Cleaning Codes:

Cleaning Code "W" - refers to fabrics that are man-made, e.g. nylon, herculon, acetate, olefin, and polyester. Cleaning Instructions: Spot cleaning is recommended using the foam from a water-based cleaning agent (mild soap or upholstery cleaner).

Cleaning Code "S" - refers to fabrics made from organic material, e.g. cotton, rayon, linen, wool, and silk. Also include in this category: denim, velour, brocade, tapestry, damask, acrylic, and plaid. Cleaning Instructions: Spot cleaning is recommended using a mild, water-free solvent, or dry-cleaning product.

Cleaning Code"W/S" - Cleaning Instructions: Spot cleaning using either of the above.

Cleaning Code"X" - Cleaning Instructions: Fabrics should be cleaned only by vacuuming or light brushing. Water or solvent-based cleaning agents should NOT be used.


If it is Fortress Performance Home Fabric...

There are two basic types of staining substances, liquid and viscous.
Liquid Stains: This would include water, coffee and wine.
Take a paper towel or a clean absorbent cloth. Use it at the edge of the spill to soak up all of the liquid. After this, any remnant of the stain still visible on the fabric should be wiped with a wet lint free cloth. Clean the fabric gently from the edge towards the center. Let the area air dry.

Viscous Stains: This would include Ketchup and Mustard and anything else of this consistency.
The first step is to take a flat instrument like a butter knife. Use it to remove the excess contaminant. Work slowly and carefully. This is very important, as wiping an entire “blob” of a viscous contaminant can actually drive it into the fabric. Next take a wet, lint free cloth and slowly clean the fabric from the edge to the center.

Difficult Stains: Several factors can make a stain more difficult to remove. 



1. The surface area of the stain. An entire bowl of chili will be more of a challenge than a dime size drip of mustard.

2. The color of the fabric that has been stained. A white surface will be more critical than a midnight color.
3. When the stain has been allowed to dry. 

When dealing with either type of stain, if the initial procedure does not completely clean the fabric, do the following: 

If the spill is a viscous material and it has dried, first use the butter knife to break up the crusted area. Remove as much of the spill as possible this way, then follow the procedure below.

Mix a solution of 1/4 cup mild detergent with 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Fill a small spray bottle with this solution. Spray the affected area thoroughly. Then take a soft bristled brush, a toothbrush will work fine, and gently scrub the area. After this take a wet cloth and clean the area. Repeat this step until all of the soap residue is removed. Let the cleaned area air dry. 

Note: Keep the cleaning to the affected area. For example, if the stain is 1/2 inch in diameter, don’t clean a 4 inch diameter area.

If it is Fortress Indoor/Outdoor Performance Fabric...

For Normal Stains:
Remove any loose dirt. Prepare a mixture of cold to lukewarm water (do not exceed 100° F) and mild soap. Rub in mixture with a soft brush and allow the mixture to thoroughly soak into the fabric. Rinse well with water and air dry. Do not machine dry.

For Stubborn Stains:
Remove as much surface dirt as possible. Soak fabric for 1 hour in a mixture of 1 gallon cold water, 1/2 cup bleach, and 1/2 cup mild soap. Rub in mixture with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with cold to lukewarm water and air-dry. Never use water over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not machine dry. Detergents can be used on Fortress Acrylic without harm; it may however remove some of the water and stain resistant properties. If this is important to you, a simple spraying of a post cure fluorocarbon will restore these properties. Please follow the instructions on the package. These sprays can be obtained through a dry cleaning supply store or stores that sell marine related products.

If it is Fortress Performance Clear Fabric...

Blot with a clean paper towel to remove excess spill. Prepare a mixture of 1 gallon cold water, 1/2 cup bleach and 1/2 cup mild soap. Spray on area and blot again. Repeat until clean. Let the clean area air dry.


If it is Solarium Fabric...

For General Care: Brush off loose dirt and gently hose down.

For Stubborn Stains: Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and 1⁄4 cup of mild soap (such as Woolite or Dawn dishwashing liquid) per gallon of clean water. The solution should be sprayed on (do not soak) the face of fabric and gently brush. Do not keep the solution on the fabric for more than 2 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

For more information on cleaning, please contact your sales representative