What To Do When It Becomes A Lost Cause
Sometimes, mold and mildew may be too thick making it pointless to try to recover your patio set. I would try using the techniques above to remove them. If that doesnt work, you can purchase replacement cushions but , make sure that you purchase cushions that use mold and mildew resistant fabricslike these.
Sunbrella is well-known for its outdoor cushions and its no secret. Ive said it before and Ill recommend it again. These cushions dont fade because the actual thread itself is colorized. Theyre marine-grade fabrics so they will have much less likely-hood of mold and mildew growth. Heres some more information on them if you want to look into it more.
How Do You Clean Patio Furniture Cushions And Pillows
Your patio furniture cushions and pillows are going to get dirty, thats just a fact. The real question is, how do you clean them? Just because theyre always outside doesnt mean they always have to be dirty.
All-weather fabric that is commonly found on outdoor cushions and pillows can be a little tricky, so its important to take the time to clean them correctly. We put together some tips so you can quickly and easily clean your patio cushions, pillows, and rugs.
If you want to avoid having to clean your patio cushions and pillows, its worth looking into patio furniture covers!
S For Removing Oil Stains
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Cleaning Lawn Furniture And Patio Cushions
While the traditional method works pretty well, it requires a lot of scrubbing. Thats what truly sets Tub O Towels apart. Our wipes use our special Bond Buster technology, cleaning patio cushions and outdoor furniture with virtually no elbow grease.
Looking For Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Services In Chicago
Outdoor service is an important part of business for so many Chicago restaurants and hotels. Between taking care of guests and general upkeep, your busy staff doesnt always have time for extra jobs like cleaning outdoor cushions.
We understand the hospitality industry, and we can help. Our outdoor cushion cleaning services make sure your customers feel welcome and comfortable when they take a seat. Leave the extra work to Chicagos best commercial cleaning company. Call ServiceMaster by Zaba today for a free quote: 773-647-1985.
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Care For Your Canvas Seats
Thankfully, most canvas is machine-washable, meaning if your canvas is removable, you can simply stick it in the washer and let your washer do the hard work. Here are a few tips for caring for your canvas seat cushions:
- Set your washing machine to the cold setting to keep the color of your canvas as bright as possible.
- Don’t put the canvas in the dryer. Instead, put it back on the furniture while it’s still damp so it will maintain its shape.
- Read tags and instructions to make sure you don’t damage the material.
- Spot clean your cushions to maintain a clean look without having to throw them in the laundry as often.
- Add a mixed solution of bleach, liquid laundry detergent, and water to get rid of persistent stains. The solution should be one part bleach and one-quarter part detergent, with up to one gallon of water.
- Let stained areas soak in a stain-removing solution for a minimum of 30 minutes before adding them to the wash.
- Check the website of your upholstery maker for further tips on maintaining and cleaning your cushions.
What Is Boho Style How To Perfect The Look
You see, with two kids and a full time job + bloggingits hard for us to stay up on all the maintenance of living in the country on a large piece of land entails! And one of those things we have fallen behind on is cleaning our patio cushions. We bought two cute patio chairs two seasons ago, but after a few times of leaving the cushions out through storms and wet weather, they had become stained and had mold growing on them. So today I wanted to show you How to Clean Patio Cushions and disinfect them the easy way!!!
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How To Hand Wash Outdoor Cushions
If cleaning instructions arent specified, most cushions will do well with a cleaning solution of 1 tsp. mild dish soap , 1 tsp Borax, and 1 quart of warm water. ;Place the solution in a spray bottle and generously saturate both sides of the cushions making sure get into all of the grooves and crevices. ;Let the solution sit for approximately 15 minutes but do not allow to dry completely. ;Spray down with a garden hose and stand the cushions on edge to dry.
Removing Mildew From Cushions
To remove mildew from your outdoor cushions, first, determine whether you have fabric or acrylic cushions.
Fabric Cushions: To clean fabric cushions, dilute a 12 cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water. Use a spray bottle to apply the mixture, then clean the mildew off of the cushion with a scrub brush. Once you have removed the mildew, rinse the cushion with water, and leave the cushions out in the sun to dry for the afternoon.;For deeper mildew, youll want to repeat the process several times.
We do have one word of warning. Not all outdoor cushions can tolerate cleaning with bleach. All Summer Classics cushions are designed to resist fading in the sun, and they can be cleaned with bleach. For cushions from other manufacturers, it is very important to do a spot test before using bleach on your outdoor fabric. To do a spot test, use the mixture on a small, inconspicuous spot to make sure that the color doesnt fade with the bleach.
