How To Clean Cushions On Patio Furniture

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Pillows to Keep Them Fresh All Flavour

Rinse away dirt and stains with these like shooting fish in a barrel tips for cleaning outdoor piece of furniture cushions.

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Cushions and pillows bring softness and way to outdoor furniture, but these plush accents endure a lot of habiliment and tear when exposed to the elements. The material can gather dirt, debris, mildew, tree sap, bird droppings, and other stains from outdoor employ, and so it's important to know how to clean outdoor cushions and pillows to keep your seating area fresh and comfy.

Plan to wash your patio furniture and cushions before storing them abroad for the flavour, or more frequently as stains happen. Depending on where they're stored, yous might also desire to clean outdoor cushions and pillows before using them for the commencement time each year. Follow the steps below for the best way to clean outdoor cushions, including how to remove common stains like mildew from outdoor fabrics.

outdoor furniture sitting expanse of deck tree privacy

Credit: Keller and Keller Photography Inc

How to Clean Patio Cushions and Pillows

Some patio cushions and outdoor pillows feature removable covers that you tin just toss in the washing machine. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and permit air-dry completely before putting the covers back on.

If you can't remove the cover from your patio furniture cushions, refresh them using a simple cleaning solution and your garden hose. Be sure to do this on a solid outdoor surface, such as a patio or deck, to avoid creating new mud or grass stains on the cushions.

outdoor patio cleaning supplies

Credit: Photo: Jacob Play a trick on; Stylist: Joseph Wanek

What You Need

Vacuum with upholstery attachment
Soft-bristled castor
Dish detergent
Borax
Bucket of water
Garden hose
Make clean towel

Pace 1: Vacuum up loose debris.

Using the upholstery attachment, vacuum over the surface of the cushion to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attending to seams and crevices that could hibernate dirt, and be careful around buttons or other decorative elements. You can besides use a soft-bristled castor ($half-dozen, Amazon) to gently brush away grime.

scrubbing outdoor pillow with brush

Credit: Photo: Jacob Fox; Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Stride 2: Scrub with cleaning solution.

Mix 1 Tbsp. dish detergent with ¼ cup Borax ($v, Target) in a bucket of water. Utilize a brush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub the unabridged surface, going dorsum over stained areas as needed. Expect at to the lowest degree five minutes to allow the solution to soak.

Step three: Rinse cushions using garden hose.

Employ a garden hose on medium-loftier pressure to rinse off the cushions. Exist sure to thoroughly rinse abroad all of the cleaning solution. Don't employ a pressure washer as this might damage the material.

Step 4: Allow dry out completely.

Squeeze out whatsoever backlog h2o with your easily, then blot the material with a clean towel to soak up as much moisture as possible. Prop the cushions up vertically and permit them to air-dry completely. Gear up them in a sunny spot to speed up the drying fourth dimension.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with Vinegar

For a natural cleaning method, endeavor using vinegar to clean outdoor cushions. Add together ¼ loving cup distilled white vinegar to 4 cups warm water and pour into a spray bottle. After vacuuming the surface, spray the cushions with the solution and let sit for 15 minutes. Use a soft brush to scrub any stained areas. Rinse with h2o and let air dry.

How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

As with virtually stains, information technology'southward best to care for stains on outdoor cushions as soon every bit possible. Use these instructions for specific types of spots:

Grass stains: If the above Borax solution doesn't work on grass stains, utilise a liquid detergent that has stain-removing enzymes, such equally Tide Heavy Duty Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent ($12, Target). Use a soft brush to work the detergent into the stain and rinse with make clean h2o.
Mold or mildew: Use a brush to scrape abroad as much of the mold or mildew as possible. Be sure to practice this outside to avoid spreading the spores to other areas of your abode. Spray undiluted distilled white vinegar over the affected expanse and wait at to the lowest degree 10 minutes. For stubborn stains, place a material soaked in vinegar over the spot. Scrub the cushions with a brush, then clean with a sponge dipped in water and a pocket-sized amount of detergent. Rinse and let air-dry completely in a sunny spot.
Oil stains: Remove greasy stains from sunscreen, problems spray, and food by sprinkling cornstarch or baking soda on the fabric. Wait 15 minutes for the oil to be captivated, then scrape off the powder with a straightedge like a ruler or credit carte. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
Tree sap: Utilize an enzyme-based stain remover ($four, Target) to the stain, so sprinkle some powdered detergent on summit to create a paste. Scrub gently with a brush and rinse with hot h2o. If the discoloration remains, wash with oxygen bleach ($10, Amazon) to restore the colour.

Many outdoor cushions and pillows are treated with a special coating that resists water and stains. Replenish this blanket or protect untreated fabrics with a protective fabric spray like Scotchgard Water and Dominicus Shield ($8, Amazon), ensuring the cushions are completely clean beforehand to avoid sealing in clay or stains.