FURNITURE CARE

CARING FOR YOUR FURNITURE

Maintaining and properly caring for your furniture is crucial to ensuring its longevity and keeping it looking its best. Furniture adds comfort and style to your home, but without proper care, it can deteriorate quickly. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only preserve the appearance of your furniture but also help to protect it from damage and extend its lifespan. By following these helpful guidelines, you can keep your furniture looking beautiful for years to come.


UPHOLSTERY CARE

  • Overall Upholstery Care

    • Regularly vacuum your upholstered furniture to remove dust, dirt, and debris.

    • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and use the appropriate cleaning products based on the fabric cleaning codes.

    • With the appropriate cleaning codes, use a mild detergent and water solution to spot clean stains, and test it in an inconspicuous area first.

    • Blot stains instead of rubbing to avoid spreading them.

    • Flip and rotate cushions regularly to ensure even wear.

    • Use arm covers and throws to protect high-use areas.

    • Avoid placing upholstered furniture in direct sunlight to prevent fading.

    • Use a professional cleaning service for deep cleaning, especially for delicate fabrics or persistent stains.

  • Fabric Cleaning Codes:

    W: Spot clean with a water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not use solvents to spot clean.

    S: Spot clean with a water-free, dry-cleaning solvent only. Pre-test a small, inconspicuous area first. Do not over saturate. Do not use water.

    WS: Spot clean with a water-based upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or a mild dry-cleaning solvent. Pre-test a small, inconspicuous area for color bleeding, fading or color transfer. Do not over saturate. Use a professional upholstery cleaning service for overall soiling.

    X: Vacuum only; do not use any cleaning agents. Consult a professional upholstery cleaner.

  • Upholstery Care and Cleaning

    One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® fabrics looking good is to brush off dirt and debris before it becomes embedded in the fabric and to address messes and spills soon after they occur. The quicker you clean spills, the easier they can be to remove.

    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 and water or use Sunbrella Clean™ Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner.

    • 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 based on the fabrication and  manufacturing of the furniture. We recommend using the appropriate cleaning instructions for your application.

    Outdoor Upholstery

    Cleaning Removable Fabric 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. 

    For best results 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. 

    We recommend Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner or an upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner. Specific information on cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaning-guide.

    Oil Based Stains 

    If a stubborn oil based stain persists after cleaning, use Sunbrella Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly.Specific information on spill cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaning-guide.

    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.We recommend using our Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner followed by a diluted bleach solution.Specific information on cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaning-guide.

    Indoor Upholstery
    Cleaning Upholstered Pieces

    • Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle or use Sunbrella Clean Multi-Purpose Fabric Cleaner. You can also use an upholstery cleaner such as 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner.

    • Work the solution into the spill by lightly agitating the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam, with a sponge or very soft bristle brush. Avoid scrubbing, and do not use a hard bristled brush or anything that will abrade the fabric.

    • Rinse the entire fabric thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

    • Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge.

    • Blot or wet-vacuum excess water from the entire surface area of the fabric, moving from seam to seam.

    • Air dry. Repeat rinsing and blotting until all soap residue is removed.


    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. Allow fabric to air dry. 

    Oil Based Stains 

    If a stubborn oil based stain persists after cleaning, use Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover or treat with a strong degreaser and rinse thoroughly. Specific information on spill cleaning is available at sunbrella.com/cleaning-guide.

    Retreating Sunbrella Fabrics

    Sunbrella fabrics are engineered to provide long-term performance.

    After repeated thorough cleanings, or extended use and exposure, you may choose to refresh your fabrics with an appropriate retreating agent.

    We recommend Sunbrella Restore™ Fabric Protector & Repellent or 303® Fabric Guard™, available in the United States, and Tex’Aktiv, available internationally. Please follow retreatment directions stated by Sunbrella®.

WOOD FURNITURE CARE

  • Caring for your wood furniture is more than just cleaning; it's about preserving its natural beauty and integrity. Wood furniture adds a warmth and character to your home, but without proper care, it can become dull, scratched, or damaged. Regular maintenance not only keeps your furniture looking its best but also protects it from everyday wear and tear. By investing a little time and effort into caring for your wood furniture, you can enjoy its beauty and functionality for years to come.

  • Over the years, we’ve tried countless methods and products and found that sometimes the simple answer is the best answer - using a damp cloth and dish detergent to clean your new furniture.


    DO NOT use any product that contains Ammonia! In fact, if you have any in the home, THROW IT OUT! Ammonia can soften the finish and make it sticky to the touch. Likewise furniture polish that contains Silicon should be avoided as this can leave a film on top of the finish of your beautiful piece of furniture.

  • They say, “sunlight is the best disinfectant”. And while that may be true in some cases, solid wood can change color slightly when left in direct sunlight. It is best to place your new furniture in an area of your home where the sun will not shine directly on it.

  • Not unlike ourselves, wood reacts differently in conditions of low or high humidity - who likes dry skin or frizzy hair! If the humidity in your home is too low, it may cause your furniture to dry out or crack. On the other hand, high levels of humidity may result in your furniture warping, or bending. We’ve found that the best environment for your fine furniture is to keep the relative humidity level in your home around 40-45%.

  • The care our vendors take in making your furniture is truly remarkable. They’ve tried, and tested all variations and degrees of heat and found that the finish on your furniture can BRIEFLY withstand heat up to 185 degrees. For all of us non scientists, that means if your coffee cup or bowl of fresh pasta is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your furniture’s finish.

  • The finish on your furniture is spill resistant (not spill proof), but it’s always wise to wipe up any spill immediately. Standing liquid can cause damage to the furniture over time.

  • While we all love a cold glass of our favorite beverage, it’s best to avoid putting your frozen glass or bottles directly on the surface of your furniture. The temperature and moisture can cause rings to appear in the finish and eventually damage the wood.

RUG CARE

  • If you don’t know what your rug is made of blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth. Then see a professional cleaner. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Below are care recommendations from our vendors by material.

  • SPILLS: Blot right away

    DETERGENT: Avoid Oxygen Cleaners

    VACUUM: Regular basis, beater off

    DO: Periodic professional cleaning

    DON’T: Place rug in direct sunlight

  • SPILLS: Spot clean

    DETERGENT: Mild soap, cold water

    VACUUM: Regular basis

    DO: Periodic professional cleaning

    DON’T: Use oxygen cleaners, or place in direct sunlight

  • VACUUM: Regular basis, beater off

    DETERGENT: Professionally clean only

  • SPILLS: Blot right away

    DETERGENT: Professionally rug/ carpet cleaning only

    VACUUM: Regular basis, with beater off

    DON’T: Place rug in direct sunlight

  • SPILLS: Blot right away

    DETERGENT: Mild soap, water

    VACUUM: regular basis

    DO: Periodic professional cleaning

    DON’T: Use oxygen cleaners, place run in direct sunlight

    TIP: Snip loop

  • Clean or remove stains by using soap or detergent and rinsing with clean water. Air dry.

  • DO: Professionally clean only

FAQs

  • Yes! Some fabrics will naturally pill and this is not a defect. Using a sweater shaver can help reduce pilling over time.