How To Clean Patio Cushions

Consider Applying A Fabric Protector

If your cushions are not Sunbrella fabric or don’t seem to be adequately treated for the outdoors, the color will fade over time and they will absorb much more moisture than they should.

Applying a waterproofing fabric protector will allow water and spills to bead up and simply run off the fabric. A specially designed sprays like Scotchguard Water & Sun Shield also minimize fading, allowing you to enjoy your furniture for longer.

Patio Sources

When Should You Get New Furniture

If youre wondering whether or not you should get a new patio furniture set, consider the following questions:

• Does your furniture have rust that you have not been able to remove?
• Are your cushions covered in stains that you cant remove?
• Are your cushions sun-stained, making them look faded and dirty?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you may want to consider purchasing new outdoor furniture. Outdoor furniture is built to last, but there comes a time when it needs to be replaced.

Cleaning Heavily Soiled Fabrics

Over time, cushions become soiled or discolored, but can be refreshed with a thorough cleaning. Cleaning cushions before storing for the winter months ensures a trouble-free start in the spring. For non-removable cushion covers, sponge surfaces with a solution of ¼ cup clear liquid detergent with 1 gallon of lukewarm water. Work the bubbles into the fabric with the sponge, then rinse thoroughly with a high-pressure garden hose to remove detergent residue. Set cushions on edge to dry. To wash removable cushion covers by hand, soak in a solution of ¼ cup of clear liquid detergent per gallon of lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly to remove detergent residue and air dry. To machine wash removable cushion covers, set water temperature on cool, use a normal amount of laundry detergent and add 1 cup of chlorine bleach to each load and finally, air dry.

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How To Clean Outdoor Cushions With Vinegar

For a natural cleaning method, try using vinegar to clean outdoor cushions. Add ¼ 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 water and let air dry.

Machine Washing Outdoor Cushions

Not all outdoor cushions are machine washable. Read the cleaning instructions listed on the manufacturers tag. If no tag is present, check the manufacturers website for detailed cleaning instructions before proceeding. Always vacuum the covers and cushions before tossing into the washing machine.

Vacuuming removes loose dirt and debris. If there is no time to vacuum cushions, give them a good shake before throwing in the machine. Pre-treat all stains before washing for better chances of removal.

Replace covers on cushions while slightly damp as it allows the cover to stretch back into place easily. If your machine dries the cushions, remove from dryer before completely dry and place them back over their inserts to prevent any misshaping while drying.

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Removing Oily Stains From Outdoor Upholstery

Oil from food, bug spray, sunscreen, and other things often find their way onto your outdoor cushions. If left untreated, these oils attract even more dirt and grime, leaving unsightly marks on your outdoor furniture. For stubborn oil-based stains, rub Fels-Naptha soap directly onto the remaining stain and then rinse.

The best DIY oil stain remover is a dry absorbent powder, such as corn starch or baking soda. Before using the dry powder, blot up as much excess oil as possible with a clean cloth. Sprinkle the powder across the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Use a straight edge to scrape the dust away and reapply powder if needed. Spritz the area with a natural cleaning solution and blot with a towel until stain is gone. Rinse using a damp, microfiber cloth.

How To Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions By Washing Machine

For some outdoor cushions and patio cushion covers, machine washing is an option, but its important to read all of the care instructions listed on the attached tags. Before placing them into the washing machine, shake the cushions and the covers to remove any loose debris and pre-treat any stains. Allow the items to air dry after machine washing. Alternatively, you can place the cushions and covers in the dryer, but be sure to remove them before they are completely dry.;

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How To Clean Rattan Patio Furniture

Rattan is an eco-friendly material that is durable, attractive, and lightweight and often mistaken for bamboo. It is a trailing, vine-like palm that is found in the jungles of China, Malaysia, and Asia and has been used to make furniture since the mid-twentieth century.

While you can use rattan furniture outdoors, if left outside in the elements for too long the material will break down. To keep your rattan patio furniture looking great, here are some simple steps for cleaning it.

Place water in a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap, stirring it vigorously, so bubbles form on the surface of the water. Using a soft cloth, dip it into the bubbles, avoiding making direct contact with the water. Wipe down all the surfaces of the furniture with the cloth.

Avoid over wetting the rattan as it can result in damaging the material. Clean the cracks and crevices of the furniture using a soft brush or toothbrush. Use the suds-only method to accomplish this.

To clean the furniture more thoroughly, or if you need to remove stains from the furniture, apply detergent to a soft brush and scrub with a bit more water than you used for the routine cleaning.

Once done, place the furniture in the sun, or use a hair dryer to dry the furniture completely. For added protection, when the furniture is completely dry, use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of lacquer.

