Summer is just around the corner which brings outdoor celebrations: graduation parties, bridal showers, pool parties and more. So how has your outdoor furniture held up over the spring and winter seasons? Will it freshen up with a good cleaning or do you need to start over with new fabric? Glad that you asked.

Here's how to clean your outdoor fabrics

There are so many brands and types of outdoor fabric now that are made to hold up to the harshest outdoor environments--heat and sun, rain and mildew, kids and pets, on land or water. Each brand has some specific cleaning requirements, but many share some basics.

We've pulled together the best instructions we could find to help you get your outdoor living space in great shape whether you are just doing some light cleaning to heavy, thorough cleaning for stubborn stains.

And remember: If you try these cleaning instructions and are still not happy with the results, check out these outdoor fabrics you can buy at great prices for the summer season.

SUNBRELLA®

Sunbrella® fabrics are long-lasting durable fabrics made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic that are engineered to be weather, mold & mildew resistant, to be fade and UV resistant, and to clean easily.

For light cleaning:

    1. Brush off loose dirt.

    2. Hose down.

    3. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow™, Dreft™ or Woolite™ (no detergents).

    4. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.

    5. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.

    6. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.

    7. Air Dry.

For heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew:

    1. Make a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach, 1/4 cup mild soap and/or detergent, 1 gallon of water.

    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. NOTE: protect other fabrics around the area if using a bleach solution!

After a thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency, we recommend applying 303 Fabric Guard. Once fabric is clean and dry, apply a thin, even coat in a well ventilated area. Let the fabric completely dry. Add a second coat.

For stubborn stains, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning mildew, roof run off or other similar stains. For more information: Sunbrella stain chart

Helpful hints:

  • DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella fabrics.

  • DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting. If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting (test a small inconspicuous area before ironing to ensure that setting is low enough).

TERRASOL®

Terrasol® outdoor fabric by Tempo is a 100% acrylic fabric made to be mildew and fade resistant, and clean easily.

For regular cleaning:

    1. Vacuum up dust and dirt.

    2. Use a soft cloth with a mild dish soap and water solution to spot clean. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.

For heavier cleaning including stain removal for food and beverage stains:

    1. Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth to absorb excess.

    2. Clean the affected area with a solution of 1 part dish soap to 10 parts water. Gently rub with a soft cloth or sponge.

    3. For tougher food/beverage stains, apply a diluted OxiClean™ solution, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and pat dry.

For super tough stains:

    1. Blot up the excess stain material as soon as possible.

    2. Use a 1:10 solution of dish soap and water for cleaning. Rub gently with a soft cloth or sponge.

    3. For persistent stains, apply a diluted OxiClean™ solution. Rinse with clean water and blot dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.

Helpful hints:

  • DO NOT use bleach, ammonia, or harsh chemicals which may damage the fabric.

INSIDE OUT PERFORMANCE FABRIC®

Inside Out Performance Fabric® by Valdese Weavers is also durable fabric which is bleach cleanable, disinfectant spray safe, fade resistant and liquid resistant which can be cleaned with a soap and water solution or a bleach and water solution.

For general cleaning:

    1. Because dust and dirt cause fabric to wear faster, we recommend vacuuming regularly with an upholstery attachment.

    2. Flip, rotate and fluff removable cushions regularly to ensure even wear and increase longevity.

    3. An annual professional cleaning will keep your upholstered furniture looking its best.

    4. Maintenance requires promptly treating spots and stains and should include routine, on-going care which reduces soil build-up on a fabric’s surface.

For cleaning most light to medium stains:

    1. Before spot cleaning, blot up liquids on the surface with a clean, soft towel and brush off any loose dirt.

    2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 1/4 tsp mild, enzyme detergent, such as standard dishwashing liquid, per 1 cup of lukewarm water.

    3. Apply the cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle.

    4. Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.

    5. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.

    6. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues, as residues will attract dirt. Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.

