Awnings care & cleaning ( Dickson Orchestra Fabrics )
One of the best ways to keep Dickson ® brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Dickson fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning.
When cleaning Dickson fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild soap such as Pril but never detergents .
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. (Never more than 100°F/38°C.)
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Dickson fabrics.
- Do not wash in a washing machine .
- Never put them in a dryer .
General or light cleaning
To clean Dickson fabrics while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Pril (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush, cloth or sponge to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew
Dickson fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
- Eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Dickson fabrics if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Dickson may have an adverse reaction to the bleach. If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
- Use mild soap and/or detergent.
- For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never apply heat to Dickson fabrics .
Re-treating the fabric
As part of the finishing process, Dickson fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric GuardT as the preferred re-treatment product for Dickson fabrics.
Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F/66°C.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Dickson fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.
- Clean Dickson fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
- Allow Dickson fabrics to completely air dry.
- Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
- Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
- Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating.
- A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
Professional awning cleaners You may have access to professional awning cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Dickson fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Dickson fabrics.
Helpful hints Protect the area around the Dickson fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolour non-Dickson fabrics. Always rinse Dickson fabrics thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
Dickson fabrics air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Dickson components. |
Awnings care & cleaning ( Dickson Orchestra Fabrics )
One of the best ways to keep Dickson ® brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
When it's time for a thorough cleaning, Dickson fabrics can be cleaned while still on an awning frame or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning.
When cleaning Dickson fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
- Always use a mild soap such as Pril but never detergents .
- Water should be cold to lukewarm. (Never more than 100°F/38°C.)
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry only. Never apply heat to Dickson fabrics.
- Do not wash in a washing machine .
- Never put them in a dryer .
General or light cleaning
To clean Dickson fabrics while still on an awning frame, follow these simple steps:
- Brush off loose dirt.
- Hose down.
- Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Pril (no detergents).
- Use a soft bristle brush, cloth or sponge to clean.
- Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.
If stubborn stains persist, you can use a diluted chlorine bleach/soap mixture for spot cleaning of mildew, roof run-off or other similar stains (see our Stain Chart for specific recommendations).
Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew
Dickson fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. To clean mildew, or other stubborn stains:
- Eight ounces (1 cup) of chlorine bleach.
- Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.
- One gallon of water.
- Clean with soft bristle brush.
- Allow mixture to soak into fabric for up to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
- Air dry.
- Repeat if necessary.
- Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.
Remember to protect the area around your Dickson fabrics if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Dickson may have an adverse reaction to the bleach. If an awning is suitable in size for a washing machine, these steps should be followed:
- Use mild soap and/or detergent.
- For heavier stains add 1 cup of bleach to wash.
- Wash and rinse in cold water.
- Air dry. Never apply heat to Dickson fabrics .
Re-treating the fabric
As part of the finishing process, Dickson fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish, which enhances water repellency. This finish is designed to last for several years, but must be replenished after a thorough cleaning. Based on test results, Glen Raven recommends 303 High Tech Fabric GuardT as the preferred re-treatment product for Dickson fabrics.
Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
* Synthetic fabric heat settings normally do not exceed 150°F/66°C.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Dickson fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric's water repellency.
- Clean Dickson fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
- Allow Dickson fabrics to completely air dry.
- Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.
- Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.
- Apply a second thin, even coating of 303. (Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating.
- A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.)
Professional awning cleaners You may have access to professional awning cleaning firms. In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about a firm's experience in working with Dickson fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Dickson fabrics.
Helpful hints Protect the area around the Dickson fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolour non-Dickson fabrics. Always rinse Dickson fabrics thoroughly to completely remove bleach.
Dickson fabrics air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary.
If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic* setting. As some irons exceed the recommended 100°F/38°C temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.
DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.
Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Dickson components. |
Sunbrella Fabrics - Indoor & Outdoor furniture care & cleaning
One of the best ways to keep Sunbrella® brand fabrics looking good and to delay deep or vigorous cleanings is to properly maintain the fabrics. This can be accomplished by simply brushing off dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabrics, wiping up spills as soon as they occur or spot cleaning soon after stains occur.
For removable cushion covers and slipcovers:
Hand washing
- Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.
- Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry
Machine washing
- Machine wash in cold water with mild laundry soap.
- Allow Sunbrella to air dry.
