Do you have a stain in your cushion set and don’t know how to get it out? Don’t just go to work with all kinds of agents! Below you’ll find a step-by-step plan for different cleanings.

Cleaning a stain

1. Using a spray bottle, spray a light mist of mild soap and water;
2. Use a sponge or very soft brush, scrub the liquied into the stain;
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue;
4. Dab excess moisture with a clean soft towel or use a vacuum cleaner;
5. Allow to dry in the open air;
6. Repeat step 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.

Thorougly clean stubborn stains or mold

You can use bleach in case of stubborn stains and mold. Mold does not grow easily on Sunbrella fabrics, but mold can grow on dirt and other foreign substances that have not been removed from the fabric. How to clean a stubborn stain?

1. Make a solution of 240ml bleach, 60ml soft soap such as Dreft dishwashing liquied per 3.8 liters of water;
2. Spray entire surface and leave for 15 minutes;
3. Remove the stain with a sponge, clean towel of very soft brush;
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue;
5. Dab excess moisture with a clean soft towel or use a vacuum cleaner;
6. Allow to dry in the open air;
7. Repeat step 5 and 6 until all soap residue is removed.

In case of stubborn stains and/or mildew, more bleach may be used. See the Sunbrella stain chart for cleaning specific stains or select your stain in the how to clean question window. 

General or light cleaning

1. Brush off any loose dirt or dust;
2. Make a cleaning solution of 60ml mild soap such as Dreft dishwashing liquid per 3.8 liters of lukewarm water;
3. Use a sponge or soft brush to clean;
4. Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric/cushion;
5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue;
6. Dab excess moisture with a clean soft towel or use a vacuum cleaner;
7. Allow to dry in open air;
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all soap residue is removed.

Removable Sunbrella-fabric

Hand wash

1. Soak the fabric in a solution of 60ml of mild soap such as Dreft dishwashing liquid per 3.8 liters of lukewarm water;
2. Use a sponge or soft brush to remove stains if necessary;
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue;
4. Allow to dry in the open air.

Washing machine

Wash in the washing machine with cold water. Depending on the amount of fabric in the washing machine, use your standard amount of mild detergent and add 240ml of bleach. Allow fabric to dry completely outdoors.

Re-treating Sunbrella fabrics

Sunbrella cushion sets come with a water and dirt repellent post-treatment that is designed to last or a number of years. You can also reapply this coat after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven recommends using 303 Fabric Guard, available in the US and Tex’Aktiv, which is available internationally. It works as follows:

1. Clean Sunbrella fabric using one of the aforementioned cleaning methods;
2. Leave the cushions outside to dry in open air;
3. Apply post-treatment in a well-ventilated room. To do this, follow the instructions on the packaging of the agent.

Have a look here for handy tips on how to keep Sunbrella cushions looking good for longer.