After a long winter, your outdoor furniture may be covered in dust, mildew, and stubborn stains from months of exposure. To keep your furniture looking its best for the warmer months ahead, a proper spring cleaning routine is essential. Whether your outdoor fabrics are composed of 100% solution-dyed acrylic (such as Sunbrella®), 100% woven vinyl-coated polyester (like Phifertex®), or PVC-coated polyester-Sunbrella® acrylic blends, follow these easy steps to refresh, protect, and maintain them all season long.

Step 1: Inspect & Prepare for Cleaning

Before diving into deep cleaning, take a few minutes to inspect and prep your outdoor fabrics.

  1. Check for mold, mildew, or stains caused by winter moisture.
  2. Look for signs of wear or fading—these areas may need extra protection.
  3. Brush off loose dirt, leaves, and pollen to prevent spreading debris during cleaning.
  4. Inspect cushion seams and stitching to ensure they’re intact.

Once your furniture is prepped, you're ready for deep cleaning!

Step 2: Deep Cleaning Outdoor Fabrics

Winter buildup can be tough on outdoor furniture, and different fabrics require slightly different cleaning methods. Here’s how to effectively clean both solution-dyed acrylics, woven vinyl-coated polyester & PVC-coated polyester-Sunbrella® acrylic blends:

Recommended Cleaning Products:

  • Iosso Mold & Mildew Stain Remover – Ideal for tackling mildew stains.
  • 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner – Great for lifting dirt, stains, and grime.

Pro Tip: If mildew is present, spot-treat the affected areas with Iosso Mold & Mildew Stain Remover before doing a full clean.

Mold & Mildew Spot Cleaning:

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Dissolve 1 scoop of Iosso Mold & Mildew Stain Remover powder in 1 quart of warm water, stirring well until the blue color disappears.
  2. If possible, soak the entire item. For spot cleaning, use a sponge to pre-wet the fabric thoroughly with water.
  3. Using a sponge, brush, or sprayer, apply the Iosso Mold & Mildew solution evenly over the wet fabric.
  4. Allow the solution to sit on the fabric for at least 15 minutes or longer. Keep the surface wet with the solution during this time.
  5. Once satisfied with the results, rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water.

Optional for Tough Stains: If the fabric is removable and the stain is stubborn, soak the fabric overnight in the solution. Then rinse well, as in Step 5.

303 Multi-Surface Cleaner:

Cleaning Steps:

  1. Spray 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner generously until the fabric is wet.
  2. Gently scrub with a microfiber towel, soft brush or a sponge to lift stains.
  3. Wipe up with a damp cloth.
  4. Let the fabric air dry completely to prevent mildew buildup.

Pro Tip: If stains persist, allow the cleaner to soak longer before scrubbing.

Step 3: Protect & Maintain for the Season

Once your outdoor furniture is clean and dry, applying a protective treatment can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking fresh.

1. 100% Solution-Dyed Acrylic (such as Sunbrella®)

Recommended Product: 303 High Tech Fabric Guard – Restores water repellency and stain resistance for both polyester and acrylic fabrics.

Application Steps:

  1. Make sure fabric is clean and dry before treating (Recommend using 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner prior to applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard).
  2. Apply evenly.
  3. Holding the bottle 6-12 inches away from the fabric surface, spray 303 High Tech Fabric Guard evenly in a sweeping motion. Cover the entire fabric, ensuring an even light coat.
  4. Turn the fabric 90 degrees and spray a second light coat in a sweeping motion.
  5. Allow 12-24 hours to dry.

2. 100% Woven Vinyl-Coated Polyester (like Phifertex®) or PVC-Coated Polyester-Sunbrella® Acrylic Blends

Recommended Product: 303® Aerospace Protectant™ – Shields surfaces from harmful UV rays and environmental wear. Its protective barrier helps prevent fading, cracking, and drying, while also repelling dust, dirt, and grime to keep surfaces looking like new.

Application Steps:

  1. Make sure fabric is clean and dry before treating (Recommend using 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner prior to applying 303 Aerospace Protectant).
  2. Place a drop cloth under the item to be treated to catch any overspray.
  3. Out of direct sun, spray surface with 303 Aerospace Protectant and wipe completely dry.
  4. If streaking occurs, use a wet towel to remove excess and immediately wipe completely dry.

Pro Tip: This product does not air dry on its own. For best results, buff thoroughly with a dry cloth to enhance bonding, water repellency, and long-lasting protection.

Other ways to extend your fabrics:

  • Use furniture covers when not in use to protect against sun and rain.
  • Store cushions in a dry place during storms to prevent mold growth.
  • Wipe down furniture regularly (every 1–2 weeks) to prevent buildup.

Step 4: Regular Maintenance

1. Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fabrics (e.g., Sunbrella®) & PVC-Coated Polyester-Sunbrella® Acrylic Blends

Mild Soap Solution:

Product: A gentle soap like Dawn® dishwashing liquid.
Solution: Mix 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.

Method:

  • Use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to gently work the solution into the fabric.
  • Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.

Drying Guidelines:

  • Solution-Dyed Acrylic Fabrics: Air dry away from direct sunlight to prevent premature fading and breakdown of protective coatings.
  • PVC-Coated Polyester-Sunbrella® Acrylic Blends: Can be dried in direct sunlight, as they repel water and resist UV damage more effectively.

2. Woven Vinyl-Coated Polyester Fabrics (e.g., Phifertex®)

Mild Soap Solution:

Product: Mild soap and water.

Method:

  • A simple wipe-down with soapy water is all that's needed.
  • Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

Drying Guidelines:

Woven Vinyl-Coated Polyester Fabrics are highly UV-resistant and durable, so drying in direct sunlight is perfectly fine.

How Often Should You Clean Your Outdoor Fabrics?

  • Spring Deep Cleaning
    Use: 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner & IOSSO® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover (as needed)
    Clean thoroughly at the start of the season to remove built-up dirt, mildew, or stains.
  • Regular Maintenance
    Use: Mild Soap & Water or 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner
    Wipe down every 1–2 weeks to prevent dirt and grime buildup.
  • Protective Treatment for Acrylic & Polyester Fabrics
    Use: 303® High Tech Fabric Guard™
    Reapply every 3–6 months to maintain water repellency and UV protection.
  • Protective Treatment for PVC-Coated Polyester Fabrics
    Use: 303® Aerospace Protectant™
    Reapply every 3–5 weeks for ongoing UV defense and surface protection.

Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Follow the instructions: Ensure carefully read the product labels, as proper usage may vary depending on the product. We are not responsible for any misuse or improper application.
  • Wear protective gear: Use gloves and eye protection when handling the products.
  • Test Before Use: Always test cleaning solutions on a small, inconspicuous area of the fabric to ensure they do not cause discoloration or damage.
  • Proper Rinsing: Ensure all cleaning agents are thoroughly rinsed off to prevent residue buildup, which can attract dirt and degrade the fabric over time.
  • Air Drying: Allow fabrics to air dry completely before use or storage to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Avoid Using These on Fabrics:

  • Power washers: Can damage fabric fibers and protective coatings.
  • Harsh solvents or degreasers: May strip protective coatings and fade fabric.

By following this simple spring cleaning routine, your outdoor furniture will stay fresh, durable, and ready for relaxation all season long!

Please note: The information shared in this blog is meant to be general guidance. While we do our best to ensure everything is accurate and helpful, we can’t guarantee its suitability for every situation. Always follow manufacturer instructions and test products in a small, inconspicuous area first. Use at your own discretion.