How to Clean Sunbrella Outdoor Cushions and Fabric

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Confirm fabric and cushion construction

Look for Sunbrella identification and read the furniture manufacturer's label. Determine whether the cover is removable and whether the zipper, foam insert, welt cord, or backing can tolerate saturation or machine washing. Test the chosen solution on a hidden area, especially when other materials share the cushion.

Step 2: Remove dry soil first

Brush off leaves and pollen, then vacuum seams, piping, buttons, and both fabric faces with low suction. Dry removal prevents loose soil from turning into mud. Separate covers from foam only if designed to be removed, and label inserts so each returns to the correct shell.

Step 3: Mix the routine hand-cleaning solution

For removable fabric hand washing, Sunbrella specifies one-quarter cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Mix accurately rather than pouring soap directly on a stain. Excess detergent takes longer to rinse and can leave residue that attracts soil.

Step 4: Clean the entire visible panel

Apply solution evenly and let it soak into the fabric, then work gently with a sponge or soft-bristle brush. Extend cleaning from seam to seam instead of saturating only a spot, which can leave a ring. Blot spills rather than grinding them into the weave. Keep foam from becoming waterlogged when its care label restricts saturation.

Step 5: Treat severe mold or mildew correctly

For severe mold or mildew on genuine Sunbrella upholstery, Sunbrella allows a solution of one cup of bleach plus one-quarter cup of mild soap per gallon of water. Apply to the entire affected area and allow up to fifteen minutes of contact. Protect surrounding non-Sunbrella materials and plants, ventilate, wear label-required protection, and never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner.

Step 6: Rinse until all residue is gone

Rinse thoroughly with clean water so soap and bleach do not remain in the weave. Work from top to bottom and continue until runoff is clear and no slick feel remains. If cleaning a cover on its cushion, press with clean towels to move water out; do not twist seams or distort the cover.

Step 7: Machine-wash only removable approved covers

If both Sunbrella and the cushion maker permit it, close zippers and machine-wash the removable cover in cold water on a delicate cycle with normal mild detergent. For severe mold or mildew, Sunbrella allows one cup of bleach in the wash. Do not machine-wash fixed upholstery or a foam insert.

Step 8: Air-dry completely

Sunbrella upholstery should air-dry. Reshape removable covers while damp and reinstall them according to the furniture maker's technique if that prevents shrink-fit problems, but do not use the cushion until fabric and foam are fully dry. Avoid high dryer heat, which can harm fit or other cushion materials.

Step 9: Evaluate water repellency after deep cleaning

Deep or repeated cleaning can reduce the fabric's water-repellent finish. When clean and dry, test whether water beads. If retreatment is needed, use a product recommended by Sunbrella and apply it exactly as labeled outdoors. Retreatment is not a substitute for rinsing out soap or drying the foam.