    7. Repeat steps 3 - 6 as needed.

    8. Allow fabric to air dry.

For cleaning stubborn or excessive stains:

    1. Remove any loose debris and blot the stain.

    2. Prepare a bleach based cleaning solution. Bleach should be diluted with water on a 1:10 ratio (1 part bleach, 10 parts water).

    3. Apply the bleach based cleaning solution using a misting spray bottle and allow for the solution to soak into the fabric.

    4. Work the solution into the affected area by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or soft bristle brush. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.

    5. Blot and thoroughly rinse the fabric with water until the stain is cleaned. Make sure that all the bleach is rinsed off of the surface of the fabric

    6. Allow fabric to air dry.

Helpful hints:

  • DO NOT rub or brush excessively as you may cause fuzzing.

SPF - SUN PROTECTED FABRICS®

Woven from a blend of polypropylene and polyester, SPF® by Covington is constructed of solution-dyed performance fibers that are both durable, UV/fade resistant, mildew resistant and bleach cleanable while retaining a soft, cotton-like hand.

For light cleaning:

    1. Remove as much loose dirt as possible.

    2. Use a mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water as your first option to clean the fabric.

For more stubborn stains, bleached can be used as follows:

    1. Prepare a solution of one cup of bleach and one fourth cup of mild soap per gallon of cold to lukewarm water.

    2. Spray the solution on entire area to be cleaned and allow 15 minutes to soak into the fabric.

    3. Clean the entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush to avoid damaging the fabric.

    4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, then air dry.

    5. Increase bleach quantity for severe cases of mold/mildew growth.

Helpful hints:

  • It is best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and stains.

INDURO®

INduro® by P Kaufmann is designed to offer both beauty and functionality with advanced technology ensuring that the fabric is not only water-repellant but also resists fading, stains, and mildew.

For liquid spills and stains:

    1. Use a clean dry cloth to gently blot to absorb the liquid.

    2. Wipe off with clean water and a clean dry cloth.

For spills or stains that have penetrated the surface:

    1. Use a clean absorbent cloth with water allowing it to absorb into the stain.

    2. Lift gently without spreading or pressing the spill or stain into the fabric.

    3. Repeat the process if the stain is not fully removed, adding a mild soap solution of ¼ tsp. mild, enzyme detergent, such as Tide™ or Woolite™ per 1 cup of warm water.

    4. Apply the cleaning solution with a spray bottle, work the solution into the affected area with a sponge or a soft bristle brush.

    5. Make sure to work from the outside of the stain inward so as not to spread the stain and rinse your sponge or brush frequently.

    6. Wipe off with clean water to rinse.

    7. Repeat the process, if needed, trying to lift out the stain with water and/or a soap solution.

    8. Remove soap or cleaning solution residue from the fabric with clean water, and allow to air dry.

Helpful hints:

  • If the stain remains, it may be necessary to use a solvent cleaner recommended for upholstery fabrics. Follow the product instructions and test a small inconspicuous area before treating any stains.

TOMMY BAHAMA®

Tommy Bahama® by PK Lifestyles is 100% spun polyester made with colorfast dyes that are highly resistant to fading from UV exposure, fibers that are inherently resistant to mold and mildew, a tight weave to withstand the wind and elements and a durable finish for superior stain and water resistance.

For general cleaning:

    1. Brush off loose dirt.

    2. Prepare a cleaning solution of 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of lukewarm water.

    3. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush to clean.

    4. Allow cleaning solution to soak into fabric.

    5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

    6. Allow fabric to air dry.

For spot cleaning:

    1. Apply a light mist of mild detergent and water using a spray bottle.

    2. Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.

    3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

    4. Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.

    5. Air dry, repeat rinsing and blotting until all soap residue is removed.

For cleaning mildew and other stubborn, heavy stains:

    1. Performance fabrics do not promote mildew growth; however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.

    2. Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild detergent per gallon of clean water.

    3. Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.

    4. Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or soft bristle brush.

