Tempotest Fabric Cleaning Instructions

How to Clean Tempotest Fabric (Cascadia Guide)

Tempotest Home is a premium Made in Italy performance upholstery fabric from the Parà Group (est. 1921). It’s 100% solution-dyed acrylic, designed for indoor/outdoor living, and it’s also bleach cleanable when you follow the correct ratios.

If you’re using Tempotest on replacement patio cushions, outdoor seat cushions, back cushions, and outdoor throw pillows, the biggest secret is simple: clean sooner, not harder. Brush off dry debris regularly, and tackle spills before they have time to set.

One important detail: Tempotest fabrics often include a protective finish (currently transitioning to a plant-based EcoShield™ finish). To keep that finish working its best, seasonal cleaning + thorough rinsing + air drying matters.

Start Here: New Spill on Tempotest (Fast Cleanup)

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

1. Blot—don’t rub. Use a dry, clean cloth (paper towels work in a pinch).

2. Apply pressure so the spill transfers into the towel.

3. Repeat until the stain is gone or no longer lifting.

4. If any stain remains, move to the cleaning methods below.

Cascadia pro-tip: Blotting fast prevents deep staining and helps preserve the fabric finish.

General & Routine Cleaning (Seasonal Care)

Tempotest recommends washing seasonally to remove dirt, body oils, pollen, and allergens.

• High heat / high UV areas (example: Arizona): clean at least twice per season, and cover/store when not in use.

• Commercial spaces (hotels, resorts): clean more often due to heavier use.

Why this matters for outdoor cushions: Routine cleaning helps maintain the fabric’s water/stain resistance and reduces long-term “grime build-up” that can dull the look of your cushions.

Outdoor Cushion Cleaning: Removable Covers (Zippered Cushions)

Tempotest Home fabrics can be dry-cleaned, hand washed, or machine washed. Always check the furniture/cushion construction before removing covers.

Option A: Machine Washing (Removable covers only)

1. Close all zippers

2. Machine wash on a gentle cycle (up to 85°F)

3. Use a mild detergent (examples: Woolite, Ivory Snow, Tide Free)

4. Ensure a full rinse to remove all residue

5. Air dry only — DO NOT use a dryer

Option B: Hand Washing (Best for controlled results)

1. Mix 1/4 cup mild soap per 1 gallon of water (not above 85°F)

2. For stubborn stains, you may add 1 cup household bleach

3. Submerge the cover/fabric

4. Gently brush the stained area back and forth with a soft brush

5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap/bleach residue is gone

6. Air dry in the shade (no dryer)

Why we say “rinse thoroughly” like it’s our job: Residue left in the fabric can cause issues over time—especially in sun and outdoor exposure—and can impact warranty coverage.

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

If your Tempotest fabric cannot be removed:

1. Blot up the spill first

2. Use mild soap + water

3. Lightly agitate with a soft brush (no aggressive scrubbing)

4. Rinse thoroughly

5. Air dry in the shade

Cascadia tip: Clean the full panel (seam-to-seam) when possible to avoid uneven drying and water rings.

Oil-Based Stains (Sunscreen, Grease, Mayo, Suntan Oil)

Solution-dyed acrylic is excellent outdoors—but oil stains need special handling.

1. Lift off excess oil carefully with a dull straight edge (butter knife works)

2. Blot with a clean dry cloth (repeat as needed)

3. If stain remains, apply an absorbent powder (cornstarch/baby powder)

   • Let sit 15–30 minutes

   • Gently scrape away

4. If needed: clean with mild soap + water (or a tiny amount of dish soap) using a soft brush

5. Rinse thoroughly

6. Air dry in the shade (no dryer)

Organic Stains (Wine, Coffee, Juice, Blood, Urine, Leaves, Mold)

Organic stains can be treated with bleach—Tempotest has strong fade resistance when done correctly.

• Mix: 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon of cool water

• Apply to stain, allow to work

• Rinse thoroughly until all residue is removed

• Air dry in the shade

Bleach can also be used to sanitize and remove stubborn natural stains like leaves and mildew staining (when used properly).

Mold & Mildew Notes (Tempotest)

Tempotest is mold resistant, but mildew can still show up on dirt and organic debris sitting on the surface—especially in humid, shaded areas.

Your best prevention:

• Brush off pollen and debris regularly

• Do seasonal washes

• Let cushions dry fully after rain

Retreatment & Water Repellency (Keeping the Finish Working)

Over time, harsh detergents and heavy cleaning can reduce water repellency. Tempotest notes:

• Avoid aggressive detergents (they can strip the finish)

• If you notice reduced repellency, you may treat the fabric with an appropriate protectant/post-cure spray (often sold at marine/awning/casual furniture shops)

Cascadia note: Only retreat on clean, fully dry fabric, and always follow the product label directions.

Helpful Hints (Read This Before You Clean)

• Clean stains as soon as possible

• Don’t scrub aggressively or use stiff brushes

• Always rinse thoroughly

• Air dry only (no dryer)

• Dry in the shade when you can

• Keep bleach ratios consistent (don’t “free-pour”)

• Confirm cushion cover removal won’t damage construction or void your furniture warranty

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