Outdoor fabrics like patio furniture cushions, umbrellas, and gazebo canopies are constantly exposed to the elements like sun, wind, rain, and snow. This can cause them to fade, tear, grow mold, and degrade faster than fabrics used indoors. Protecting your outdoor fabrics will make them last longer and maintain their appearance better. There are several ways to care for and extend the life of outdoor fabric.
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Should you use fabric protectants?
Using a fabric protector or sealant will create an invisible barrier on the fabric to resist water and stains. The coating blocks out dirt and dust so the fabric stays cleaner longer. It also provides UV protection to reduce fading from sun exposure. Fabric protectants can be used on most natural and synthetic outdoor fabrics including polyester, acrylic, nylon, cotton, canvas, mesh, and Sunbrella fabrics. Some options are formulated specifically for certain fabric types like canvas or upholstery.
Look for protectants that contain UV blockers as well as water and stain repellants. Spray-on options are easiest to apply. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the fabric, saturating it completely. Let it dry fully before using the fabric. Reapply every 1-2 months or as directed on the product. Using a protectant can extend the life of patio furniture cushions and umbrellas by up to 50%.
What are some good outdoor fabric protectants?
- Scotchgard Outdoor Fabric Protector
- Thompson’s Water Seal Fabric Sealant
- 303 Fabric Guard
- Star brite Premium Plus Fabric Guard
- Kiwi Camp Dry Heavy Duty Water Repellent
How should you clean outdoor fabrics?
Regular cleaning keeps outdoor fabrics looking fresh and removes dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that can be damaging. How you clean depends on the fabric type:
| Fabric | Cleaning Method |
|---|---|
| Acrylic | Mild soap and water |
| Polyester | Mild soap and water |
| Olefin | Mild soap and water |
| Vinyl | Vinyl cleaner and water |
| Canvas | Mild soap and water |
| Cotton | Mild soap and water |
| Sunbrella | Mild soap and water |
For most fabrics, a mild soap and lukewarm water is sufficient for regular cleaning. Mix a few drops of dish soap or laundry detergent into a bucket of water. Use a soft bristle brush and sponge to scrub the fabric and rinse clean. Allow to air dry fully. For vinyl fabrics, use a specialty vinyl cleaner for the best results.
For stubborn stains and mildew, use a fabric-safe bleach added to the soap mixture. Rinse very thoroughly. For water-safe fabrics, you can use a power washer on a low setting to blast away dirt and debris. Washing removable cushions and umbrella covers in the machine periodically also helps revive fabrics.
How often should you clean outdoor fabrics?
Clean outdoor fabric every 2-3 weeks during peak use seasons. In the off-season when furniture is used less, monthly cleaning is usually sufficient. More frequent washing is needed if the fabrics are prone to growing mildew or get bird droppings and other stains on them.
Be sure to clean the fabric before storing patio furniture or gazebo covers for the winter. This will remove any dirt, grime, or waste that could promote mold growth while packed away.
How can you repair rips and holes?
Rips, tears, and holes are inevitable with outdoor fabric use over time. There are several ways to repair damage to extend the useful life of umbrellas, cushions, and other fabric items used outdoors:
Sewing
Hand sewing with a needle and UV-resistant thread is the most basic repair. Turn under the edges of the tear so they align and sew together with a tight, durable stitch. A sewing awl can help create holes for stitching heavy fabrics like canvas or Sunbrella.
Patching
Cut a patch from matching fabric a few inches larger than the hole all around. Apply fabric glue or adhesive to the wrong side and press in place, smoothing edges. Let dry completely. Flip over and sew around edges of the patch for a secure hold.
Iron-on patches
Purchase iron-on repair patches in various colors to match your outdoor fabric. Follow package directions to iron the patch in place over the hole from the back side. The heat activates the adhesive coating to bond it.
Tenacious tape
Outdoor-grade tenacious tapes are perfect for quick fixes and temporary repairs. The thick tapes have a strong adhesive that sticks to nearly any surface, including vinyl and plastic. Press tape pieces over rips or holes until a more permanent fix is made.
How can you make fabrics more durable?
You can take proactive steps to strengthen outdoor fabrics and add to their durability:
Reinforce seams
Sewn seams are vulnerable to unraveling and tearing on outdoor items. Seal them with fabric glue or patches of tape along the stitch lines. This is especially helpful for cushion covers that get daily use.
Lamination
Apply iron-on laminate sheets to both sides of fabric that needs more strength. The vinyl coating helps stabilize flimsy or delicate materials from wind damage and tearing.
UV resistant spray
Use UV protection sprays made for outdoor fabrics to reduce sun damage. Frequent application helps fabrics maintain color and resist becoming brittle.
Waterproofing spray
Coat absorbent fabrics like cotton canvas with a water repellent spray coating. This prevents mold and mildew growth when rained on.
How should you store outdoor fabrics?
Proper storage over the winter or when not in use preserves the integrity and appearance of outdoor fabrics. Follow these tips:
Clean thoroughly
Wash off any dirt, debris, bird waste, and surface stains before packing away fabric items. This prevents odors, fading, and deterioration.
Let air dry
Ensure cushions, umbrella covers, and other fabrics are completely dry before folding up to prevent mold growth in storage.
Use fabric protectant
Spray fabric guard over the clean, dry item to shield from dust and prevent mildew from developing in storage.
Store off the ground
Keep fabric items on shelves or pallets so they don’t sit directly on potentially damp cement or soil.
Cover loosely
Drape tarps or other waterproof covers over the stored furniture without allowing the fabric to be tightly wrapped. Air circulation is key.
Avoid excess folding
Roll or loosely fold fabrics, being careful not to crease them excessively to avoid permanent wrinkling or damage.
Keep indoors
If possible, move fabric items like cushions indoors to controlled temperature and humidity for storage.
Conclusion
Outdoor fabrics require regular care and maintenance to withstand the elements and last over time. Using fabric protectants, cleaning often, repairing damage right away, reinforcing seams, and proper off-season storage will help extend the life of patio furniture, umbrellas, canopies, and other outdoor items. With careful protection, you can get many extra years of enjoyment from your outdoor fabrics.