Sunbrella: A Primer
Have you lounged at the pool under an umbrella lately?
Gone to a nice restaurant and sat out on the patio on a plush cushion?
Chances are you have just enjoyed a product made with Sunbrella fabric, the industry leader in outdoor fabrics. Sunbrella is amazingly stain resistant, and will look great for many years with a little care.
The many beautiful designs and finishes which Sunbrella is continually developing have even made it inside people's homes and businesses, where Sunbrella is prized for its durability and stain resistance. Further, many manufacturers have made Sunbrella their only fabric choice for outdoor patio furniture designs, including Brown Jordan, Costco, and Grandin Road.
For the DIY enthusiast in Los Angeles, F&S Fabrics on Pico is our favorite place for a great selection of Sunbrella fabrics. And be sure to check out their clearance store down the street for rock bottom deals on Sunbrella short ends.
Sunbrella Cleaning 101
The First Rule
Our first rule for Sunbrella cushion and fabric care is to wipe up spills immediately. Lotions and moisturizers are often overlooked where stains are concerned. Bird and bug splotches are often unavoidable, but using a patio furniture cover or umbrella slip-on cover can extend the lifetime of your Sunbrella fabrics.
Brush Off Cushions Every Week
This is important, as dust and grime that is allowed to remain for extended periods can develop mold and mildew that in turn permanently stain the fabric. Even stored and covered patio furniture can get dusty from windy days or, more often, from gardeners' blowers forcing dirt up under the covers. A weekly brush off with this ergonomic brush we swear by is your best insurance against mildew stains on your Sunbrella cushions.
An Ounce of Prevention
If you know you'll be away for an extended period, or if rain is coming in, or a fire breaks out nearby, cover up that furniture, bring the cushions inside or stow them in your trusty cushion bin. Or call us, we're really good at all of the above!
Here's a couple of options for covers, a swanky one that uses Sunbrella fabrics, and a lightweight, cost effective option:
Buyer Beware - Not All Outdoor Cushions Are Alike
The less expensive cushions found at big-box stores such as Home Depot are sometimes covered in polyester fabric, which fades over time and stains easily and permanently. Sunbrella is made of 100% acrylic, and finished with a waterproof coating. Check the tag!
Sparkleyard Outdoor Maids offers Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Services. We clean Sunbrella using recommended cleaning methods, and offer a refresh of the waterproof finish. We also offer many other Patio Cleaning Services.
Contact us today if you don't have the time (or patience!) to clean your outdoor patio furniture. Remember: if it's outside we clean it so you can relax and enjoy your yard.