Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture: A Guide to Cleaning Sunbrella Fabric.

If you’ve invested in outdoor furniture that uses top-of-the-line Sunbrella® fabric, you’ll want to ensure it stays in pristine condition to withstand New Zealand’s unpredictable weather and the odd spillage. Our latest blog talks about how to best care for your fabric.

Why do we use Sunbrella® Fabric?

The majority of our outdoor furniture products are covered in this fabric, and there is a good reason why. Sunbrella® fabric is a standout choice for garden furniture throughout New Zealand due to its distinctive characteristics. This fabric has a reputation for resisting fading, even in the face of harsh weather conditions such as intense sunshine or heavy rain.

Sunbrella® fabrics are manufactured from robust acrylic fibres to provide excellent strength and longevity, ensuring your outdoor living space remains inviting for years to come. However, whilst Sunbrella® fabric is designed to be hardwearing, it still needs regular care and maintenance to keep it looking its best.

General Cleaning Advice: Handwashing

Start the cleaning process by brushing off any surface dirt or debris from the Sunbrella® fabric.

Hand wash fabric in a solution using lukewarm water and mild soap; approximately 60ml of soap is needed for every 4 litres of water.
Gently scrub this soapy water mixture into the fabric using a sponge or very soft bristle brush, ensuring you cover all areas.
Allow the solution to soak into the fabric for around 15 minutes, assisting in loosening any grime or stains.
Thoroughly rinse the fabric until all soap residue is completely removed.
Lastly, let it naturally air dry.

Please note: Avoid scrubbing using hard bristle brushes or any other abrasive cleaning method.

General Cleaning Advice: Machine Washing

It may be possible to wash certain casings by machine, but it is important to seek advice from the furniture manufacturer first as cushion construction can differ. To wash the casing, ensure all zips are securely closed before washing on the delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent and cold water. If faced with persistent mould or mildew, consider adding a cup of bleach. The casing should then be air-dried for optimal results.

Please Note: To eliminate any wrinkles on the fabric, use the synthetic setting on your iron. To avoid damaging the fabric, it is recommended that you test a small, unnoticeable section before ironing the entire piece, as the temperature settings on irons can differ.

Had a little Spill? Try these steps first

Liquid? Blot with a clean, dry cloth – don’t rub!
For oil-based spills, apply an absorbent such as corn starch, then remove with a straight edge.
Spray on a mild cleaning solution of soap and water.
Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Always air dry.

Addressing Stubborn Stains and Mildew:

Use a stronger solution when faced with stubborn stains that won’t come out with regular cleaning.

Mix 250ml of bleach with 60ml of mild soap and 4 litres of water. Apply this mixture to the stain and gently scrub.
Allow the solution to soak into the fabric for about 15 minutes before thoroughly rinsing.
Allow fabric to air dry.

It’s important to note that while Sunbrella® fabric doesn’t naturally promote the growth of mildew, it can develop on any dirt or other impurities that haven’t been properly removed.

Warranty

Sunbrella® fabric is also covered by a 5-year warranty, so you can enjoy your Sunbrella fabrics with peace of mind. This warranty protects against degradation of the fabric’s colour and strength, even under typical usage and various environmental conditions, including exposure to sunlight, mould, mildew, and atmospheric chemicals.

Sunbrella® cushions are a perfect blend of enduring quality and style that will enhance the look of your outdoor furniture for many years to come.

Visit One of Our Showrooms Across New Zealand

Check out your nearest Modern Style outdoor furniture showroom today!

We understand investing in outdoor furniture requires careful consideration, which is why our showrooms have display models for you to experience firsthand. Whether you’re seeking stylish outdoor chairs, luxurious sun loungers, comfortable sofas, or elegant dining furniture, rest assured, we have your needs covered.

Our showrooms are in Rosedale, Auckland; Te Rapa, Hamilton; Tauriko, Tauranga; and Riccarton, Christchurch. Our friendly and helpful team is here to help you find the perfect setting for your space.