If your fabric fails the spot test, never fear. There is a less harsh mixture that you can use. Pour a 12 cup of Lysol into a gallon of hot water and use this solution to scrub your cushion. You can then rinse it off with a mixture of 1 cup lemon juice and 1 cup salt dissolved into a gallon of hot water.
Acrylic Cushions: For acrylic cushions, mix 1 cup bleach and 2 cups of detergent into a gallon of water. It is easiest to apply with a spray bottle. Let is set for about 30 minutes before rinsing with water.
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Can I Reverse Water Damage
Like fading, you cant fix water damage. If your cushions and pillows get drenched from a storm, you need to dry them properly. Plus, the sooner you dry them, the less risk for mold and mildew.
If your cushions have covers, unzip them and drain out the water. Put the cushions on their sides so they can dry quicker. If its still wet outside, bring your cushions and pillows inside and blow dry them.
Cleaning Patio Furniture Cushions
Cushions that have been left out during the winter season often have mildew on them because of the moisture they’ve been exposed to.; If yours are the type that have zippered removable covers or cushions that are washable, you’re one of the lucky ones!; Simply follow instructions on tags. Otherwise, you can still get those cushions spotless and ready for the spring and summer seasons. ;
The tools you’ll need include:
- Bucket
- Borax
- Fabric protector spray
First, use your vacuum upholstery attachment to remove dust and dirt.; Be sure to thoroughly vacuum seams and crevices.
Next you’ll want to mix a tablespoon of dish washing liquid along with 1/4 cup of borax in a bucket of warm to hot water; the borax is useful for removing mildew.; Using your sponge, scrub the mixture onto the cushions and allow to soak for about 15 or 20 minutes.
Stains should be pretreated using hydrogen peroxide or a stain treatment that’s enzyme-based.; If you pretreat for stains, wait for 30 minutes before scrubbing or sponging down the cushions. ;
Once your cushions are clean and free of stains, rinse thoroughly with your garden hose.; You may think a pressure washer will do a better job, but the pressure can cause damage to the fabric so use a regular water hose instead.
Absorb excess water using towels, then stand cushions on their ends so that water can easily drain off and they can completely dry. ;
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Can I Fix My Cushions If Theyre Faded
Most outdoor cushions and pillows made of durable fabrics are UV resistant. But no matter how tough the fabric is, it can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Unfortunately, theres not much you can do about it once the material starts to fade.
There are a few ways to increase the color lifespan of your cushions for at least five years. When not in use, bring your cushions inside, place them in a storage bag, or put them in the shade. If you have some pillows that are always exposed to the sun and others that are in the shade, rotate them around to equalize their sun exposure.
Use A Trusty Washing Machine
Good for: Heavily soiled, machine-washable cushions, covers
Granted, the obvious answer to thoroughly clean patio furniture cushions is tossing them into the washing machine, then letting them air dry or using a low temperature setting on your dryer. However, some cushions arent designed for washing machines as this may damage the fabric or stuffing, leaving you with frayed fabrics or flat seats.
Before using a washing machine, check your cushions wash care tags to make sure theyre actually machine washable. Note that removable zippers or button cushions are usually machine washable. Skip out on the bleach if your cushion doesnt have mold or mildew, as this extra detergent can actually irritate skin, especially if you have little ones who like to hang out on the patio. Regular detergent and warm water should suffice. If youre concerned about shrinking, let the cushions air dry in the sun.
The DIY Playbook lists 4 easy steps on how to clean your pillow covers, which reiterates what was mentioned above.
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Tips For Keeping Your Cushions Looking Brand New
If you are someone that does not want to store patio cushions every night, then I recommend either buying a large cover that fits over your entire piece of furniture .
At the very least, tilt the cushions upright so that if it rains, the water runs straight down them.
I’ve had a lot of comments in the past about how it’s way too much effort to put cushions into a deck box every night.
Honestly, it takes 5 minutes once you get in the habit of doing it, and it has kept our cushions in perfect condition for years! The fact that this is the first time I’ve had to scrub them in 3 years speaks to my method!
How To Clean Outdoor Cushions Treat Mildew And Stains By Hand And Without Borax
If youre anything like us, then as soon as the sun shines, youll head straight for the garden or whatever outside space you have. Grab yourself a cup of coffee, a good book and some clean outdoor cushions and your next few hours are sorted.;
Whether you have a covered balcony turned plant paradise, or a fancy-pants patio space in your backyard that’s filled with the very best garden furniture, youll know just how great it looks when its set up perfectly and filled with enough soft furnishings to make it feel like an outdoor living room space.
