Maintenance and Care Instructions
How to care for Outdoor Fabric
Q: Is Outdoor Fabric waterproof?
A: Because outdoor fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water-repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard. (www.303products.com).
Q: How often do I need to thoroughly clean my Outdoor Fabric?
A: The best way to keep outdoor fabrics looking good is simply to clean them as needed. Rinse off dust, dirt, and spills as soon as they occur, and spot-clean any heavier soilings as soon as you detect them. Occasional rainfall will help keep your outdoor furniture clean. Removable cushion covers may be machine-washed in cold water with mild laundry soap and air-dried. For more stubborn stains, outdoor fabrics can be cleaned with a mild bleach solution.
Q: What about mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on outdoor fabrics unless food, dirt, or other organic matter is present on the fabric. Keeping your outdoor fabrics clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach solution and other mildew removers will not harm your outdoor fabrics, so removing mildew is easy if it becomes necessary.
Q: Can I put wet fabric in the dryer?
A: Outdoor fabrics do not absorb water and are designed to air-dry very quickly - usually within a matter of minutes. A clothes dryer is unnecessary and should be avoided, as this can overheat and shrink the fabric.
Q: Do Sunbrella furniture fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella furniture fabrics are the only fabrics that have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from the sun's harmful effects when used in shaded environments. Sunbrella furniture fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer.
For Stubborn Stains and/or Mildew
Outdoor fabrics do not promote mildew growth. However, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign, organic substances that are not removed from the fabric.
To clean stubborn stains that don't come off with spot-cleaning, follow these easy steps:
* Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.
* Soak affected area in solution for 20 minutes.
* Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.
* Rinse thoroughly.
* Air-dry.
Re-treating Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but can be refreshed anytime with 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.
303 products can be used effectively on other outdoor fabrics as well.
For more information, please see www.303products.com.
Helpful Hints
Be sure to protect the area around your outdoor fabrics whenever you use a bleach solution, as bleach may discolor surfaces and non-outdoor fabrics. Always rinse your fabrics thoroughly to completely remove bleach and soap.
Outdoor fabrics air-dry very quickly. Machine-drying is not necessary.