Get To Know Your Fabric

Outdoor furniture is typically durable and water-resistant. But certain fabrics won’t perform as well as others outdoors. Like our Sunbrella fabric pillows, the best outdoor cushions are kid and pet-friendly and won’t get ruined in the rain. If you’re shopping for pillows for your outdoor furniture, stay away from the ones meant for indoors, they’ll get destroyed fast. Sunbrella fabrics are known for being durable, water-resistant, and mold and mildew-resistant. Neighbor cushion covers are also machine washable. Check the care instructions that came with your furniture to ensure specific cleaning solutions like bleach are safe to use. Keep in mind UV damage can harm fabric as much as rain, and not all outdoor cushions are fade-proof. Fixing fading on your sofa fabric is almost impossible, so prevention is key.

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Hand Wash Cushions With Solution

Good for: Delicate fabrics, spot stains

If your fabric needs gentle care, consider hand washing to get stains out. Silk covers, cushions with appliques, rayon, leather, and fur are standard no-nos when it comes to washing machines;and should be treated with appropriate solutions. When in doubt, use a wet cloth with mild detergent to lift fresh stains and prevent discoloration.

Even if your stains are caked in, hand washing cushions might be better than using a washing machine. You can use a fabric brush to scrub out stains on hardier cushions using strong stain removers. For leather covers, use a leather conditioner and refresher. There are also spot sprays you can use to treat surface stains for fabric-based cushions. Furthermore, there are efficient stain fighters at home which you simply need to dig out of that kitchen or storage.

Sleep Advisor suggests different ways to wash all different kinds of pillows including those with special stuffing.

How To Clean Tough Grass Stains

Grass stains can be almost impossible to clean sometimes! If you are lucky, grass stains may come out in the wash, but if you are not so lucky, you can try using an enzyme cleaner which is a heavy-weight in the cleaning category.;

Most enzyme cleaners are safe to use for hand-washing or in washing machines.

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions with an Enzyme Cleaner

Here are some steps to follow when using an enzyme cleaner.

• Use the recommended ratio for water to enzyme cleaner.
• Dissolve the enzyme cleaner in warm water before using.
• Spray the affected area.
• Wait at least 15 minutes for the solution to soak in.

Use a wet microfiber cloth to lift out the stain in a gentle rocking motion.

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Keep Your Outdoor Cushions Looking And Feeling Fresh With These Smart And Easy Cleaning Methods

Outdoor cushions bring indoor comfort to patios, porches and decks. While they are usually made to withstand moisture and UV rays, they still need TLC and routine cleaning. Adding this chore to your list is a wallet- and earth-friendly move. Taking care of your outdoor cushions means theyll last longer, saving you money and keeping items out of the landfill.

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How To Clean Patio Furniture: A Guide

Letâs face it: furniture that lives outside gets dirty! And in this day and age, it should be easy to learn how to clean patio furniture.

Dust, pollen, and weather conditions can all impact the look and longevity of your outdoor furniture, so itâs important to know the best ways to keep your furniture looking and feeling fresh.

Our top tips for how to clean patio furniture, as well as all the supplies youâll need to get the job done, can be found ahead. From removing damp mold from fabrics to getting into the weave of your furnitureâs wicker to ensure a thorough clean, Outer shows you how!

Tip: To skip straight to the good stuff, check out this video on how to keep your outdoor pieces clean.

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Signs That Your Cushions Have Mold Or Mildew

Mold and mildew can grow anywhere, but it thrives in moist areas.

So if you live in a rainy or humid location, then its almost inevitable that your outdoor cushions will be subject to mold and mildew at some point.

If you neglect mold and mildew, it can spread to other areas through spores.

Below are some ways to identify mold and mildew:

• Mold usually appears as black or darker spots on your cushionsbut it can also look like yellow, blue, or green stains/discoloration.
• If theres something fuzzy or velvety growing on the cushions, its likely mold.
• If its fluffy or powdery and either white, gray, or yellow, its likely mildew.
• Mold usually has a musty, dirty smell.
• If youve ever forgotten to wash your bath towels for a week or two, you know how mildew smells.

Bottom lineif you suspect something funky is growing on your outdoor cushions, it doesnt matter if its mold, mildew, or just dirt, the following methods will get the job done.;;

How To Wash Outdoor Cushions In A Washing Machine Few Things To Note

Now for some folks, washing machines are the next best inventions after coffee. And its not hard to see why.;

They offer a great deal of convenience, especially when it comes to washing items like jeans, blankets and well, outdoor cushions.;

Using a washing machine can save you all the stress of connecting a garden hose to wash your cushion, or adopting pressure washing and the likes.;

• That said, not all outdoor cushions can be washed in a washing machine. In most cases, size is the limiting factor.;

For smaller outdoor cushions, the ones that can almost pass as medium to large pillows, they will be fine in the washing machine. The larger ones will just have to be washed by hands.;

• The fabric also comes into play. If your pillow is made from microfiber, polyester and shredded foam, then it should survive the rigors of the washing machine.;

For other materials, pay attention to the laundry directions on the tag of the cushion if there is any.;

In fact, for all cushions look out for this tag to check that your cushion is machine wash friendly.;

Now, lets get down to business and see how to go about washing your outdoor cushion with a washing machine.;

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How To Clean Patio Furniture: Teak Wood

Teak is a beautiful, natural material and the best wood for outdoor use. It starts out a warm, golden-brown color and naturally weathers into a silver-gray tone.

