


  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

General or light cleaning

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

  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.

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 (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).

Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew

View the Sunbrella fabric Stain chart.

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. Eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach.
  2. Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
  3. One gallon of water.
  4. Clean with soft bristle brush.
  5. Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
  6. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
  7. Air dry.
  8. Repeat if necessary.
  9. 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. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach. If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:

  1. Use mild soap and/or detergent.
  2. For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
  3. Wash and rinse in cold water.
  4. Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.
  5. Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.

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™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.

Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard


  2. Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
  3. Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.

You can purchase 303 High Tech Fabric Guard here.

Professional awning cleaners


Helpful Hints

  • Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
  • If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
  • DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.