- Do not put in a Dryer .
Spot cleaning upholstered pieces
- Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.
- Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Wet-vacuum or blot excess water.
- Air dry, Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.
For stubborn stains and/or mildew
Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric
- Prepare a solution of 1 cup bleach and 1/4 cup of mild soap per gallon of clean water.*
- Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.
- Remove stain with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush until all soap residue is removed.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Air dry. Do not put in a heat dryer .
*If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased. See our Stain Chart for removal of specific stains.
Re-treating the fabric for ease of cleaning
Sunbrella fabrics have a special finish that enhances water repellency. The finish is designed to last for several years of normal use, but may be refreshed with 303 High Tech Fabric GuardT, the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
- Clean Sunbrella, allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.
- Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow to dry.
- Repeat step 2.
Two light coatings are more effective in restoring fabric water resistance than a single heavy coating. A 15-ounce bottle provides coverage of up to 50 square feet of fabric.
Professional cleaners In evaluating the services of a professional firm, you should inquire about the firm's experience in working with Sunbrella fabrics and knowledge of cleaning and re-treatment requirements. DO NOT dry clean Sunbrella.
Helpful hints Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution - bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and soap.
Sunbrella air dries very quickly.
Machine drying is not necessary.
DO NOT use a steamer or an iron with steam setting. If wrinkles are a concern, use an iron set to "synthetic fabric" heat.
Sunbrella Stain Cleaning Chart
Stain Chart
Sunbrella® fabrics are treated with a fluorocarbon finish that acts as a sealant resistant to water & stains. Sunbrella® is able to hold up against inclement weather and even most stains. For those occasions when stains may occur below are our recommended cleaning methods for Sunbrella® for some of the most common and toughest stains.
STAIN |
Recommended Cleaning Solutions |
BEER |
Dish Washing liquid, white vinegar |
BERRY |
Dish Washing liquid / ammonia (3-6% water) |
BLOOD (DRIED) |
Dish Washing liquid / ammonia (3-6% water) |
BUTTER |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
CHARCOAL, PENCIL MARKS |
vacuum, then dish washing detergent |
CATSUP OR MUSTARD |
Dish Washing liquid |
CHEWING GUM |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
CHOCOLATE |
Dish Washing liquid, ammonia water |
COFFEE |
Dish Washing liquid, white vinegar, volatile solvent (acetone) |
COLA |
Dish Washing liquid |
CRAYON |
paint, oil or grease remover |
EGG (RAW) |
Dish Washing liquid |
GRAPE JUICE |
Dish Washing liquid |
GRAVY |
Dish Washing liquid |
GREASE (CAR) |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
INK (PERMANENT, INDIA,BALLPOINT) |
paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), Dish washing liquid |
IRON RUST |
oxalic or citrus acids, water |
| Sunbrella® Care and Cleaning Instructions |
LIPSTICK |
paint, oil or grease remover |
MASCARA |
paint remover, volatile solvent (acetone), dish washing liquid, water |
MILDEW |
1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup natural soap per gallon of water |
|
STAIN |
Recommended Cleaning Solutions |
MILDEW |
1/2 cup of bleach and 1/4 cup natural soap per gallon of water |
MILK |
Dish Washing liquid |
NAIL POLISH |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
OIL |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
ORANGE DRINK |
Dish Washing liquid , water |
PAINT (LATEX) WET |
Dish Washing liquid, water |
PAINT (LATEX) DRIED |
paint, oil or grease remover |
PAINT (OIL OR LACQUER) |
paint, oil or grease remover |
SHOE POLISH (LIQUID) |
volatile solvent (acetone) |
SHOE POLISH (WAX) |
apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) |
SUNTAN LOTION |
Pine Power® or pine oil detergent |
TEA |
Dish Washing liquid |
TOMATO JUICE |
Dish Washing liquid |
Sunbrella® Care and Cleaning Instructions |
TREE SAP |
turpentine, dish washing liquid |
URINE |
Dish Washing liquid , white vinegar |
VOMIT |
Dish washing liquid , water, white vinegar |
WATER COLOR |
Dish Washing liquid , water, white vinegar |
WAX (CANDLE) |
apply heated iron over towel, volatile solvent (acetone) |
WINE |
Dish Washing liquid / ammonia (3-6% water), white vinegar |
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