One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella ® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose canvas off on a monthly basis with clean water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric canvas and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella ® fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.When cleaning Sunbrella ® fabrics, it is important to observe the following:Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
Four ounces no more than (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
Re-treating the fabric canvas, As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella ® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella dealer or distributor for more information.
303 should be applied to Sunbrella ® fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water resistance. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. The 15-ounce aerosol provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric.
You may have access to professional cleaning firms that service awnings. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella ® fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements.
Disclaimer: Due to the limitations of desktop scanners, digital cameras, and the relative inconsistencies of various display monitors, the colors and other characteristics you see on your screen may not be a totally accurate reproduction of the actual product. We strive to make our colors and other characteristics as accurate as possible, but screen images are intended as a guide only and should not be regarded as absolute replication of the product color and other characteristics. For exact color and characteristics, please order a sample!
Sunbrella ® and Sunbrella Firesist ® are registered trademarks of Glen Raven Mill
Lift-The-DOT®, Pull-The-DOT®, and Common Sense ® are registered trade marks of Scovill Fasteners, Inc.
