep your patio looking showroom fresh? Follow these maintenance habits:

• Clean lightly and often: A quick brush-off and a soapy rinse every few weeks removes the dirt that mildew feeds on, so you rarely need the heavy bleach treatment.
• Re-treat the fabric: Deep cleaning removes the original water-repellent finish. After a heavy wash, let the fabric dry and spray it with 303 Fabric Guard to restore water resistance.
• Test before you re-treat: Pour a little water on the fabric. If it beads and rolls off, the finish is fine; if it soaks in, the repellency has worn and it is time to reapply. Checking every couple of months keeps you ahead of it.
• Protect against nature: When furniture is not in use, cover it or store cushions in a deck box to keep off bird droppings and pollen buildup.
• Avoid heat: Never iron Sunbrella on a high setting and never use a steamer. If you must smooth wrinkles, use the “synthetic” setting.
• Soft bristles only: Skip wire brushes and stiff scrubbing pads, which can fuzz up the smooth surface of the fabric.

FAQs

Keeping Your Sunbrella Fresh

Sunbrella fabric is an investment that pays off in years of use and good looks. Cleaning it the right way keeps your cushions and awnings going far longer than neglect would allow.

Remember the short version: clean spills fast, use mild soap for routine washes, save the bleach for mildew, and let everything air dry. Because mildew grows on grime rather than on the fabric, a little regular cleaning does most of the heavy lifting.

After any deep clean, re-treat with a fabric guard so water keeps beading off, then get back to enjoying your spotless patio.