Cushion Fabric Care

The frequency of cleaning your outdoor cushions typically depends on how frequently they are used and the level of mess they are exposed to.
If you have pets, children, or tend to encounter spills and stains, you may find it necessary to clean your cushions more frequently.

As a general guideline, we recommend cleaning your outdoor cushions during periods of heavy usage, such as the warmer months when you are likely to entertain guests or spend more time outdoors with your family.
Ideally, aim to clean your outdoor cushions at least once per season. 

To maintain the pristine appearance of Sunbrella® fabrics, it is highly recommended to brush off dirt before it becomes ingrained in the fabric. Additionally, promptly wiping up spills and cleaning stains soon after they occur can significantly ease the removal process. Remember, the sooner you address spills and stains, the easier they are to eliminate. Here's a helpful tip: Some individuals opt to use a water repellent spray occasionally to provide added protection to the fabric.

Try this first... With a new spill or stain on your Sunbrella fabric.

  • Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch then remove with a straight edge.
  • Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap (such as Dawn or Woolite) and water.
  • Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Air dry.

Try this next... If your first try doesn’t get the stain completely out.

Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both outdoors and indoors your cleaning methods should differ slightly indoors and out because of the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your particular application.

Hand Washing:
Soak fabric in a solution of ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or very soft bristle brush to lightly agitate the stain. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and allow fabric to air dry.

Machine Washing
Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine, however consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent and finish with fabric softner. Allow fabric to air dry.

Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric
Prepare a solution of ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry. There is also a fabric spray on cleaner we like called Folex

Mold and mildew stains
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:

  • Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and ¼ cup mild soap per gallon of water.
  • Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
  • Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
  • Air dry.


Helpful Hints

Avoid scrubbing, hard bristle brushes or any other abrasive cleaning method. Sunbrella should only be allowed to air dry. Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using bleach or other chemical solvents that may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly. Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you. Please follow all safety and environmental precautions according to the bleach label. If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron on the synthetic setting. As iron temperatures may vary, first test a small inconspicuous area before ironing the entire piece. DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.