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Sunbrella Fabrics Q&A 
View Sunbrella Retractable Awning Fabric Color Choices
Q: Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
A: Because Sunbrella Furniture fabrics are designed to be breathable, they are water repellent, but not completely waterproof. Over time, the water repellency can be refreshed by using 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™.
Q: Will Sunbrella fabric mildew?
A: Mildew will not grow on Sunbrella unless there is food, dirt or other organic matter on the fabric. Keeping Sunbrella clean is the best defense against mildew. Bleach and other mildew removers do not affect Sunbrella, so cleaning mildew is easy if it becomes necessary.
Q: Can I hose down Sunbrella fabric?
A: One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella fabrics looking good and to delay the need for deep or vigorous cleaning 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. Remember after hosing down the fabric to allow the fabric to air dry.
Q: How can I clean bird droppings on my awning?
A: For those stains that are beyond our normal care and cleaning instructions, such as bird droppings, roof run-off, acid rain, pollution, rust, tree sap, insect stains, etc., we suggest the following products: an off-the-shelf product such as Goo Gone Grease Cutter (a hand cleaner), Greased Lightning, or Clean Rite Purple Power (available at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc.). Rub product into fabric, allowing penetration. Brush with a soft brush, rinse THOROUGHLY and repeat if necessary.
Q: In your cleaning instructions, you use the term "Mild" or "Natural Soap". What is "Mild" or "Natural" soap?
A: By "Natural" or "Mild" soap we mean Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite. These gentle soaps rinse out easily and will not diminish the water-repellent "finish" applied to the fabric. Regular laundry detergent will not harm the fabric, but the water-repellent "finish" will be removed sooner (laundry detergents do not affect the stain and UV resistance). BE SURE to use cold water and to air dry the fabric when using laundry detergent. In addition, after several cleanings you will need to retreat the fabric with a water repellent product, such as 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ (www.303products.com).
Q: Do Sunbrella fabrics provide UV protection?
A: Sunbrella fabrics have been tested and proven to provide up to 98% UV protection from harmful effects of the sun when used in shade applications. Sunbrella fabrics have been awarded the "Seal of Recommendation" by The Skin Cancer Foundation, an international organization dedicated to the prevention of skin cancer (www.skincancer.org). Whites and lighter colored fabrics provide less protection than darker fabrics, which have more depth of color. This protective factor is inherent to the product and will not be reduced by usage and/or fabric exposure to the sun.
Q: How does Sunbrella lock in color?
A: Sunbrella fabrics are made from 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarns. Solution-dying is the manufacturing process of adding color to acrylic fibers while they are in a liquid state. This unique feature of Sunbrella fabrics allows them to lock in color, be easily cleaned and provide you with a long life. | 