- Create your perfect outdoor living space with our feature for inspiration.
However, if youve had your throws, cushions and poufs for at least a year and through all the seasons, youll know all too well just how grimy and dirty soft furnishings can get with all the elements hammering them
Think mould, mildew and mud not to mention pet hair and other stuff if you have furry friends or kids around yours or not. Cushions go through hell: We sit on them, we nap on them, we hug them, we drop them, and we could go on, so knowing how to clean your outdoor cushions is a must for their survival.
Read Also: How To Remove Mildew From Patio Furniture Cushions
Remove The Cushions From The Furniture
Find a space away from your outdoor furniture where you can work.
Start by removing the cushion from your furniture and place it on a level surface like a driveway or patio.
This will make cleaning much easier!
If you are unable to remove the cushions, use an upholstery cleaner that can be sprayed directly onto the fabric of your couch cushion. This is not as effective but it will remove tough stains in a pinch.
How To Clean Patio Furniture
By Joan Clark
With summer just around the corner, its time to break out the sunscreen, uncover the patio furniture and start up the grill. However, before you can start to enjoy your deck this summer, youll need to break out your cleaning supplies and clean your patio furniture. To keep your patio furniture in pristine condition, youll need to know how to clean patio furniture.
Remember to wash it often and keep it inside in the winter to keep it from staining. Patio furniture comes in a variety of materials, all of which require different methods for cleaning.
This article provides you with the simple steps to help make sure you are using the right supplies and getting your furniture ready for the summer, no matter the material. Read on and learn how to clean outdoor furniture.
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How To Clean And Store Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is designed for outside use but the weather can be hard on the lawn chairs, benches and tables that make up your patio set.
Keep your patio furniture, outdoor cushions and umbrellas looking great and ensure that they last with basic cleaning and maintenance. This guide outlines how to clean outdoor furniture and gives storage tips to protect your investment during the off-season.
Replacing Patio Furniture Cushions
If your cushions have simply seen better days, it might be time to replace them with a fresh, comfy new set. RST Brands has a variety of outdoor replacement cushions that are long-lasting and easy to clean. Our premium outdoor cushions will stand up to the elements and look great for years to come. Add our high-quality pillows to amp up the polished look of your space and bring further comfort and enjoyment of your furniture.
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Tips To Prevent Mold And Mildew On Patio Furniture
Eliminate Moisture: Make sure that there is a positive flow of air. If your patio furniture is placed inside a sunroom or enclosed space, you may want to get a dehumidifier or have a fan blow air out of the room to reduce the amount of moisture in the room.
Sunlight: Dark, damp, and humid conditions are the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Move your furniture outside of the shade or lower your patio umbrella to allow more sunlight to reach your cushions. Nows the time to trim up that old tree that youve been meaning to get to!
Furniture Covers: If the furniture is placed under a cover, make sure your patio covers have vents and are made of breathable materials like these.
Teak: I wrote a guide on teak furniture here. You should look at this if you want to learn more specifics on mold and mildew as they relate to outdoor teak furniture.
Regular Care and Maintenance: The more often you clean your outdoor furniture, the more likely youll be able to prevent it from popping up again. I recommend light cleaning 3-4 times a year just to keep the cobwebs out.More Tips to Clean Outdoor Furniture:
How To Reduce Cleaning Frequency
Before we jump into how to clean your patio furniture, letâs talk about the best ways to reduce the need for excessive cleaning in the first place .
Choosing dirt-repellent technology â like Outerâs proprietary stain-resistant fabrics found in our cushion covers â is a great start. This cuts down on the amount of cleaning youâll need to do by repelling everything from water and food stains to bleach and mold.
Another effective way to keep your outdoor furniture clean is to protect it by using best-in-class covers.
Youâll probably find most outdoor furniture options have covers available to purchase separately, and weâre no different there .
What does make Outer different is our built-in cover that comes with each and every Outer sofa and sectional. Our OuterShell⢠is an integrated cover that quickly rolls out and over your patio furniture cushions to protect them from everyday dirt, debris, and morning dew.
It comes at no extra cost and sits discreetly behind your Outer sofa cushions, ready to go whenever you need to tuck your furniture in for the night.
If you live in a particularly harsh climate such as an area with a lot of snowfall, youâll probably want to upgrade to that extra level of protection we mentioned earlier. And weâve got you covered there too .
Our specially designed All-Weather Covers keep your patio furniture in pristine condition, no matter what your local climate throws at you.
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