Sunbrella fabric is widely adopted thanks to solid branding that touts durability and resistance to mold and mildew growth; however, if you saw the patio umbrella I've used for the last three years, you wouldn't believe that. Years of rain, humidity, and bugs (even a dire infestation of spongy moth caterpillars), really took its toll on our yellow awning. Fortunately, there is one magic ingredient that resolved mold madness and restored our Sunbrella outdoor fabric to nearly its original state: straight-up bleach.
This recommendation to use pure bleach is based on my experience alone, and not in line with recommendations from Sunbrella. It cured the mold and mildew on our outdoor umbrella in a matter of minutes, and I will be following this cleaning method again as an easier alternative to scrubbing with mild soap and water.
Use These Materials
- Bleach (if you have reservations about using straight bleach on darker-colored fabrics, plan to test first with color-safe bleach diluted 1:5 with plain water)
- Soft bristle brush
- Spray bottle
- Hose
- Rubber gloves (optional, for added protection)
- Protective eyewear (optional, for added protection)
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution and Your Umbrella
- Begin by filling your large bucket or container with one gallon of clean water.
- Next, fill a spray bottle with bleach. We did not dilute ours, but Sunbrella does recommend a ratio of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water. Upon testing this, we'd note that diluted bleach will have to sit on the fabric much longer and in a higher volume to have a similar effect.
- Soak the umbrella with water. Presoaking the entire surface in effect dilutes the bleach a little bit; it also makes it easier for the fabric to soak in the bleach during treatment. If it wasn't obvious, this is a good time to note that this is an outdoor-only project. It needs to take place in a well-ventilated area with good drainage.
Step 2: Suit Up (Optional)
While bleach isn't inherently dangerous when used properly, it can irritate skin and eyes. Plus, as you're spraying and scrubbing, it's bound to bounce onto your garments, so make sure you're wearing your junkiest clothing. For added protection, consider wearing rubber gloves and protective eyewear when handling the solution.
Step 3: Apply the Solution
Mist the entire umbrella with bleach spray, ensuring all areas with concentrations of mold or mildew are thoroughly saturated, including the ties, seams, and vents.
Step 4: Agitate and Let Sit
- Using the soft bristle brush, gently agitate the mold or mildew to loosen its grip on the fabric fibers and target tough stains. Be mindful not to scrub harshly — a little goes a long way to help the cleaner work its way into the fabric.
- Once agitated, allow the cleaning solution to sit on the affected area for 5 minutes. The mold and mildew will begin to vanish before your eyes!
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
After 5 minutes, thoroughly rinse the treated area with clean, cold water. You can use a garden hose with a gentle setting or a bucket of clean water repeatedly poured over the area. The goal is to remove all traces of the bleach, and thoroughly dilute the cleaner into the grass so it doesn't cause any lawn damage.
Step 6: Inspect and Repeat (if Necessary)
Inspect the treated area. If the mold or mildew is gone, congratulations! It's like night and day, am I right? If you're dealing with a particularly tough case and there are still traces of mold and mildew lingering on the fabric, repeat steps 3-5, allowing the cleaning solution to sit for a slightly longer duration (up to 10 minutes) during the second application.
Step 7: Dry Completely
Allow the entire piece to dry before closing it up.
How often should I use bleach to clean my Sunbrella umbrella?
While it's tempting to bleach clean frequently, bleach is notoriously harsh on fibers. Reserve deep cleanings with the bleach solution for every 1-2 years. In between deep cleanings, remember a few best practices:
- Only close the umbrella when the fabric is dry to prevent mold growth
- Open the umbrella to promote air circulation during high humidity
- Prioritize regular cleanings. Use the hose and mild soap to scrub on a monthly basis during the summer to remove dead bugs, bird poop, and other pollen and debris.
- Apply a fabric protector and repellent to enhance stain resistance and keep the fabric looking its best between washes
