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How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric: A Practical Care Guide for Acrylic Performance Upholstery

How to Clean Sunbrella Fabric: A Practical Care Guide for Acrylic Performance Upholstery

When life gets messy — and let’s be honest, it always does — it’s reassuring to have furniture (and fabrics) that are built to handle it. That’s why we often recommend performance fabrics like Sunbrella to our customers, especially those with busy homes, pets, or little ones. But it’s important to remember that not all performance fabrics are the same. Each one has its own unique features, strengths, and specific cleaning guidelines — and Sunbrella is no exception.

Sunbrella is a family of synthetic indoor/outdoor performance fabrics made from solution-dyed acrylic fibers. Sunbrella and similar acrylic-based performance fabrics are made to be resistant to liquids, stains, fading, mold and mildew. Whether it be messy meals, muddy paws, or the occasional spilled coffee, Sunbrella is made to handle everyday messes. But just like anything in your home, it still needs regular care to stay looking its best.

Today’s Sunbrella care guide will walk you through the basics you should know about cleaning and maintaining Sunbrella performance fabrics — whether you’re dealing with everyday messes or tougher stains like mildew or wine. Let’s get to it!

[Disclaimer: While Sunbrella is typically 100% acrylic, some other acrylic performance fabrics are blended with other fibers and may have different characteristics and care instructions. As a result, if in doubt please check with your upholstery’s seller and/or manufacturer for specific fabric care instructions. Need help on how to check and decipher your sofa’s cleaning codes? Read more about those here.]

What Makes Sunbrella Fabric Unique?

Sunbrella is made from solution-dyed synthetic acrylic fibers, meaning the color is locked into the fiber itself — not just dyed or sprayed onto the surface. That makes Sunbrella and other acrylic fabrics resistant to staining, discoloration, and fading. Since synthetic fibers like acrylic are also less absorbent than natural fibers, Sunbrella is also easier to clean and more resistant to odors and the mold and mildew that often cause them. For this reason, it’s among the most popular choices for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

And yes — under the right conditions, standard household chlorine bleach can be used to clean Sunbrella fabric without damaging it. But don’t worry, you won’t need to break out the bleach for most cleanups. Let’s look at some basic cleaning and maintenance scenarios for Sunbrella fabric, and the best way to handle them.

Everyday Maintenance for Sunbrella Fabrics

Keeping your Sunbrella upholstery in great shape doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how to maintain it day to day:

  • Vacuum regularly using a hand-vac or vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment to remove dust, dander, crumbs, or other debris.

  • Use a lint roller as necessary to prevent the build-up of pet hair, lint, and everyday fuzz that doesn’t come loose when vacuuming.

  • Flip and rotate cushions regularly to keep wear even (if you’ve got loose or unattached cushions).


These habits help prevent buildup and keep your furniture looking great over time. We find that building these short steps into your weekly cleaning routine is the easiest way to keep stains and other issues at bay.

How To Spot Clean Sunbrella Fabrics (Light Stains, Food, Dirt, Drinks)

Regular maintenance is all well and good, but accidents do happen. When they do, taking the correct action promptly can prevent stubborn stains from setting in. For everyday messes, soap and water usually do the trick.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Warm water
  • Clean white cloth
  • 32 oz spray bottle
  • A soft-bristle brush (optional)
  • Mild dish soap like Dawn


Here are your first steps:

  1. Remove any excess and blot the stain as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing the stain.

  2. Mix your cleaning solution — either a few drops of Dawn or similar dish soap in a bowl with warm water, or alternatively a mixture of 1 oz of dish soap to 32 oz of water in a standard 32 oz spray bottle (a 1:32 ratio mixture, same as ½ cup in 1 gallon).

