Cushions & Fabric Care

Everyday Care (easy wins)

• Brush off debris (pollen, leaves, crumbs) before it works into the weave.
• Spot clean early — fresh spills are always easier than set-in ones. Fabric is not like teflon; it will get marked up and will need spot cleaning or treatment. Consider adding a ScotchGuard application to your cushions to enhance their durability. 
• Air them out after storms or heavy humidity (stand cushions on edge to dry faster). Outdoor fabric is designed to handle moisture and outdoor conditions but that does not mean cushions should be expected to remain continuously saturated without care. Cushions need an opportunity to drain, dry, and air out, especially after significant rain or moisture exposure.
• Bring cushions in during extended rain or when you won’t be using the swing for a while.
  

Mold & Mildew Prevention and Treatment

Mold and mildew are naturally occurring and can develop on outdoor furnishings when the right environmental conditions are present. Growth generally requires four things: naturally occurring mold spores, moisture, suitable temperatures, and an organic food source. Removing any one of these conditions can help prevent mold and mildew from developing.

Our outdoor Sunbrella fabrics are made from synthetic acrylic fibers that do not inherently promote mold or mildew growth and do not provide a food source for mold. However, mildew can grow on the surface of the fabric when moisture and organic material—such as pollen, dirt, leaves, food, body oils, sunscreen, beverages, or other residue—are allowed to remain on the cushions.

This is particularly important in warm, humid, shaded, or frequently wet environments. Cushions that remain damp for extended periods, receive repeated exposure to rain, or do not have adequate airflow may be more susceptible to mildew formation.

Light-colored fabrics, including Canvas Natural, can also make mildew, dirt, pollen, and environmental staining significantly more visible than darker fabrics.

The good news is that surface mold and mildew can generally be treated with appropriate cleaning and preventative care. If you notice signs of mildew, we recommend addressing it promptly rather than allowing it to remain or spread. Please contact us for fabric-specific cleaning and care instructions, or visit Sunbrella's official care guide here. 

Important: Moisture, Mold & Mildew Prevention

Outdoor cushions are designed for outdoor use, but they should not be treated as maintenance-free or continuously waterproof furnishings. Exposure to rain, humidity, pollen, dirt and other environmental conditions requires regular care.

To reduce the risk of mold and mildew, allow wet cushions to dry completely and provide adequate airflow around all sides of the cushions. Whenever possible, stand or position wet cushions so water can drain and air can circulate. Avoid leaving cushions continuously wet, covered while damp, or sitting in areas where water can pool.

Regularly remove dirt, pollen, leaves, food residue, sunscreen, body oils and other organic material from the fabric. These substances can provide a food source for mold and mildew even though the performance fabric itself does not.

Mold and mildew resulting from moisture, humidity, environmental exposure, improper drying, accumulated organic matter, or insufficient care are not considered manufacturing defects and are not covered under our product warranty.

If mold or mildew becomes visible, address it promptly. Contact us for recommended cleaning and care instructions appropriate for your cushion fabric. 

• Sunbrella Renew™ Mold & Mildew Stain Remover

General Spot Cleaning (our go-to method)

• Mix mild soap with lukewarm water.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently work the solution into the area.
• Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
• Air dry completely (avoid sealing damp cushions in a bag or cover).

Deeper Cleaning (when it needs more than a spot clean)

If your cushions are Sunbrella®, follow Sunbrella’s official cleaning instructions for best results.

• Remove cushion covers if your set is designed for it.
• Follow the Sunbrella’s instructions for washing specific stain types (see below).
• Make sure inserts are completely dry before re-covering or storing.
  

Mold and Mildew Treatment Steps

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 or use Sunbrella Renew Mold & Mildew Stain Remover.
• 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.

What to Avoid

• Abrasive scrub pads or stiff brushes (they can fuzz the fabric).
• Harsh bleach use unless the fabric brand specifically recommends it and provides ratios.
• Sealing wet cushions in a cover, bag, or plastic tote (this traps moisture).
• High heat drying that can shrink or stress seams. Never put Sunbrella fabrics in the dryer.

Sunbrella® Resources (Recommended)

These are the most helpful official guides we reference.

Helpful Accessories We Recommend

A few simple add-ons that make care and storage easier.

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