Sunbrella is the gold standard for outdoor fabric. It is vibrant, durable, and resistant to fading. However, because it lives outside on patios, boats, and umbrellas, it eventually gets dirty. From bird droppings to red wine spills, life happens.
Fortunately, you do not have to live with the mess. Sunbrella is surprisingly easy to clean because of its solution-dyed acrylic fibers. Whether you need to remove a spot stain or deep clean the entire cushion, we have the expert-approved methods right here.
Keep reading to learn exactly how to clean Sunbrella fabric, remove mildew, and keep your outdoor oasis looking fresh.
Key Takeaways
- Check the tag: Most Sunbrella upholstery is machine washable, but marine and shade fabrics usually require hand washing.
- Use the right solution: Mild dish soap and water work for general cleaning; bleach is safe for stubborn mildew.
- Air dry only: Never put Sunbrella fabric in a dryer, as high heat can damage the fibers.
- Retreat the fabric: After a deep clean, reapply a water-repellent treatment to maintain water resistance.
Can You Machine Wash Sunbrella Fabric?
Many Sunbrella fabrics are machine washable, but it is not a universal rule. You must check the specific care tag on your item before tossing it in the wash. Here is a quick reference guide to help you determine which fabrics handle the machine and which need hand washing:
| Fabric Type | Machine Washable? |
| European Upholstery | Yes |
| European Window Fabrics | Yes |
| Upholstery | Yes |
| Sunbrella Graphics System | No |
| Shade | No |
| Sling | No |
| Horizon | No |
| Marine Decorative | Yes |
| Marine Canvas | No |
| Marine Upholstery | Yes |
| Alloy | No |
Expert Advice
Always use a delicate cycle with cold water. Even if the fabric is machine safe, we recommend closing all zippers first to prevent snagging.
How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric
We have broken this down into two main categories: removable covers (easy to soak) and non-removable upholstery (requires a bit of elbow grease). Stick to these hand-washing techniques for the safest results.
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 up dirt and grime.
3. Scrub Gently
Take your sponge or soft-bristled brush and lightly scrub the fabric. Focus on any visible spots or heavy traffic areas.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water. Rinse the fabric under clean, lukewarm water until there is no soap residue left. This is crucial, as leftover soap can attract new dirt.
5. Air Dry
Gently squeeze out excess water; do not wring it out harshly. Roll the fabric in a dry towel to absorb moisture, then unroll it and hang it in a well-ventilated area 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 prevents 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. Allow the solution to soak into the fabric for a few minutes.
3. Scrub and Agitate
Scrub the fabric gently to lift stains. Work in small sections to ensure you cover the entire surface area.
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. Spritz the area and agitate lightly with a sponge or cloth.
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. The good news is that the fibers are solution-dyed, meaning the color goes all the way through. This allows you to use stronger cleaners without fading the fabric.
Find your specific stain in the chart below and follow the “Removal Method.”
| Type of Stain | Removal Method |
| Beer, Urine, Vomit | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, ⅓ cup white vinegar, and 1 gallon water. |
| Berries | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, ½ cup white vinegar, and 1 gallon water. |
| Bird Droppings, Coffee, Soda, Tea | Mix ¼ cup dish soap per gallon of water. |
| Dried Blood | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, ½ cup ammonia, and 1 gallon water. |
| Butter, Grease, Oil, Paint | Apply cornstarch for 10 minutes, scrape off, then clean with soapy water. |
| Charcoal, Pencil | Vacuum the spot, then clean with ¼ cup dish soap per gallon of water. |
| Chewing Gum, Crayon | Remove residue with isopropyl alcohol, then wash with soapy water. |
| Chocolate | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, and 1 gallon water. |
| Nail Polish | Treat with 100% acetone, clean with soapy water, and rinse well. |
| Rust | Treat with CLR and rinse thoroughly. |
| Mildew | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, 1 cup bleach, and 1 gallon water. |
| Wine | Mix ¼ cup dish soap, ⅓ cup white vinegar, and ½ cup isopropyl alcohol per gallon of water. |
How to Clean Mildew on Sunbrella Fabric
Mildew loves outdoor furniture. If you see black or green spots appearing on your cushions, you need to break out the bleach. Do not worry; 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. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling bleach.
2. Apply to Fabric
Spray the solution onto the fabric or apply it with a sponge. You must soak the entire surface area, not just the mildew spots, to prevent water rings.
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
Scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all bleach residue.
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 machine wash 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-ready? Follow these maintenance hacks:
- Re-treat the fabric: Deep cleaning removes the original water-repellent finish. After a heavy wash, allow the fabric to dry and spray it with 303 Fabric Guard to restore water resistance.
- Protect against nature: When not in use, cover your furniture or store cushions in a deck box. This prevents bird droppings and pollen buildup.
- Avoid heat: Never iron your Sunbrella fabric on a high setting and never use a steamer. If you must iron out wrinkles, use the “synthetic” setting.
- Soft bristles only: Avoid wire brushes or stiff scrubbing pads, as they can fuzzy up the smooth surface of the fabric.
FAQs
Can You Dry Clean Sunbrella Fabric?
No, most Sunbrella fabrics should not be dry cleaned. The harsh chemicals can damage the fabric’s finish. The only exception is Sunbrella Sheer, but always check the care tag first.
Can You Use OxiClean on Sunbrella Fabric?
Sunbrella does not officially list OxiClean as a recommended cleaner. They suggest using mild dish soap, 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner, or a bleach solution for tough stains.
Can I Power Wash Sunbrella Cushions?
No, you should avoid power washing Sunbrella fabric. The high pressure can damage the fibers and strip away the finish. A standard garden hose offers enough pressure for rinsing.
Can You Put Sunbrella Fabric in the Dryer?
No, never put Sunbrella fabric in the dryer. High heat can shrink or melt the fibers. Always air dry your covers and cushions.
Can Sunbrella Fabric Be Dyed?
It is very difficult to dye Sunbrella fabric. Because the fibers are solution-dyed (colored all the way through during manufacturing) and water-resistant, they will not absorb new dye effectively.
Will Bleach Fade Sunbrella Fabric?
No, bleach will not fade Sunbrella fabric. The color is locked into the fiber core, not just sitting on top. However, bleach can damage the stitching thread over time, so rinse it off thoroughly.
Keeping Your Sunbrella Fresh
Sunbrella fabric is an investment that pays off in durability and style. By following these cleaning steps, you can extend the life of your cushions and awnings significantly.
Remember the golden rules: clean spills quickly, use mild soap for routine washes, and do not be afraid of bleach for mildew. If you deep clean your fabric, always remember to re-treat it with a fabric guard to keep that water-beading magic alive.
Now that you know the drill, get out there and enjoy your spotless patio!