  3. Spray the solution onto the stained area or apply it using a damp cloth.

  4. Gently blot or brush the fabric to lift the stain. Repeat steps #3 and #4 as needed until the stain is gone.

  5. Rinse thoroughly and blot to remove any soapy residue.

  6. Allow your Sunbrella fabric to air dry — never machine dry or use other heated methods like a hair dryer.


For stains that do not respond to the method above, try the bleach method directly below, refer to Sunbrella’s own cleaning guide for treating stains by type, or hire a professional cleaner familiar with Sunbrella fabric.

How To Deep Clean Sunbrella Fabric (For Tackling Tougher Stains Like Mold or Mildew)

Even though Sunbrella upholstery resists stains and moisture, there may be stains that don’t respond to the steps above. For instance, mold and mildew can grow on dirt or residue left on the fabric’s surface, especially on outdoor furniture. In these cases, you may need to switch up your tactics. Here’s how to clean it safely:

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 oz (1 cup) of standard chlorine bleach
  • 1 oz (¼ cup) mild soap like Dawn
  • 128 oz (1 gallon) of water
  • 32 oz spray bottle
  • Washcloth, soft-bristle brush, or sponge


Here are your next steps:

    1. Mix your cleaning solution — if using the same 32 oz spray bottle as before, mix 1 oz (¼ cup) of bleach and 1-2 tsp of Dawn dish soap with warm water.

    2. Apply the bleach/soap solution generously to the affected area.

    3. Let it sit for 15 minutes to do its work.

    4. Scrub lightly with your washcloth, sponge, or soft-bristle brush.

    5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of bleach

    6. Let air dry, as before.


Bonus Tips Regarding Bleach:
When using bleach, remember to wear gloves, use outside or in a well-ventilated area, always avoid mixing with other chemicals, to test bleach solutions on an inconspicuous area first, and to take steps to avoid getting bleach solutions on surfaces that don’t have Sunbrella’s resistance to bleaching.

FAQ: Can You Machine Wash Sunbrella Fabric?

Yes you can, with certain Sunbrella fabrics under certain circumstances. However, this is only true if your cushion covers are removable and labeled as machine-washable. If so:

  1. Close any and all zippers.

  2. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. For Sunbrella outdoor fabrics with severe mold or mildew, 1 cup of bleach can be added.

  3. Air dry or hang dry only — do not use a dryer or dry-clean.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Sunbrella Fabric

Even with a colorfast and stain-resistant performance fabric like Sunbrella, there are a few cleaning methods to avoid:

  • Even though Sunbrella is more durable than many other fabrics, please avoid scrubbing — especially with abrasive hard-bristled brushes. This can fray the fibers. Blot instead.

  • Be sure to rinse thoroughly after spot cleaning. Left behind soap can attract dirt, and left behind bleach solution can cause damage to clothing or other items that aren’t Sunbrella.

  • Avoid dry-cleaning, steaming, hot water extraction (unless done by a professional who knows Sunbrella) or using any high-heat drying methods as this can melt or weaken the fibers. Instead, allow your Sunbrella upholstery to air-dry.

General Long-Term Tips for Preserving Your Sunbrella Upholstery

  • Even though performance fabrics like Sunbrella are colorfast and fade-resistant, keep furniture out of direct sunlight wherever possible.

  • Use throws or washable covers for extra protection of upholstery from overuse, high-traffic areas, and UV exposure.

  • Don’t sit by and wait for stains to set — blot spills quickly. Early action is always easier than deep cleaning later. The sooner you act, the less chance the stain has to set.

  • For Sunbrella cushions on outdoor furniture, bring them inside or store them in a clean, dry place (such as a deck box) during storms, heavy rain, or long periods of disuse.

Got More Performance Fabric Questions? Let Us Be Your Upholstery Resource!

Our team at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet is here to help. Whether you’re trying to choose a performance fabric or need help with a stubborn stain, we’re just a call, visit, or convenient live webchat away. Our upholstery experts can’t wait to help you make the most of your furniture investment.

For more helpful info, check out our other upholstery resources below:

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