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Assembly and CareSunbrella® Fabric
CARE AND CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Click Here to download Sunbrella® (a registered trademark of Glen Raven, Inc.) Fabric Care and Cleaning Instructions in an Adobe Acrobat PDF Format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file.
Some of the most frequently asked questions about Sunbrella® fabrics concern care and cleaning. The good news is that Sunbrella® is designed to be easy to maintain. By following a few simple care and cleaning steps, the fabric will maintain its good looks for many years.
Important Background
Sunbrella® fabrics are made from 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the process of adding color to acrylic fibers during manufacturing while they are in a liquid state. This characteristic of Sunbrella® fabrics is the key to locking in color, easy cleaning and long life.
Because Sunbrella® fabrics are woven, they are also highly breathable, which is why they dry quickly with only air exposure. It's also important to know that Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish requires replenishment after vigorous cleaning.
Sunbrella® fabrics will not support the growth of mildew, but dirt on the fabric can lead to mildew growth, which makes regular cleanings important. No set timetable exists for when fabric should be cleaned, and the local environment has a great deal to do with determining cleaning frequency. Cleaning is required less frequently in a dry environment than in a humid one with heavy foliage.
Sunbrella® awning and marine fabrics carry a five-year limited warranty and Sunbrella® furniture fabrics are warranted for three years. With proper care and cleaning, you can expect excellent service from Sunbrella® fabrics far beyond warranty periods.
Cleaning
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleanings is to hose fabrics off on a monthly basis with clear water. This practice will help prevent dirt from becoming deeply imbedded in the fabric and eliminate the need for more frequent vigorous cleanings. 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 an awning frame or a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine.
When cleaning Sunbrella® fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a natural soap (like dishwashing liquid). Never detergent.
Water should be cold to lukewarm. Never more than 100 degrees.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella® fabrics.
If you are cleaning Sunbrella® while still on a frame, follow these simple steps:
Brush off loose dirt.
Hose down.
Prepare a cleaning mixture of water and mild, natural soap (no detergents).
Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
Allow soap to soak in.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off and other similar stains.
Prepare a special cleaning mixture:
Four ounces (half cup) of chlorine bleach.
Two ounces (one-fourth cup) of natural soap.
One gallon of water.
Clean with soft bristle brush.
Allow mixture to soak for up to 20 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry.
Repeat if necessary.
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.
If an awning or boat cover is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
Use only natural soaps. No detergent.
Wash and rinse in cold water.
Air dry. Never put Sunbrella® fabrics in your dryer.
Re-treating the Fabric
As part of the finishing process, Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella® fabrics. Fabrics should be retreated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use. Check with your local Sunbrella® dealer or distributor for more information.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™
303 should be applied to Sunbrella® fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original fluorocarbon finish and reduces the fabric's water repellancy. After cleaning the fabric, allow it to air dry completely and then apply 303 in a thin, even coat. After allowing the first coat of 303 to air dry, apply a second thin, even coating of 303. Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of lightweight fabric.
Professional Cleaners
You may have access to professional cleaning firms that service awnings. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Sunbrella® fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and retreatment requirements.
The entire CheapAwnings.com Team would like to thank you for purchasing one of our quality awning products. Enjoy your new awning for years to come, in the comfort you deserve! Send us a photo of your awning - we'd like to post it on our web site!
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FREE SHIPPING...Save and Order Now!!
We offer FREE Ground Shipping to anywhere in the 48 contiguous United States, except for the Shady Canopy product lines. Feel free to contact us at (800) 422-6827 ext.278 or via email at sales@cheapawnings.com. We are here to assist you Monday through Friday 7:00AM to 3:30PM (PST).
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The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation is awarded to Sunbrella® Awnings, Canopies, and Umbrellas with Sun Protective Performance Fabrics UPF 50+. |
IMPORTANT NOTES & INFORMATION!!
Please Read Before Ordering
All CheapAwnings products are custom-made based upon specific and unique selections. As a result, CheapAwnings does NOT offer product returns or refunds after the initial 72-hour time of order placement.
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All CheapAwnings.com canvas and metal awnings do NOT carry Wind-Load ratings.
Damages caused by extreme weather (wind, rain, snow, etc.), acts of nature (earthquake, flood, tornado, etc.), misuse or negligence are NOT covered by the warranty and are the customer's responsibility.
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All products showcased online are manufactured to CheapAwnings' standard practices; we reserve the right to substitute some component parts.
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Valance binding trim and thread will be standard complimenting colors.
Fabric seams joining fabric panels are sewn in a vertical orientation.
Frame members are painted and color selection is determined by CheapAwnings. Some frame parts and hardware may not be painted.
Shady Canopy frames are not painted (galvanized finish only).

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