The MidSota Canvas Blog

One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clean water. This helps prevent dirt from becoming deeply embedded in the fabric and eliminates the need for more frequent vigorous cleaning. 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 a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning dock side.

General Or Light Cleaning
To clean Sunbrella while still on a boat, follow these simple steps:

• Brush off loose dirt.
• Hose down.
• Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid.
• Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
• Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
• Air dry.
• May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew. For roof run-off or other similar stains a strong degreaser may be required.

Heavy Cleaning For Stubborn Stains And Mildew
Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean stubborn stains:

• Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and one fourth cup mild soap per gallon of clean water.
• Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
• Blot stain with a sponge or clean towel.Note: This step should be avoided when cleaning the coated side (Back side) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity.
• Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
• Air dry.

Note: Use caution when cleaning the coated (underside) of Sunbrella SeaMark, Plus, Supreme, or Clarity with the recommended bleach solution. The coated side of the fabric should only be sprayed with the recommended bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

Remember to protect the area around your Sunbrella if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella may have an adverse reaction to the bleach.

Retreating Sunbrella FabricsSunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish that is designed to last for several years, but may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning. Glen Raven® recommends 303® Fabric Guard™.

Applying a retreatment:

• Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
• Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
• Apply retreatment in a well-ventilated area following instructions on the container.

Professional Cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaning rms. In evaluating the services of a professional rm, you should inquire about a rm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements.

**Information Provided from the Sunbrella Fabrics Website.

Depending on the type of material you choose and what you are covering the color of your canvas can have a large effect on the lifeline. Think your application through thoroughly!

Imagine this, you are a boat covered in black on the hottest day you can remember living through in the state of Minnesota. Back story, you spent a perfect day on the boat with friends and family the day prior. You had so much wet fun that you covered your boat and went inside without a thought. Today, your boat sits in the dead humid Minnesota heat. Sun beats on your cover.

What do you think happens here? The trapped moisture under the black cover allows for a mold and mildew to grow a great deal more than choosing a lighter colored cover. 

How about this, colors outside of your basics beige, ivory, black, and other colors without a real pigment will last longer in lifeline because the cover will not be broken down in the direct sunlight. Maybe you picked, red, because we all know matching influences a decision - understand that the red that matched today may not match three-years from now. 

All materials are different and so much technology is built behind fabric applications today, don't forget to ask the necessary questions to understand exactly what you are getting from a custom covering.