MANY FIND THAT A SIMPLE, REGULAR RINSING MAINTAINS THAT CLEAN APPEARANCE WITH MINIMAL EFFORT. FOR OCCASIONAL TROUBLE SPOTS LIKE MILDEW OR STAINS, TARGETED CLEANING WITH SAFE SOLUTIONS RESTORES THE FABRIC EFFECTIVELY.

When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

1. Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
2. Water should be cold to lukewarm. (Never more than 100°F/38°C.)
3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
4. Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.

General or Light Cleaning:

To clean Sunbrella fabric while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:

1. Brush off loose dirt and hose down fabric.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1 gallon of cold water with no more than ¼ cup mild soap (see above)
3. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
4. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed, let Air dry.
6. Re-treatment may not be needed depending on the age of the fabric.
7. If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off, or other similar stains. Alternatively, a strong degreaser or Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover may be required.

Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Mildew:

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

1. Add mix 1 gallon of water with 8 oz (1 cup) of chlorine bleach to 2 oz (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
2. Clean with soft bristle brush.
3. Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes
4. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
5. Air dry.
6. Repeat if necessary.
7. Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpets or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach. 

Re-Treating the Fabric

As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a durable, long-lasting UV-resistant finish that also enhances the fabric’s natural water repellency. This protective finish is designed to perform effectively for several years under normal conditions; however, after a thorough or deep cleaning, it may need to be replenished to maintain optimal performance. Based on extensive testing results, Glen Raven recommends using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard as the preferred product for restoring the protective finish on Sunbrella fabrics and helping extend their life and performance.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard

Apply 303 to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, as deep cleaning can remove the original finish and reduce the fabric’s water repellency.

1. Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
2. Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
3. Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.
4. Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
5. Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15 oz bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.) You can purchase 303 High Tech Fabric Guard at Kohler Awning.

Professional Awning Cleaners

For professional awning cleaning, contact Kohler Awning for more information. Kohler has the needed experience to work with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.

Helpful Hints

1. Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution. Bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach. The residue of bleach will lead to further mold growth.
2. Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not recommended.
3. If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, but only on the synthetic setting. Caution, some irons exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small, inconspicuous area before ironing the entire piece.
4. DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
5. Using bleach and/or the advanced age of the fabric may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.

With just a bit of thoughtful attention, your awnings will keep enhancing your home, delivering comfort, shade, and a welcoming spot to relax for many seasons to come.