How To Clean Sunbrella Fabrics

How to Clean Sunbrella® Fabric (Cascadia Guide)

Sunbrella® is one of the easiest outdoor cushion fabrics to live with—because performance is built into the fiber, not just sprayed on as a surface finish. The biggest secret to keeping your Sunbrella outdoor cushions looking new is simple: brush off dry debris often and clean spills fast. The longer dirt, pollen, sunscreen, or food sits on fabric, the more time it has to settle in. Below is our “real life patio” cleaning guide for Sunbrella upholstery fabric used on replacement patio cushions, outdoor seat cushions, back cushions, and throw pillows.

Start Here: New Spill on Sunbrella (Fast Cleanup)

When something just happened (drink, sauce, sunscreen, muddy paw print):

1. Blot—don’t rub liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.

2. For oil-based spills, sprinkle an absorbent (like cornstarch) over the spot, let it pull up the oil, then lift it off with a straight edge.

3. Spray with a mild soap + water cleaning mix (details below).

4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

5. Air dry only.

Why we say “rinse thoroughly” a thousand times: leftover soap can attract dirt and leave rings—especially on cushions that live outside.

Outdoor Cushion Cleaning: Removable Covers (Zippered Cushions)

Option A: Hand Washing (Best for most outdoor cushion covers)

• Mix 1/4 cup mild soap per 1 gallon of lukewarm water
• Soak or apply to the cover
• Lightly agitate using a sponge or very soft bristle brush
• Rinse thoroughly
• Air dry

Option B: Machine Washing (Only if your cushion construction allows it)

If your cushion covers are removable and your manufacturer confirms they can be removed safely:

• Close all zippers
• Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
• Use normal amounts of mild laundry detergent
• For severe mold/mildew, you can add 1 cup bleach (when appropriate)
• Air dry only

Outdoor Cushion Cleaning: Non-Removable Upholstery (Fixed Cushions)

• If the fabric can’t be removed:
• Mix 1/4 cup mild soap per 1 gallon lukewarm water
• Use a soft bristle brush and allow the solution to soak in
• Clean seam-to-seam (don’t spot-scrub in circles)
• Rinse thoroughly
• Air dry
• Pro tip (this matters): Seam-to-seam cleaning prevents water rings.
  When you scrub a small circle, you can create a “clean halo” around the stain. Cleaning the full panel—from seam to seam—helps the fabric dry evenly.

Oil-Based Stains (Sunscreen, Grease, Salad Dressing, BBQ)

Oil stains need two steps:

1. Absorb first (cornstarch or similar), then brush/lift off

2. Clean using mild soap + water, rinse, air dry

3. If the stain still persists, use an oil stain remover (or a strong degreaser), then rinse thoroughly

Mold & Mildew on Sunbrella Outdoor Cushions

Sunbrella doesn’t “feed” mildew, but mildew can grow on dirt and organic debris left on the surface—especially in humid, shaded areas.

H

ow to remove mold/mildew:

1. Mix 1 cup bleach + 1/4 cup mild soap per 1 gallon water

2. Spray the entire area (not just the spot)

3. Let it soak 15 minutes

4. Gently clean using a sponge, clean towel, or very soft bristle brush

5. Rinse thoroughly

6. Air dry

For severe growth, bleach quantities may be increased (use common sense and protect surrounding materials).

Indoor Sunbrella Upholstery Cleaning (Yes—Sunbrella works indoors too)

For indoor upholstery or covered spaces:

1. Light mist mild soap + water onto the fabric

2. Gently agitate seam-to-seam with a sponge or very soft brush

3. Rinse thoroughly

4. Blot moisture with a clean towel

5. Wet-vac or blot excess water seam-to-seam

6. Air dry

7. Repeat rinse/blot until all soap residue is gone

Retreating Sunbrella Fabric (Restoring Water Repellency)

After years outside, or after repeated deep cleanings, you may notice water no longer beads on the surface. That doesn’t mean the fabric is “bad”—it just means the water-repellent finish may need refreshing.

How to re-treat:

1. Clean the fabric thoroughly (choose the method above)

2. Allow fabric to completely air dry

3. Apply a fabric protector/repellent outdoors in a well-ventilated area, following the product label instructions

Helpful Hints (Read This Before You Grab a Brush)

• Clean spills quickly for best stain removal
• Avoid scrubbing, hard bristle brushes, or abrasive methods
• Air dry only (no dryers, no heat blasting)
• Protect nearby surfaces when using bleach (it can discolor other materials)
• Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly—soap residue is the enemy
• If wrinkled: use an iron on synthetic setting (test a hidden area first)
• Do not steam and do not use an iron with steam enabled
• Be mindful: bleach can affect the environment—follow label precautions