One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years
Re-treating your PVC/Vinyl cover helps it last.
Your canvas has a ‘vinyl surface’ and so Marine Vinyl Treatment is used. A good one is 303 Aerospace Protectant, it also has sun screen. Use 1 paper towel, folded 2 times, fits your hand. Spray the protectant on the canvas or vinyl sparingly and rub it around with the paper towel. Just like putting sun tan oil on. Let it soak in to the cover and dry. That’s it, done. Retreat every 6 to 8 weeks during the summer for best results.
Re-treating your Sunbrella/Acrylic covers or top helps it last.
Retreat Sunbrella after washing, or every year for a long lasting cover or Bimini top. (all brands of acrylic, polyester, nylon, olefin, and cotton canvas) A 16oz spray bottle will do 2 coats on a 18 foot pontoon. A 32oz spray bottle will do 3 coats on a 24 foot pontoon cover. Be sure to let it dry 24 hours between coats. Use 303MRFG (Marine recreation fabric guard) works best, or Star-brite mold treatment. Both keep stains and dirt from getting into the fabric while allowing it the breathe, like scotch guard. Easily applied and will make the water bead up and run off. If the water beads up, you are fine, if not, retreat it.
Mildew Removal
The best way to prevent mildew is to keep the dirt from building up on your cover.The mildew grows on the dirt trapped in the weave of the fabric. So keeping your cover clean is your best defense.
The best way to handle your fabric for cleaning is by laying it flat on a driveway, dock or grass and use a soft bristle long handle scrub brush. Sunbrella® suggests a mild natural cleaner such as Woolite®, Dreft® or Ivory snow® for light cleaning. To remove mildew we recommend Starbrite Mildew Stain Remover.
FAQ
Can I pressure wash Sunbrella® ?
Use pressure washers at less than 200 psi. pressure, or it can damage the fabric. If you have an extreme need for industrial cleaner, use biodegradable De-greaser, a plastic bristle brush and water. But you must rinse it 4 times, use a lot of water and do not let it dry until it is completely rinsed.
Can I put Sunbrella® in the washing machine?
The best way to handle your fabric for cleaning is by laying it flat on a driveway, dock or grass and use a soft bristle long handle scrub brush. Sunbrella® suggests a mild natural cleaner such as Woolite®, Dreft® or Ivory snow® for light cleaning. Sometimes you just need more help. I suggest one of the Industry favorite products listed below.