Care and Maintenance

Keep Your Boat Looking Great


Stainless Steel Maintenance

Stainless steel is known for its ability to be a clean surface that resists corrosion and rust. Dirt, dust and grime, however, put stainless steel at risk for corrosion and rust. Luckily, it responds well to cleaning, as long as certain rules are followed.

  1. Water and a cloth. Routine cleaning can be accomplished by using warm water and a cloth. This is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel. Dry with a towel or cloth to prevent water spots. Wipe in the directions of the polish lines. Microfiber cleaning cloths can be a great option to use when cleaning stainless steel.

  2. Mild detergent, (dish washing liquid) and cloth. - For cleaning that needs more power, mild detergent and warm water can do a great job without damaging your stainless steel. If you have grease or heavy staining you can use Brake Cleaner but be very  careful.  Make sure you rinse the surface thoroughly to prevent staining and spotting. Towel dry to prevent water spots which can be caused by minerals in water.

  3. Baby Powder for fingerprints - Fingerprints are one of the biggest complaints about stainless steel, but can be taken care of by using baby powder, or White Diamond Multi-Purpose Quick Detail Glass Cleaner.  Buff with microfiber cloth

  4. Stainless Steel Cleaner. - If you have had staining or scratching, or need to polish your stainless steel, a stainless steel cleaner like White Diamond Metals Polish and Sealant may be a good option. Some of these cleaners and polishes can help minimize scratching and remove stains. They also can polish surfaces nicely. Read the directions on the stainless steel cleaner and test in an inconspicuous spot. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and towel dry.


Sunbrella® Maintenance


Care for your Sunbrella exterior fabrics:

General or Light Cleaning


  1. Brush off loose dirt.

  2. Hose down.

  3. Prepare a cleaning solution of water and mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite (no detergents).

  4. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.

  5. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.

  6. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.

  7. Air dry.

  8. May not require re-treatment depending on the age of the fabric.

When it’s time for a thorough cleaning, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned while still on a boat or, size permitting, they can be removed for cleaning in a washing machine or dockside. When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, it is important to observe the following:

  1. Always use a mild soap such as Ivory Snow, Dreft or Woolite.

  2. Water should be cold to lukewarm.

  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

  4. Air dry only. Never apply heat to Sunbrella fabrics.

Heavy cleaning for stubborn stains and mildew

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:

  1. Eight ounces (one cup) of chlorine bleach.

  2. Two ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap and/or detergent.

  3. One gallon of water.

  4. Clean with soft bristle brush.

  5. Allow mixture to soak into the fabric for up to 15 minutes.

  6. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.

  7. Air dry.

  8. Repeat if necessary.

  9. Re-treatment of fabric for water and stain resistance will be necessary.


  1. Use mild soap and/or detergent.


  3. Wash and rinse in cold water.

  4. Air dry. Never apply heat to Sunbrella.

  5. Re-treatment for water and stain resistance will be necessary after machine washing.

See below for re-treating the fabric.

Interior Fabrics

For removable cushion covers and slipcovers:

Hand washing

  1. Soak fabric in a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water.

  2. Use a sponge or a soft bristle brush as necessary.

  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

  4. Air dry.

Machine washing

  1. Machine was in cold water with mild laundry soap.

  2. Allow Sunbrella to air dry, or tumble dry on “no heat” setting.

Spot cleaning upholstered pieces

  1. Apply a light mist of mild soap and water using a spray bottle.

  2. Remove stain with a sponge or very soft bristle brush.

  3. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

  4. Air dry, blot, or wet-vacuum excess water.

  5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all soap residue is removed.

For stubborn stains and/or mildew



  2. Soak affected area in solution for 15 minutes.

  3. Remove stain with a sponge or clean towel.

  4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.

  5. Air dry.

Re-treating the fabric:


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.

  1. Clean Sunbrella fabric, using one of the cleaning methods.

  2. Allow Sunbrella to completely air dry.

  3. Apply 303 Fabric Guard in a well ventilated area following instructions on the container.

  4. Apply 303 in a thin, even coat and allow fabric to dry completely.

  5. 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.)

Helpful hints

Protect the area around the Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution – bleach may discolor non-Sunbrella fabrics. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach.

Please be aware of the environment when cleaning with bleach.  Bleach can have harmful effects on the natural environment around you.  We do not advise using bleach if you are surrounded by a body of water or other environment that could be affected. 

Sunbrella air dries very quickly. Machine drying is not necessary for Sunbrella fabrics.

If fabric has some wrinkling, use an iron, if necessary, but only on the synthetic setting. As some irons exceed the recommended temperature on the synthetic setting, test a small inconspicuous area before ironing entire piece.


DO NOT use a steamer or iron set to steam setting.

Use of bleach and/or advanced age of the fabric application may impact the deterioration of the sewing thread and other non-Sunbrella components.

Download the Sunbrella Stain Chart here:



Stamoid® Maintenance

Stamoid Marine Fabrics

If you want your cockpit covers, bimini tops, dodgers, seat covers and solar protection screens to keep their initial qualities and looking as good as new, it is essential to follow the cleaning instructions below:

  • Stamoid® Marine composite fabrics benefit from the Stamtop® surface treatment which guarantees dirt resistance. As with any other material exposed to the elements, regular maintenance must de done.

  • Cleaning should be done according to frequency of use and exposure of the product. We recommend regular cleaning, at least four times a year, to clear out dirt caused by atmospheric pollution.

  • Stamoid® Marine composite fabrics should be cleaned as set out in our maintenance notice, see below.

  • For wooden boats, in order to avoid any migration risks, it is essential to avoid all contact between the coated side of the fabric and the boat's protective wood varnish.

Care & Maintenance

  1. Spread the fabric out on a flat surface. Dampen the fabric with clean water. Spray on Ferrari® Clean or add a diluted solution of gentle liquid soap.

  2. Leave to act for 2 or 3 minutes according to degree of dirt.

  3. Use a natural bristle brush to brush out to the edges.

  4. Rinse with a lot of clean water to remove all traces of the soapy solution. If the product comes in contact with other materials, rinse immediately.

  5. In case of severe dirt and grime, repeat the cleaning process.

  6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 on the reverse side of the fabric.

  7. Hang up the Stamoid® Marine textile and leave until completely dry.

  8. As soon as the textile is completely dry, you can put it back in place to protect your boat.

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