Cleaning & Care for Fabrics & Custom Products
Outdoor fabrics, indoor fabrics, and our custom-made products are designed to be used and enjoyed. With simple routine care, your custom cushions, outdoor curtains, pillows, patio cushion covers, outdoor furniture cushions, shade products, and fabric by the yard can stay cleaner and perform better season after season.
Because Patio Lane offers many fabric brands and custom product types, cleaning instructions may vary. Sunbrella fabrics have their own detailed care guides, while other outdoor fabrics, upholstery fabrics, vinyls, trims, and specialty materials should always be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
This guide is a simple starting point to help you care for your Patio Lane products.
General Fabric Care
For most outdoor cushions, patio cushions, outdoor pillows, curtains, and fabric products, regular light cleaning is the best way to prevent dirt, pollen, and stains from becoming harder to remove.
For everyday care:
- Brush off loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
- Blot spills quickly instead of rubbing.
- Use mild soap and clean water when appropriate for the fabric.
- Rinse thoroughly so soap residue does not remain.
- Allow fabric and cushion products to air dry completely before storing or covering.
Moisture trapped inside cushions, covers, or folded fabric can lead to odor, mildew, or staining over time, so complete drying is very important.
Tip: Refer to the fabric manufacturer’s specific care instructions for all indoor fabrics as they can require extra care depending on the fiber content.
Sunbrella Fabric Cleaning & Care
Sunbrella is a trusted choice for outdoor cushions, patio cushions, outdoor curtains, pillows, replacement cushion covers, and other custom outdoor fabric products because it is designed for long-lasting outdoor performance.
For the most accurate cleaning instructions, including stain removal, mildew cleaning, removable fabric care, and non-removable fabric care, please refer directly to our Patio Lane Sunbrella Care Guide.
Download your PDF version for quick access.
Sunbrella-specific cleaning methods should not be assumed safe for every fabric brand. For non-Sunbrella fabrics, always follow the care instructions provided by that fabric manufacturer.
Care For Other Fabric Brands
Patio Lane offers many outdoor and indoor fabric options beyond Sunbrella, including upholstery fabric, outdoor fabric, sling fabric, awning fabric, marine fabric, vinyl upholstery fabric, waterproof outdoor fabric, decorative fabric, trim, and other specialty materials.
For these fabrics, always follow the specific care instructions from the fabric manufacturer. Cleaning methods can vary based on fiber content, coating, backing, finish, and intended use.
As a general rule:
- Spot test any cleaner in a hidden area first.
- Avoid bleach unless the manufacturer says it is safe.
- Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or abrasive brushes.
- Do not machine wash custom covers unless confirmed safe.
- Rinse thoroughly and allow the fabric to dry completely.
When in doubt, contact Patio Lane before using a stronger cleaner.
Custom Cushion Care
Custom cushions may include outdoor chair cushions, bench cushions, chaise lounge cushions, sofa cushions, swing cushions, daybed cushions, window seat cushions, replacement cushions, and custom patio cushions made to fit your space.
For best results:
- Brush or vacuum loose debris from the fabric.
- Blot spills as soon as they happen.
- Spot clean based on the fabric care instructions.
- Stand cushions on edge when drying so air can circulate.
- Store cushions only when they are completely dry.
Even if a cushion cover has a zipper, the cleaning method for the cover fabric may not be intended for machine washing. Depending on the fabric care instructions, it is always best to unzip your cushion cover for easy cleaning no matter what the method states.
Outdoor Curtain Care
Our custom outdoor curtains for patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and covered outdoor spaces are designed and sewn for exposure to sun, moisture, wind, and pollen.
To care for outdoor curtains:
- Shake or brush off loose dirt regularly.
- Spot clean stains when they happen.
- Use mild soap and water only when approved for the fabric.
- Let curtains air dry fully before tying back or storing.
- Keep curtain bottoms away from standing water, soil, or heavy debris.
Sunbrella outdoor curtains should follow Patio Lane Sunbrella care guidance. Other outdoor curtain fabrics should follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
Pillows, Covers, Shades & Specialty Products
Outdoor pillows, custom covers, shade panels, awnings, sling fabric products, and other specialty outdoor fabric items may require different care depending on the material used.
For general care:
- Remove loose dirt before cleaning.
- Use fabric-safe cleaners only.
- Avoid pressure washing unless the manufacturer allows it.
- Be gentle around seams, zippers, trim, and stitching.
- Allow all fabric, inserts, and hardware areas to dry completely.
For custom shade products, covers, awnings, or specialty materials not made by Sunbrella, contact Patio Lane before using bleach, mildew removers, solvents, or commercial cleaners.
Fabric by the Yard Care
If you purchase fabric by the yard for cushions, curtains, pillows, upholstery, sling chairs, awnings, marine use, or indoor décor, the correct care method depends on the exact fabric selected.
Before cleaning, check the fabric brand, material content, intended use, and manufacturer care instructions. Sunbrella fabric by the yard can follow Sunbrella’s care guides, while other outdoor fabric, upholstery fabric, vinyl, trim, wallpaper, and specialty materials should follow their own manufacturer recommendations.
Outdoor Storage & Seasonal Care
Before storing outdoor cushions, patio cushions, pillows, outdoor curtains, or custom fabric products:
- Clean off loose dirt and debris.
- Spot clean stains.
- Make sure everything is fully dry.
- Store in a dry, ventilated area.
- Avoid sealing damp products in plastic bags or airtight containers.
Regular light care throughout the season is easier than trying to remove heavy buildup later.
Need Help?
If you are unsure which fabric was used on your order or which care instructions apply, Patio Lane can help. If possible, please have your order information, fabric name, or a photo of the product ready when contacting us so that we can easily answer your questions.
For questions, contact Patio Lane at 727.498.0547 or visit our Contact page.
FAQs for Cleaning and Care
Can I clean outdoor cushions with soap and water?
Many outdoor cushions can be cleaned with mild soap and water, but the correct method depends on the fabric. Always check the fabric care instructions, rinse thoroughly, and allow the cushion to dry completely.
Are Sunbrella cushions easy to clean?
Sunbrella cushions are designed for outdoor use and have detailed cleaning instructions available through Sunbrella’s official care guides. For the best results, refer directly to the Sunbrella care PDFs linked above.
Can I use bleach on outdoor fabric?
Only use bleach if the fabric manufacturer says it is safe. Most Sunbrella cleaning instructions include bleach for specific stains, but bleach is not safe for every outdoor fabric, upholstery fabric, vinyl, trim, or specialty material.
Can I machine wash custom cushion covers?
Do not assume custom cushion covers are machine washable, even if they have a zipper. Many custom cushion covers are not designed for regular machine washing. Always confirm the fabric and construction before laundering.
How do I care for outdoor curtains?
Brush off dirt, spot clean stains, rinse thoroughly when using soap, and let outdoor curtains air dry completely. Sunbrella curtains should follow our Sunbrella Care Guide, while other fabrics should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
