Fabric Care
Caring for your cotton canvas
from the Catalan and Basque Regions
Before your first use of our table linens, machine wash on cold, without soap, delicate cycle. Line dry and press. Please note that shrinkage of up to 8% is normal for natural textiles of this quality. Then wash normally on cold with mild soap. Machine dry on low or line dry. Wash dark colors separately. Continue to maintain this fabric for many years by washing on cold and drying on low or line drying. For bags and espadrilles, spot clean with mild soap.
Caring for your Espadrilles
Avoid Avoid getting the jute sole of your espadrilles wet. Do not machine wash. You can easily clean the canvas upper with a wet, soapy cloth and even tighten the canvas by turning the shoe upside down and dipping the canvas upper in hot water and allowing them to dry. If you get caught in the rain and the soles do get wet, stuff the shoes with newsprint and allow them to completely dry. If they get a little dirty, wipe fabric upper with soapy cloth or sponge – do not submerge in water to prolong the life of the jute foot bed. Most wearers of espadrilles get a full season out of their shoes. Keeping toenails trimmed helps to keep the fabric upper intact. Due to the delicate nature of natural fibers, these shoes are more fragile than a pair of leather shoes so taking care of them is important. They are priced so you can replace your favorites each year. Our shoes are the longest lasting espadrille because the jute sole is soaked into a bath of hot liquid rubber and the rubber goes into the jute so that it will not come apart from the sole unlike cheap imitations which simply glue a flat rubber sole to the jute.
Caring for your outdoor Sunbrella Fabric
Try this first... With a new spill on your Sunbrella fabric.
- Blot (don’t rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth. 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 (such as Dawn® or Woolite®) and water.
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
Try this next... If your first try doesn’t get the spill completely out.
Though Sunbrella fabrics can be used both outdoors and in, your cleaning methods should differ slightly indoors and out because of the fabrication and manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.
Hand Washing
Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a sponge or very soft bristle brush to lightly agitate the spill. Then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and allow fabric to air dry.
Machine washing
Some removable casings can be washed in the washing machine, however consult the furniture manufacturer before removing the casing as cushion construction may vary. To wash, first close all zippers. Machine wash in cold water on the delicate cycle with normal amounts of mild laundry detergent. For severe mold or mildew, add 1 cup of bleach. Allow fabric to air dry.
Cleaning Non-Removable Fabric
Prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Use a soft bristle brush to clean, allowing the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue and allow fabric to air dry.
Seam-To-Seam Cleaning
When cleaning upholstered pieces, clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam, instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the spill. This method, along with an extractor, may be required in order to avoid water rings and residue.
Mold and Mildew
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric. To remove mold or mildew:
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of water.
- Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
- Clean entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry.
For severe mold/mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased.
It is best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and residue.
For other spills, products such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner, Dawn®, or Resolve® are applicable. Specific information on spill cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaningguide
Caring for your Fabric and Acrylic Trays
Our trays, made in France, are actual fabric, sandwiched between two layers of molded acrylic. Although they are sealed, water can still get through some areas. To avoid staining the fabric, sponge clean the surface and do not submerge in water or place in dishwasher.