Common Stains – Sunbrella
This chart contains our recommended cleaning methods of Sunbrella® fabric for common stains. For best cleaning results, spills and messes should be
cleaned as soon as they occur. Set-in residue may require professional cleaning. After cleaning with the below solutions, always rinse fabric thoroughly.
- Beer
- Food Color
- Urine
- Vomit
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/3 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
- Berry
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup – 1 cup white vinegar per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
- Bird droppings
- Catsup or Mustard
- Coffee
- Cola
- Egg (raw)
- Grape Juice
- Milk
- Tea
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
- Blood (dried)
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup – 1 cup ammonia per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Hydrogen peroxide and upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve
- Butter
- Grease
- Oil
- Paint Wet/Dried (latex, oil, lacquer)
- Salad Dressing
- Shoe Polish (liquid)
- Suntan Lotion
- Tomato Juice
Cleaning Solution: Apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge, clean up residual
with dishwashing liquid and water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® or strong degreaser
- Charcoal
- Pencil Marks
Cleaning Solution: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® or strong degreaser
- Chewing Gum
Cleaning Solution: Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® or strong degreaser
- Chocolate
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon water
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve® or strong degreaser
- Crayon
Cleaning Solution: Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Carbona® Stain Devils® for Ink, Marker and Crayon
- Ink (india, ballpoint)
- Nail Polish
Cleaning Solution: Treat with volatile solvent (acetone 100%). Then clean with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve®
- Iron Rust
Cleaning Solution: Treat with CLR® and rinse thoroughly.
Commercial Cleaner: Rust remover such as CLR®
- Kool-Aid
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water and rinse thoroughly
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
- Mildew
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup bleach per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: No commercial cleaner recommended. A stronger percentage of bleach may be necessary for severe mildew.
- Shoe Polish (wax)
Cleaning Solution: Apply heated iron over towel. Apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge,
clean up residual with dishwashing liquid and water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as Resolve®
- Tree Sap
Cleaning Solution: Treat with solvent to soften and remove as much of the tree sap as possible. Repeat as necessary. Then clean with soap and water and rinse thoroughly to remove solvent.
Commercial Cleaner: Murphy® Oil Soap, turpentine, volatile solvent (acetone 100%). Dry cleaning by someone with experience handling acrylic fabrics.
- Wax (candle)
Cleaning Solution: Apply heated iron over towel. Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Wax remover such as Carbona® Stain Devils® for Nail Polish, Glue and Gum
- Wine
Cleaning Solution: Combine 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid, 1/3 cup white vinegar and 1/2 cup – 1 cup isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide per 1 gallon water.
Commercial Cleaner: Upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner or Resolve®
After cleaning with these recommended solutions, please rinse fabric thoroughly and allow to air dry.
Click here for instructions on how to clean stains for Phifertex® and GeoBella® fabrics.