Outdoor Fabrics Care Instructions

OUTDOOR FABRICS

Sunbrella has a comprehensive stain removal guide that provides great advise on how to remove stains.

Limit Exposure to Direct Sunlight.

Summer sunlight in Australia is extremely harsh. The sun’s UV rays will effect the colour of wood, leather and fabric. Whenever possible, we recommend that to minimise fabric fading you limit the amount of direct sunlight on your cushions. Darker fabrics tend to fade more than lighter fabrics. To ensure any fading is consistent across your cushions we recommend that you move and rotate cushions so all parts get equal exposure over time.
One of the best ways to keep outdoor fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur. The following care instructions are recommended by Sunbrella and are a good guide for caring for your outdoor fabrics whether they are Sunbrella or our Factory Solution Dyed Acrylic Fabrics.
Our standard fabrics and (medium and hi density polyurethane) foam are best suited to outdoor undercover areas where the cushions may get some side spray from rain but will not be in direct rain. If cushions do get wet tilt them up on their sides to assist in drying. If the inner foam becomes soaked, remove the cushion cover and let the foam dry before putting cover back on.
If you want to leave your cushions out in the rain we recommend QuickDryFoam® foam inserts. QuickDryFoam® is exceptionally porous and permeable which allows maximum water drainage and air circulation, allowing quick use after being wet or even saturated. QuickDryFoam® uses UREGARD – in-bulit anti-microbial protection. It will prohibit the growth of common moulds and fungus inside your outdoor cushions even when left outdoors for a long period of time.

General or light cleaning:

Brush off any loose dirt.
Prepare a cleaning solution of (1/4 cup) mild soap per 4 litres of lukewarm water (less than 38°C).
Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Allow fabric to air dry.

Spot cleaning:

Hand washing (For removable covers)

Machine washing (For removable covers)

Machine wash in cold water on a mild cycle (less than 38°C). Depending on wash load size, use normal amounts of mild laundry soap and add (1 cup) of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.

Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew

Mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:

Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning

Outdoor fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellence. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed after a thorough cleaning or extended use.There are many commercial Fabric guards available on the market (always test before use) and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.
Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
Air dry, Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.
1. Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per 4 litres of lukewarm water.
2. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
4. Air dry.
5. Prepare a solution of (1 cup) of bleach and (1/4 cup) of mild soap per 4 litres of clean water.
6. Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
7. Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
8. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
9. Allow fabric to air dry.
10. If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased.