Caring For Your Outdoor Fabric

A key component to making your outdoor furniture stand out is the choice of fabric pattern/color, and often a simple solution to making older furniture look new again is by changing up the fabric. That being said caring for, cleaning, and maintaining your outdoor fabrics is important as even though many are designed to be tougher and more resistant to stains/mildew, no outdoor cushion is completely impervious to the elements no matter how strong. With our environments and weather cycles sometimes unpredictable, it's important to stay on top of cleaning your cushions/fabrics to insure their longevity and maximum appeal. Today, most USA mad manufacturers sell their furniture with Sunbrella fabrics so for your benefit, listed below is the approach to cleaning said fabrics based on severity of the stain. For specific manufacturer developed fabrics, you can visit their websites to see how their cleaning and care instructions compare/contrast to what works best for Sunbrella fabrics.

First and foremost, maintained cleanliness is crucial so general/light cleaning should be done after use or between seasons and before storing any of your fabrics away for the winter. Simply by brushing off loose dirt, debris, food, etc. you're already helping to elongate the life and vibrancy of your fabric, but for a light cleaning of the overall fabric/cushion it is best to create a cleaning solution of roughly 1/4 cup of a mild soap or even dishwashing liquid works per 1 gallon of lukewarm water (do not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.) After creating the solution follow these 3 easy steps.

1. Once solution is applied, let it soak into fabric before using a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean.
2. Be sure to rinse your fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue as leaving it behind can damage the integrity of the color/pattern.
3. Allow fabric to air dry. (All Sunbrella fabrics are fast drying so machine drying is unnecessary)

1. Combine mild soap and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist the stained area of your fabric/cushion.
2. Gently rub the solution in using a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
3. Again, be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
4. Blot any excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
5. Allow fabric to air dry (repeat the previous 2 steps as necessary until all soap residue is gone)

Typically the light and/or spot cleaning will mainly be what you have to do to maintain your outdoor cushions as Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth or bacteria development. However, mildew still can grow on dirt or caked in food, or other foreign substances if they are not removed from the fabric. Should more severe stains or mildew form as a result, it is imperative that you take care of it as soon as possible or risk permanent damage to your fabric(s).

1. Create a solution consisting of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water. (note: certain manufacturer made fabrics are not to be cleaned with bleach. (bleach quantity may be increased depending on severity of stain/mildew).
2. Spray solution onto the entire area and give it about 15 minutes or so to completely soak into the fabric.
3. Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel, or bristle brush (soft).
4. As always, rinse as thoroughly as possible to insure the removal of all soap residue.
5. Allow fabric to air dry.

Caring for Sunbrella fabrics is made easy as the fabric is treated with a fluorocarbon finish that enhances the material's ability to repel water. This finish is made to last several years but may need to be replenished/re-treated after a very thorough cleaning. As a result of this, it is highly suggested that you use 303 Fabric Guard™ to re-treat your Sunbrella fabrics test results have shown this to be the most effective product for the job. Re-treatment should happen after every thorough cleaning or after a period of 5 years of use.

It is important to maintain your outdoor fabrics to keep your patio living space vibrant and welcoming, and with Sunbrella fabrics cleaning and caring is completed in just a few easy steps. It is important to note, however, that while Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned with bleach, some non-Sunbrella fabrics can be harmed by it. Be sure not to clean heavier stains with bleach near non-Sunbrella fabrics.

Also keep in mind that both insect repellent and sun tan lotion can cause color fading on all outdoor fabrics and it is suggested not to spray/apply repellent/lotions near fabrics. Also if you've just recently applied repellent or suntan lotion it is advisable to place a towel down on your chair first or to purchase fabric covers if you want to sit. If you choose not to take said steps, simply give your outdoor fabrics a general cleaning after use to insure lotion and/or repellent doesn't set into the fabric.

With these helpful tips, you should be able to keep your patio looking new without having to pay the price for new furniture. Should time finally take its toll on your outdoor fabrics though but you still enjoy the design of your seating, replacement cushions are also an option and here at USA Outdoor we sell replacement cushions for a number of collections from our available list of Made in America Manufacturers.