Quote:
Originally Posted by wmoses
This has not been my experience with either my previous RV popup or my current HTT. Scotch Guard sprayed liberally (many coats) did nothing untoward to the fabric in either trailer and the fabric was just like it was before the Scotch Guard was applied i.e. like new.
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Does the Sunbrella still breath?
I had a PU from 1999 to 2010 that had Sunbrella tenting. I camped in 100s of nights over the years that I had it, in all four seasons. The tenting still looked brand new when I traded it in. Never had a leak. My 2010 17Z has not needed any cleaning of the Sunbrella except to brush loose dirt off. It hasn't needed to be re-waterproofed. I like to take care of my items the proper way so that they will last.
The following is from Glen Raven's website. They are the makers of Sunbrella.
When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:
Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.
Water should be cold to lukewarm.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.
General or light cleaning
To clean Sunbrella fabric 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 Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).
Use a soft bristle brush 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
View the Sunbrella fabric Stain chart.
Sunbrella 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 Sunbrella fabric if using a bleach solution. Carpet or other fabrics that are not Sunbrella 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 Sunbrella.
Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.
Re-treating the fabric
As part of the finishing process,
Sunbrella 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 Guard™ as the preferred re-treatment product for Sunbrella fabrics. Fabrics should be re-treated after thorough cleaning or after five years of use.
Applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard
303 should be applied to Sunbrella fabrics after each thorough cleaning, which typically removes the original finish and reduces the fabric’s water repellency.
Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.
Allow Sunbrella 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.)
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