How to Clean Your Oliver James Lilo
Keeping Your Lilo Clean and Cared For
Every Oliver James Lilo is upholstered in Solution-dyed Acrylic, or SDA, which is the standard bearer for high performance outdoor fabrics. The yarns are fully dyed through to the core, unlike other methods, which ensures lasting colour that resists fading and wear.
As well as colourfast, SDA, as an acrylic fabric, is highly resistant to staining and soiling, and can be cleaned with a number of household cleaners. Daily messes are easily cleaned. Heavy or tough stains can be removed with rigorous cleaning. It is even possible to clean the LiloCover with diluted bleach, without damaging the colour. As a non-organic fibre, the surface of your LiloCover doesn't support the growth of mold or mildew. However, any dirt on the LiloCover can create a home for mold and odors. So, always keep your Lilo clean of dirt and debris.
The best way to keep Lilos clean is to keep them fully dry and stored away from the water when not in use. Treat all messes and spills quickly to reduce the risk of stains setting.
Whenever cleaning, use a brush with bristles stiff enough that it can clean between the fibres, but not so stiff that it can damage the weave.
For general cleaning, we recommend Golden Care Fabric Cleaner, Sunbrella Multi-purpose Fabric Cleaner, or any upholstery cleaner.
For spot cleaning, we recommend Sunbrella Erase Stain & Spot Remover.
For stubborn oil stains, we recommend an oil-specific cleaner such as Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover.
For mold and mildew stains, Sunbrella Renew Mold & Mildew Stain Remover is recommended.
Follow the instructions below for all of your particular cleaning requirements.
Cleaning Every Type of Spill, Soil, and Stain from Upholstered LiloCovers
Spill / Mess | At-Home Solution | Commercial Solution |
|---|---|---|
BBQ Sauce, Beer, Berries (Fresh, Jam or Juice), Coffee, Cola, Tea, Wine | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | A multi-purpose fabric cleaner, followed by a spot cleaner such as Sunbrella Erase Stain & Spot Remover. |
Bird Droppings, Urine, Vomit | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid and 1 tsp (4 ml) of white vinegar per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | A multi-purpose fabric cleaner and white vinegar. |
Blood | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid and 1 tsp (4 ml) of hydrogen peroxide per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner and hydrogen peroxide. For any remaining discoloration, use a spot cleaner such as Sunbrella Erase Stain & Spot Remover. |
Butter, Grease, Mayonnaise, Motor Oil, Oil, Paint (Wet/Dried), Salad Dressing, Sunscreen, Tomato (Fresh, Sauce or Juice) | For fresh stains, apply cornstarch as an absorbent, remove excess with a straight edge, and clean up residual with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Follow with a strong degreaser. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner followed by an oil-based stain remover like Sunbrella Extract™ Oil Based Stain Remover. |
Charcoal | Vacuum to remove excess and treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner and isopropyl alcohol. |
Chewing Gum, Crayon | Treat with isopropyl alcohol. Then clean with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner and isopropyl alcohol. |
Chocolate | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner. For any remaining oil residue, use an oil-based stain remover. |
Dye Transfer | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid and 1 tsp (4 ml) of isopropyl alcohol or bleach per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | — |
Ink, Nail Polish | Treat with volatile solvent (100% acetone). Then clean with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner and acetone. For any remaining discoloration, use a spot remover. |
Ketchup, Mustard | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. For any remaining discoloration, use a solution of bleach water or a bleach pen. For remaining oil stains, use an oil-based stain remover. | — |
Lipstick / Cosmetics | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. Then follow with a strong degreaser. | For any remaining discoloration, use an oil-specific treatment such as Sunbrella Extract Oil Based Stain Remover. |
Mildew & Mold | Combine 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid and 1 tsp (4 ml) of bleach per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. A stronger percentage of bleach may be necessary for severe mildew. | Sunbrella Renew Mold & Mildew Stain Remover. |
Pencil | Vacuum, then clean with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner. |
Rust | Treat with a rust remover such as CLR® and rinse thoroughly. | Treat with a rust remover such as CLR® and rinse thoroughly. |
Tree Sap | Treat with a solvent such as turpentine or 100% acetone to soften and remove as much of the tree sap as possible. Repeat as necessary. Then clean with soap and water and rinse thoroughly to remove solvent. | Volatile solvent (100% acetone), followed by a multi-purpose fabric cleaner. |
Wax (Candle) | Cover stain with a towel and apply a heated iron to remove surface debris. Then clean with 1 tsp (4 ml) of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup (250 ml) of water. | Multi-purpose fabric cleaner, followed by an oil-based stain remover. |
Full cleaning guide sourced from Sunbrella.
Cleaning Your LiloCore
The LiloCore is a textured TPU inflatable that rarely requires cleaning, but responds well to gentle cleaning.
If ever your LiloCore is stained, marked, or dirty, simply clean with a mild household cleaner and a damp cloth. Cleaning while inflated will make the task simpler, but this must only be carried out on a clean, smooth surface. DO NOT use your inflated LiloCore without its LiloCover at any time.
Cleaning Your LiloCase
The LiloCase is made from a quick-drying, breathable synthetic weave. It is easily cleaned with household cleaners and a stiff bristled brush.
For dirt and dust, use soapy water and a stiff brush.
For grease and oil, use an undiluted detergent and a stiff brush, and rinse thoroughly.
For organic stains from food, animal droppings, or tree sap, use a strong degreaser.
Ensure the LiloCase is fully dry before use.
Regular Care
Maintain the hydrophobic ability of your LiloCore by applying a waterproof fabric spray after every Summer. Golden Care Fabric Protector is our preferred product, but many others exist for outdoor performance fabrics.
Store your Lilo in its LiloCase in a cool, dark place when not in use.
If you ever have a question, problem, or suggestion about your Lilos, reach us directly by email at contact@oliverjameslilos.com.