    5. Rinse thoroughly to remove all detergent residue.

    6. Allow fabric to air dry.

Helpful hints:

  • Fabrics should be cleaned by removing dirt before it becomes embedded, wiping spills as soon as they occur, and spot cleaning soon after stains occur.

BELLA DURA®

Bella Dura® fabrics offer exciting designs and patterns on textures that can be cleaned with bleach, yet are also water repellant and stain resistant, mildew resistant, and UV resistant. The fiber used for Bella Dura begins its life as a by-product and is completely recyclable. It requires minimal water, less energy to produce and does not create harmful waste.

For general cleaning:

    1. Vacuum Debris or Blot liquids. It is essential to address any stain as soon as it occurs. The longer a stain is left untreated, the more difficult it will be to remove.

    2. Lightly brush off or vacuum any excess debris.Vacuuming will help remove any dirt or debris and provide a deeper clean by removing loose particles that can prevent cleaners from working effectively. Vacuuming will also allow you to reach hard-to-access areas like corners, seams and in-between buttons.

    3. Blot any liquid with a soft towel or clean sponge. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain as this can spread it further and work it deep into the fabric’s fibers.

    4. Prepare a solution of 1 part mild soap or detergent to 4 parts water.

    5. Spray fabric with the solution and use a sponge or soft bristle brush to clean, making sure the entire stained area of the fabric is soaked.

    6. Rinse with clean water.

    7. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth.

    8. Repeat these steps as needed.

    9. Allow fabric to air dry.

For treating tough stains:

    1. If a stain still remains after treating with mild soap and water, combine 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Bleach won’t fade or harm solution-dyed performance fabrics!

    2. Spray the area with the bleach solution and use a clean sponge or soft bristle brush to clean the stained area.

    3. Rinse with clean water.

    4. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth.

    5. Repeat these steps as needed.

    6. Allow fabric to air dry.

Helpful hints:

  • DO NOT use hard-bristled brushes which can damage the quality and integrity of the fabric fibers. Stick with soft-bristled brushes.

  • DO NOT use dryers because excessive heat can damage fabrics. Never put your performance fabric in the dryer or use a blow-dryer. Air dry the fabric instead.

  • DO NOT machine wash the fabric as it may damage the fabirc. Manual spot cleaning is a safer, less harsh technique.

  • DO NOT dry clean, steam or iron performance fabric!

B OUTDOORS®

B Outdoors® with Barrow’s 100% solution-dyed acrylic fabric features exclusive designs in classic solids, on-trend patterns, and stripes in a variety of colors. All products provide superior stain and fade resistance, outstanding durability, and are protected by a 5-year limited warranty.

For general care and cleaning:

    1. Vacuum or lightly brush periodically any dirt and dust to avoid buildup.

    2. Prepare a solution of ¼ cup mild dish soap in a gallon of lukewarm water.

    3. Use a soft bristle brush to lightly clean, allowing the cleaning solution to completely dampen the fabric.

    4. Rinse thoroughly to ensure complete removal of all soap residue.

    5. Allow fabric to air dry.

For cleaning liquid spills:

    1. With any liquid spill, the quicker you clean them up, the easier they can be to remove.

    2. Remember to blot liquid spills with a dry, clean cloth.

    3. Moisten a cleaning cloth using a solution of 1 tablespoon of mild dish soap and 2 cups water to clean the area.

    4. Rinse with water to ensure complete removal of all soap residue.

    5. Allow fabric to air dry.

For cleaning mold and mildew

    1. Mix a solution of 1 cup bleach and ¼ cup mild dish soap per gallon of lukewarm water.

    2. Spray the entire area to be cleaned and allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes.

    3. Clean the entire upholstered area with a clean cloth, sponge, or soft bristle brush.

    4. Rinse thoroughly to ensure complete removal of the solution.

    5. Allow the fabric to air dry.

Helpful hints:

  • It is best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and residue.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you discover that your outdoor fabric just won't clean to your level of satisfaction, consider purchasing new outdoor fabric to update your outdoor space, patio or pool deck.