We recommend using a gentle soap and warm water to clean teak. It may be tempting, but itâs best to avoid using a power washer to clean it. It can deepen any natural cracks in the wood, letting water and erosion in.

If mold has grown on the surface of your teak furniture, add a small amount of bleach to your cleaning solution . This will break down the mold, making it easier to remove.

To clean your teak furniture, youâll need a few extra tools to make sure you get the best results possible.

Removing Mold And Mildew Stains From Outdoor Cushions

Before using a stain remover to rid your cushions of mold and mildew, use a nylon brush to scrape away as much of it as possible. You can follow up the brushing with a good vacuuming or shaking if desired.

• 4 cups of water

Mix the Borax and warm water to create a cleaning solution. Using a sponge or brush, apply the solution generously to each cushion with visible mold and mildew. Blot the stained area with a microfiber cloth, rinse with water, and then allow to dry.

Tough stains require you to allow the cleaning solution to soak for up to 30 minutes before you begin blotting. If Borax isnt strong enough to clean patio furniture of mold and mildew stains, try using Oxiclean or make a cleaning mixture with equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water.

One tablespoon of bleach mixed with one pint of water is another homemade cleaning product to tackle mold and mildew stains. Always spot test a small area when using bleach or hydrogen peroxide, as discoloration may occur.

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How To Clean Patio Cushions: Final Steps

I scrubbed all of the cushions really well with the nylon scrubbing tool, went back over them with the fabric steamer, and then I rinsed them off with the hose and set them in the sun for 24 hours to dry.

The next day.

Two very clean and good looking chairs! Are they perfect? No. There are still small stains that wouldnt come completely out, but for the most part, they look great. The mold and green spots are gone, the water marks are gone, and they are brighter and cleaner looking!

The AutoRight steam cleaner works on ALL sorts of things, especially great for cars, but it really helps ensure that youre cleaning to your fullest capability and leaves no chemicals or residue behind! Grab ansteam cleaner and get to cleaning to enjoy that patio furniture!

Preventative Tips To Make Next Year Easier

Seasonal Cleaning

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Read Cushion Label Instructions

Just like indoor cushions, patio cushion comes with label instructions on how to clean them and how to do it. If yours do not have them, then you can search them online from the manufacturers website.

These instructions are put there to be followed, and failure to do so would leave you with damaged cushion fabric or incompletely cleaned cushions. They come in simple, clear, and understandable language for everyone so there is no reason for you not to read them.

You cannot just use any kind of fabric cleaning solution or device because some are too tough and could cause more harm than good. Others could be very weak and that means ineffective results, something you do not want.;

Can I Wash Patio Furniture Cushions With A Pressure Washer

You can wash patio furniture cushions with a pressure washer if you wash them carefully. Set the pressure to the lowest possible setting, and if the soap tip is adjustable, set that to the lowest possible setting as well. Stand 2 feet back and place the cushions on a flat, dry surface.

However, outside of mold and mildew removal, theres little reason to risk using a pressure washer.

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Can I Use A Garden Hose To Clean My Outdoor Cushions

Yes, if you can remove the cushions or cushion covers, go for it. It can be a really convenient and easy way to clean your cushions.;

If you cant remove the cushions, carefully consider whether or not you want to usebe careful about using a garden hose to clean them. It could affect the base of the couch or chairs you are cleaning. Not to mention you might get other outdoor furniture wet.

General Dirt Scuffs And Stains

Cleaning dirt off your patio cushions is the easiest thing to clean. Simply vacuum your cushions to give them a quick dusting and, if needed, use a garden hose and brush to remove any remaining dirt spots. If you have a pressure washer, you can also use it to spray your cushions to remove any dirt.

Pro Tip: With each of the above listed methods, make sure that when you are rinsing your cushions, get the entire cushion wet so that you can prevent water rings.

Also, keep in mind that there are several different cleaning solutions that you can use to clean dirts and stains. Certain cleaning solutions work better on certain fabrics, so know what your furniture materials are made of before buying any cleaning supplies. More often than not, you can create your own cushion cleaning solution by filling a spray bottle with a mixture of four cups of warm water and ¼ cup white vinegar.;

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