No, Sunbrella®fabric should not be put in the washing machine. Sunbrella fabric is specifically engineered to last with high-level performance across a variety of applications. In order to protect the integrity of the fabric, and ensure long-lasting beauty and performance, Sunbrella recommends that you clean your fabric using mild soap and water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris.
Additionally, spot-treat as needed; do not saturate the fabric with water. DO NOT machine wash or machine dry your Sunbrella fabric.
How do you clean dirty Sunbrella fabric?
Cleaning Sunbrella fabric is easy and can be done with just a few materials. The best way to clean Sunbrella fabric is by using a mild soap, lukewarm water, and a brush with soft bristles.
First, start by brushing off any loose dirt, dust, or other debris from your furniture. Once you have removed this, mix 1/4 cup of mild soap, such as a dish soap, with 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Then dip the brush in this mixture and gently scrub the fabric in a circular motion.
Be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly with cold water after scrubbing with the solution to ensure all of the soap has been removed.
Allow the furniture to air-dry and you’re done! Sunbrella fabric can also be spot-cleaned with the same mixture if needed. When necessary, Sunbrella fabrics may also be machine washed using a gentle cycle and cool water.
Once the fabric is washed, be sure to air dry it or put it in the dryer on a low-heat setting.
By following these easy steps, your Sunbrella furniture will look good as new in no time.
Does Sunbrella fabric shrink when washed?
No, Sunbrella fabric does not shrink when washed. Sunbrella fabric was designed for performance, so it is resistant to shrinking, fading and mildew. The fabric is 100% solution-dyed acrylic, making it durable and long-lasting with superior colorfastness.
Sunbrella fabric has a tensile strength that is double that of other outdoor fabrics, so it is not easily compromised by normal wear and tear, but it’s also not likely to shrink when washed. In addition, Sunbrella fabric is designed to be low-maintenance, making it ideal for outdoor use because it requires minimal care.
Regularly cleaning the fabric with water or a mild soap and air-drying will prevent dirt or stains from setting in, while still keeping its superior colorfastness.
How do I get green mold off my patio umbrella?
Removing green mold from an outdoor patio umbrella requires some effort, but the effort will be worth it in the end when your patio umbrella looks like new. Before beginning the cleaning process, use a brush to brush off any loose mold spores.
Next, make a cleaning solution by combining a cup of liquid bleach with a gallon of water. Use a sponge or cloth to apply the solution evenly to the affected area of your patio umbrella; be sure to get every nook and cranny.
Leave the solution on for several minutes, then use a stiff brush to scrub the area. Rinse the area thoroughly with a hose or a wet cloth and allow it to air dry. Once dry, inspect the area and repeat the cleaning process if necessary.
Depending on the severity of the mold, it may take more than one application of the cleaning solution to fully remove the mold. Regularly checking your patio umbrella for mold, especially in areas of higher moisture, will help prevent further growth.
Will bleach harm Sunbrella fabric?
No, using bleach on Sunbrella fabric will not harm it. Sunbrella fabric is engineered to resist fading, staining, and mildew, making it ideal for outdoor furniture. Sunbrella uses a proprietary coloring process, and selecting the right Sunbrella color for your outdoor fabric is easy since their fabrics don’t fade or yellow in the sun.
Sunbrella fabrics are also designed to resist staining, so using bleach on Sunbrella fabrics will not cause any lasting damage. Sunbrella also uses a durable water-repellent finish that helps keep moisture away.
This allows the fabric to dry more quickly and be more resilient against mildew and mold. So while bleach is not recommended on Sunbrella fabrics as a cleaning solution, it will not cause any lasting harm.
What can I use to clean my patio umbrella?
To clean your patio umbrella, you will need some water, a non-abrasive cloth, a soft-bristled brush, dish soap, and a bucket. First, begin by soaking your umbrella with lukewarm water. Then, put some dish soap in the bucket, and submerge the cloth into the water and soap solution until it is completely saturated.
Use the cloth to wipe down the umbrella and remove any dirt or debris. After wiping off the umbrella, use the soft brush to scrub any hard-to-reach areas or stubborn stains. Finally, rinse off the umbrella thoroughly with plain water and air dry before closing it.
Keeping the umbrella clean and free of dirt, dust, and debris will ensure it lasts longer and looks better.
Can Sunbrella fabric be laundered?
Yes, Sunbrella fabric can be laundered in a washing machine on a gentle cycle. It should be washed separately from other items, and a mild detergent should be used. After washing, the fabric should be laid out flat to air dry.
Sunbrella fabrics are colorfast, so there is no need to worry about fading or discoloration when laundering. It is important to avoid using a rough detergent, chlorine bleach, or fabric softener when laundering Sunbrella fabric, as this may affect the water-repellent finish.
Additionally, it can be machine-dried on low heat or cool setting, but it is recommended that you line dry the fabric to avoid shrinkage and fading.
Can I use vinegar on Sunbrella fabric?
Yes, you can use vinegar on Sunbrella fabric, but it’s important to take certain precautions. First, you should test the vinegar on a hidden area of the fabric before using it. If the fabric shows any discoloration or deterioration, it’s best to avoid using vinegar for cleaning.
If the fabric does not show any signs of damage after testing, it’s safe to use a mixture of 1/4 cup white vinegar with one gallon of warm water. Using a soft-bristled brush, you can scrub away any dirt or stains that have accumulated on the fabric.
Be sure to brush with the grain of the fabric. After scrubbing the fabric, rinse it with clean warm water to remove any remaining dirt or residue from the cleaning process. Allow the fabric to air dry completely before use.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide on Sunbrella?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide on Sunbrella fabric. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent choice to use on a variety of fabrics, and Sunbrella fabrics are no exception. If a spot on your fabric has become stained, you can use hydrogen peroxide to help remove it.
In addition, hydrogen peroxide provides disinfecting properties to remove germs and keep fabric clean. To use hydrogen peroxide on Sunbrella, simply dilute the hydrogen peroxide with water (1:1 ratio) and spray the mixture onto the fabric.
Allow the mixture to sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinse the fabric off with cold water. After rinsing, allow the fabric to air dry or use a low heat setting on the dryer. To prevent further staining, use a mild detergent or fabric cleaner after hydrogen peroxide has been used.
Can you put Sunbrella cushion covers in the dryer?
No, Sunbrella cushion covers should not be put in the dryer. Sunbrella fabric is highly fade-resistant and dryer heat will cause the fabric to fade over time. Rather than using a dryer, it is best to air-dry Sunbrella cushion covers.
You can lay them out on a flat surface, such as a table or floor, or hang them on a line or clothes hanger. Sunbrella fabric can also be machine washed in cold water with a mild detergent. However, you should never bleach or use fabric softeners on the covers as this will shorten their lifespan and cause the fabric to break down faster.
Can you machine wash outdoor fabric?
Yes, depending on the type of outdoor fabric you have. Most outdoor fabric can be machine washed in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent or choice of gentle washing agent. You should always read the manufacturer’s instructions and/or care label to determine if machine washing is safe for the fabric and follow any instructions listed before adding the fabric to the machine.
For example, if washing instructions state “machine wash cold”, then wash with the machine’s cold water setting, not warm or hot water. For heavily soiled fabrics, pretreating any stains with a prewash stain remover may be necessary before washing them.
Additionally, it’s best to line dry the fabric after washing, as opposed to tumble drying, which may damage some fabrics.
