Sunbrella Specifications

Sun Protection

• Before 1961, the most common awning fabric was cotton. But cotton faded, stayed wet a long time and got moldy when it wasn't allowed to dry out completely. Sunbrella offered the look and feel of cotton but did not fade or degrade even in bright sun. Boaters then discovered Sunbrella for boat tops and sail covers. Eventually Sunbrella moved on to outdoor furniture fabric production because of its durability and anti-fade characteristics. It is one of 20 awning and fabric companies to have received the Skin Care Foundation's seal of recommendation for products that screen out more than half the sun's damaging rays.

Cleaning and Durability

• Sunbrella is made of 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic, not cotton, whose fibers break down over time and allow dirt and stains to set. Sunbrella tells customers to brush off dirt or anything that can stain. To wash, just use cool or cold water, a mild soap, a thorough rinse and air drying. For heavy cleaning, Sunbrella's website offers a solution that contains bleach, which won't affect the Sunbrella fabric, according to the Sunbrella website.

Sustainability

• Sunbrella also considers itself to be a backer of sustainability. The company has a "Recycle My Sunbrella'' program in which waste fabrics are collected and repurposed for a variety of recycled products. Sunbrella's website says the fabrics' unusual coloring process avoids "harmful effluents associated with conventional dyeing processes." Also, because the product is so durable, the website says, Sunbrella fabrics last up to 10 times longer than conventional fabrics. The fabrics are certified by the Greenguard Institute's children and schools standard as a very low-emitting interior product.