Care of Your Awning Fabric

Most of our awnings are made with Sunbrella^® fabric. It is guaranteed for a period of five years against loss of color or strength from normal exposure conditions including sunlight, mildew, rot, and atmospheric chemicals. Sunbrella^® has a fluorocarbon finish which provides excellent water repellency and stain release.

Some of the most frequently asked questions about Sunbrella^® fabrics concern care and cleaning. The good news is that Sunbrella^® is designed to be easy to maintain. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will maintain its good looks for many years.

Important Background

Sunbrella^® fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella^® fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.

Because Sunbrella^® fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella^® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.

Sunbrella^® fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric can lead to mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.

Sunbrella^® awning and marine fabrics carry a five-year limited warranty and Sunbrella^® furniture fabrics are warranted for three years. With proper care and cleaning, you can expect excellent service from Sunbrella^® fabrics far beyond warranty periods.

Cleaning

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella^® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. In most environments, a thorough cleaning will be needed every two to three years.

When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella^® fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.

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

· Always use a natural soap. Never detergent.
· Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
· Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella^® fabrics.


If you are cleaning Sunbrella^® while still on a frame or on a boat, follow these simple steps:

· Brush off loose dirt.
· Hose down.
· Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
· Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
· Allow soap to soak in.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.

Prepare a special cleaning mixture:

· Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
· Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap.
· One gallon of water.
· Clean with soft bristle brush.
· Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
· Rinse thoroughly.
· Air dry.
· Repeat if necessary.


If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

· Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
· Wash and rinse in cold water.
· Air dry. Never put Sunbrella^® fabrics in your dryer.


Re-treating the Fabric

As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella^® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard^TM as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella^® fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.

Here is a brief list of Do's and Don'ts for caring for your awning:

Do keep the awnings clean. This is the best protection against mildew. Even on mildew resistant fabric, mildew can grow on accumulated dirt or foreign materials which remain on the top or bottom surface and eventually damage or stain the fabric. We cannot be responsible for such damage.

Do wash down your awnings. If they are vinyl coated, brush lightly with a cloth or soft brush. You can use a mild soap, but rinse thoroughly and immediately.

Do hose your awning with clean water occasionally, every month or so. We recommend that you do this on a hot, sunny day.

Do keep the underside of your awnings clean by simply brushing with a clean household broom.

Do keep shrubbery and vines away from the awnings, as many bushes contain an acid which can be harmful to your awnings.


Do not fold or roll the awning in cold temperatures.

Do not drag your awning across any abrasive surfaces, such as cement, asphalt, or the awning frame.

Do not get insect spray on the fabric, as some solutions may impair the water repellency of the fabric and cause staining.

Do not allow water to stand on the awnings, causing pocketing and possible stretching.

Do not overlook small rips or tears. If a sharp object punctures the fabric, it should be repaired.

Do not cook food or have fires beneath or around the awning.

Do not permit leaves, twigs, dirt, foreign substances, etc. to remain on your awnings as they might cause a staining of the fabric and give mildew and mold a chance to grow.


Following these easy tips will prolong the life of your awning giving you many years service.