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How to Clean Sunbelievable Fabric: A Care Guide for Indoor/Outdoor Performance Upholstery

How to Clean Sunbelievable Fabric: A Care Guide for Indoor/Outdoor Performance Upholstery

When your furniture moves between indoors and outdoors — from cozy living rooms, to screened-in porches and sunrooms, to open patios — it’s helpful to have fabric that’s ready for anything. That’s where Sunbelievable steps in. Designed for versatility and durability, this indoor/outdoor performance fabric bridges the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor functionality.

But even the most “ready-for-life” performance fabrics require proper care. Here’s how to treat, clean, maintain and preserve your Sunbelievable upholstery so it looks great season after season.

[Disclaimer: While all Sunbelievable performance fabrics are solution-dyed, some are 100% polyester and others are 100% acrylic. As a result, different Sunbelievable fabrics may have different care instructions. If in doubt, please check with your upholstery’s seller and/or manufacturer for cleaning codes and specific fabric care instructions. Need help on how to check and decipher your sofa’s cleaning codes? Read more about those here.]

What Makes Sunbelievable Fabric Special?

Sunbelievable fabrics are constructed using either solution‑dyed polyester or solution-dyed acrylic fibers to combine durability, stain‑resistance, and fade-resistance. The result? Fabrics that are equally suitable for both indoor furnishings and outdoor use. Unlike most standard upholstery fabrics, this solution‑dyeing process embeds color into the fiber itself and not just on the surface, so it resists fading even under the sun’s UV rays.

In addition to colorfastness and durability, Sunbelievable is also engineered for cleanability — even under tough conditions. Many fabrics in the Sunbelievable line are bleach‑cleanable (in a diluted solution, of course) when used properly. That means you get excellent performance without sacrificing style.

Everyday Maintenance for Sunbelievable Upholstery

As with any furniture, regular maintenance is critical. This goes for performance fabrics too. To prolong the life of your new Sunbelievable upholstery, follow the simple steps below:

  • Vacuum or gently brush using an upholstery attachment or soft brush to remove dust, debris, and pet hair.

  • Shake out or brush off dry dirt or debris especially if the furniture is used outdoors or in high-traffic areas of the home.

  • Blot spills quickly — don’t rub. This will help prevent fraying of the fibers and prevent stains from being pressed further into the fabric.

  • Rotate or flip unattached cushions when possible to ensure even wear and exposure to fading.

  • For Sunbelievable-upholstered poolside patio furniture, give it a quick rinse after use whenever it’s exposed to saltwater, chlorinated water, or sunscreen to prevent build-up.


We recommend including these habits in your weekly cleaning routine to help preserve the fabric’s appearance and performance over time.

How To Spot Clean Sunbelievable Fabric (Light Spills & Everyday Messes)

For common spills — drinks, snack crumbs, dirt — a mild soap-and-water solution usually does the trick. For more stubborn stains that don’t respond to this first line of treatment, we’ll cover those below.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Warm water
  • Clean white cloth or sponge
  • Liquid laundry detergent
  • Chlorine bleach (for creating diluted bleach solution for stubborn stains)
  • 32 oz spray bottle


Here are your first steps:

  1. Blot excess liquid immediately with a dry cloth — avoid rubbing. For non-liquid stains, gently brush or shake off any remaining debris.

  2. Mix a mild solution in warm water (1 tablespoon of gentle liquid laundry detergent per 2 cups water) as a starting point. If using a standard 32 oz spray bottle, use 2 tablespoons of detergent.

  3. Dampen your cloth with the mixture and gently blot the stained area.

  4. Rinse thoroughly by blotting with a clean cloth dampened in water to remove all soap residue.

  5. Allow the fabric to air dry naturally.


Timing is everything — the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it should be to remove.

How To Tackle Tough Stains & Deep Clean Sunbelievable Fabric (Including Bleach Option)

For more stubborn stains that don’t respond to the treatments above — whether they be mildew, mold, grease, or deep‑set dirt — Sunbelievable’s care instructions allow for stronger cleaning methods when needed. 

When battling oil-based stains like grease, wax, oil, or lipstick, Sunbelievable recommends mild solvent-based residential upholstery cleaners — just be sure to closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions. 

For all other cases, we recommend the bleach solution below. Just remember when working with bleach, always work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, never mix with ammonia or other cleaners, and test your solution in a small inconspicuous area first.

Next steps:

    1. First, mix your bleach cleaning solution. Sunbelievable recommends mixing ½ cup (4 oz) of chlorine bleach and 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of gentle liquid soap / detergent, into 1 gallon of warm water. For filling a standard 32 oz spray bottle, the quantities convert to 2 tablespoons (1 oz) of chlorine bleach and 1.5 teaspoons of liquid soap / detergent.

    2. Blot with a cloth soaked in the bleach solution, while resisting the urge to rub aggressively.

    3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water until all bleach and soap residue is gone.

    4. Blot dry, then let air dry completely.


Because Sunbelievable is engineered for bleach-safe cleanability, this method helps restore fabrics used outdoors or exposed to heavier wear — as long as rinsing and drying are done carefully. However, it’s important to take measures to protect underlying cushions or surrounding surfaces that aren’t colorfast or resistant to bleach.

What to Avoid When Cleaning Sunbelievable Fabric

  • Don’t scrub forcefully or use abrasive brushes — they can damage fibers or fray fabric.

  • Avoid over‑saturating — too much water or cleaning solution can slow drying or soak into seams.

  • Don’t forget the rinse — soap or bleach residue left behind can attract dirt or degrade fibers over time.

  • As with any performance fabric, start with mild soap / detergent and water, and only escalate cleaning strength if necessary.

General Long-Term Tips for Preserving Your Sunbelievable Upholstery

  • For outdoor furniture: bring cushions indoors or cover them during heavy rain or when not in use for extended periods — even though Sunbelievable resists fading and weather, moistures in seams or prolonged wetness can affect longevity.

  • For indoor use, rotate cushions and seat positions regularly to distribute wear evenly and avoid fading in sun‑exposed rooms.

  • After bleach cleaning, ensure thorough rinsing and full air drying before reuse to protect fabric and cushion interiors.

  • Avoid high heat including drying with hair dryers, hot water extraction, etc. as high temperatures can melt synthetic fibers.

  • Always check the care tag or manufacturer’s care guidelines if you’re unsure — especially for blends or older fabrics.

Got More Performance Fabric Questions? Let Us Be Your Upholstery Resource!

If you’re not certain whether a piece of furniture uses Sunbelievable, or you’re dealing with a stubborn stain that won’t give up — don’t hesitate to reach out. Bring by a cushion sample, use our convenient live webchat, or contact us at any North Georgia Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet location. We’re here to help you protect your furniture investment and keep it looking great — indoors, outdoors, and for years to come.

For more helpful info, check out our other upholstery resources below:

How To Clean Upholstery Fabric: Our Guide to Stains & Upholstery Cleaning Codes
How To Clean Revolution Fabric: A Step-by-Step Care Guide for Olefin Upholstery
How To Clean Sunbrella Fabric: A Practical Care Guide for Acrylic Performance Upholstery
How To Clean Crypton Fabric: A Trusted Care Guide for Cleaning Engineered Performance Upholstery
How To Clean LiveSmart Fabric: A Care Guide for Moisture-Resistant Performance Upholstery
How To Clean Nuvella Fabric: A Care Guide for Ashley's Solution-Dyed Performance Upholstery

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