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Patio Paradise – Outdoor Furniture Fabic Care 101

Patio Paradise ~ Outdoor Furniture Fabric Care 101

Patio Paradise only sells quality outdoor fabrics made from a wide variety of synthetic fibers, acrylic, polyester, olefin, and various blends, including cotton and only the finest outdoor foam and fiber fillings.

Fabrics have been treated to resist stains and water before leaving the factory. These breathable fabrics are made “water repellent” by a chemical treatment process during manufacturing. The treated fabric repels (beads) water, resists soiling, both water & oil-based stains and impedes mildew formation. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water using a sponge or soft scrub brush is all that is required. 

The original repellency treatment is diminished with time and use, making periodic cleaning and retreatment necessary. The key to keeping your outdoor fabric looking great and extending its life is periodic cleaning followed by repellency retreatment. 

Most of the fabrics found at Patio Paradise are SUNBRELLA. SUNBRELLA® is so durable that it comes with a 5 year limited warranty. To ensure maximum performance and keep it looking great, SUNBRELLA® needs routine cleaning. Although the fabric comes treated with a water and stain resistant finish, repellency re-treatment is necessary after a thorough cleaning. SUNBRELLA produces their own cleaning product for just this type of application called Sunbrella Total Care Kit. In addition, GLEN RAVEN MILLS, INC. has also endorsed a product for re-treatment of its SUNBRELLA® fabric. That product is 303 High Tech FABRIC GUARD available online and in stores. It is unrivaled in repelling water, stains, and the damaging effects of the sun. 

Simple Cleaning – It’s Easy! 

1. While dry, brush, shake or vacuum off loose dirt.

2. Hose down to remove remaining loose dirt.

3. Use 303 Fabric Cleaner or if you don’t have this product, a mild natural soap (Ivory Soap) 

in lukewarm water (100°F max). Use soft bristle brush, sponge or cloth to loosen any stubborn dirt. Properly maintained fabric should require no more than light agitation. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap. 

4. Allow to air dry. It’s now time to retreat: 

303 High Tech Fabric Guard is the retreatment product recommended by and for Sunbrella® /Glen Raven Mills, Inc. 

303 Fabric Cleaner is a concentrate. Though a concentrate, it can be used safely full strength for spots. It is diluted down for general cleaning. 

Though mostly known in the world of outdoor fabrics, this product is equally effective and safe on all fabrics, indoor and outdoor. AND it is safe to use to clean any other water-safe surface. 

303 Fabric Cleaner is the 303 product outdoor fabric manufacturers recommend for cleaning their fabric before “Re-treating”. Cleaning and re-treating is part of regular care for ALL outdoor fabrics. 

This product has no odor and rinses residue free. After cleaning outdoor fabrics always rinse thoroughly. After cleaning fabric upholstery or carpeting with a machine extractor, always go over the material one more time with water only to remove any cleaning agent residue. 

Non-Toxic, Biodegradable: All of 303’s cleaner products are non-toxic, non-flammable and biodegradable. 

Caution: Certain suntan and sun block products contain “PABA”. PABA is harmful to fabric and can permanently discolor it; therefore, contact with cushions or slings should be avoided. If contact is made, cleaning the fabric immediately with a non-abrasive, mild soap and water solution followed by a fresh water rinse may minimize the possibility of

discoloration. Laying a beach towel over the cushions or slings of outdoor furniture whenever you are using the furniture will prolong the fabric life.

X Do not use a bleach solution unless specifically listed as a cleaning agent for the specific fabric, such as for solution dyed acrylics.

X Do not submerse or allow cushions to lie in standing water.

X Do not put cushions into the dryer.

X Do not use harsh detergents or stiff bristle brushes.

X Do not use Pine Oil cleaners or abrasive household cleaners.

X Do not use heat or hot water. 

 

Sling Fabrics 

Vinyl coated polyester fabrics should be cleaned regularly with a mild liquid detergent and water to prevent the accumulation of soil in the open weave fabric. Mildew can be removed with a solution of three gallons warm water combined with one cup bleach and 2 ounces of liquid detergent.