Scrub With Mild Bleach
Bleach always seems to do the trick. Be careful to water down the solution so that you dont create spots of discoloration on your cushions. I recommend pouring 1/2 cup of bleach into a gallon of water. As always, never use bleach cleaning products if you are pregnant.
Important: Never use bleach and ammonia together. This is very dangerous and can produce toxic chemicals. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. does a good job of explaining why here.
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.
How Do You Keep Outdoor Fabric From Fading
Perhaps the most effective solution is to keep your outdoor furniture from fading is to apply a UV protectant product. These products live up to their namesake by protecting fabrics and surfaces from UV light, which is the catalyst of fading. Like sunscreen, its designed to reflect the suns UVA and UVB light.
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If All Else Fails Shop For Cushion Covers Online
Cleaning a non-removable cushion cover can be a difficult and frustrating process. If you have tried everything and you really cant remove that stain then all hope is not lost. Before you throw your cushion in the bin in a rage, consider this: you could just buy a new cushion cover.
There are plenty of options to buy cushion covers online and you dont have to get a whole new set. You can find cushion covers online in a wide range of colours and styles and you just need to pick one that fits in with your existing colour palette. This makes for a quick fix and, with a removable cover, cleaning becomes instantly easier.
If you dont know where to start or dont have the time to put together your own collection, we have curated some fantastic hand-picked sets that look great together. These will help you makeover your room in no time and the next time you face a stain, treating it will be simple!
How To Clean Commercial Outdoor Cushions Like A Pro
Last Updated on July 31, 2021 by Diana Rodriguez-Zaba
From poolside bar service to patio dining, the great outdoors extends your hospitality business. Spotless furniture outside reflects the professional focus you put on keeping guests happy. Knowing how to clean outdoor cushions makes sure your venue makes the best impression.
Its just one of the specialty services we provide for hotels and restaurants in Chicago. ServiceMaster by Zaba is proud to be the citys leading commercial cleaning business, and we enjoy sharing that expertise.
Lets take a look at patio furniture cleaning ideas that can make this big project easier on your in-house staff. Were including some of our best power tips too.
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How Can I Make My Patio Cushions Look New
Whether your cushions are a few months old or a few years used, there are several clever techniques you can use to make them look brand new.
Nobody likes lumpy old cushions. What shows a cushions age is its overall comfort and stability. Though youll feel this adjustment before you see it, adding new foam inside your cushion can significantly hide the age. Depending on the type of patio cushions you own, this process can only be used for cushions with removable covers. Determine the type of outdoor cushions youve purchased and take this step at your discretion.
Consider reupholstering your cushions. Nothing looks brand new, like completely changing the fabric on your outdoor cushions and making it something new.
Allow Them Time To Air Dry Outside Before Putting The Cushions Back On Your Furniture
Once all the stains are removed, let your cushions air dry, if possible in direct sunlight to speed up the process.
Depending on the size and material of your outdoor cushions, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or two.
Once theyre dry, put them back on your furniture and enjoy the clean cushions!
This is just one way to clean patio cushions; there are other methods you can try, too. But if you follow these steps, your furniture will be as good as new.
Keep reading to check out a few more methods on how to clean your patio cushions.
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Read Tags And Instructions
Read labels to find out the fabric and filling content of your cushions. Fabrics include solution-dyed acrylics, PVC-coated polyesters and vinyls. Some cushion covers are secured with zippers or fabric fasteners, while some cannot be removed. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. If cleaning tags are missing, check the manufacturers website.
How To Remove Mold From Outdoor Patio Cushions
Outdoor cushion and pillow covers are made with highly durable materials. From acrylics to olefin fabrics, theyre manufactured to resist mold and mildew.
Busy outdoor furniture in commercial settings presents a different type of problem. In addition to the weather, patio spills and poolside splashes add extra layers of moisture that cause mold growth on cushions.
These steps get rid of it:
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Clean And Ready For Summer
Once the cushions were cleaned and dry, I set them back on the patio set. ;They look and feel so much cleaner now that they dont have a coat of dust, or bird droppings on them. ;One thing I still need to do is find a great fabric treatment for the cushions to keep them looking nice for a few more seasons. ;Patio cushions are not cheap, you guys, so keeping these clean and protected from our blazing Arizona sun is definitely a priority. ;Thankfully, now that I know how easy it is to clean them, Ill definitely do it more than once a year. ;For more information on the Dremel Versa, be sure to visit Dremels website. ;If youve already heard enough and need one in your life right now, then pop over to your local home improvement store, or and order one! ;Also, make sure you pin this post for later and share it with your friends who you know would love some advice on making tasks like this even easier.
DISCLOSURE: ;This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dremel and Find Your Influence. ;I was provided product and compensation for this post. ;All opinions and ideas are 100% my own. ;
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How Do You Clean Outdoor Cushions Without A Hose
Most homeowners have a hose. But if you dont, how will you clean your patio cushions? The good news is you can clean your outdoor cushions in five quick and easy steps.
That wraps up our complete guide on how to clean your patio cushions. How are they looking? We hope they are clean and fresh! Every spring or summer, be sure to give your outdoor patio cushions a thorough clean. Your friends and family will appreciate it!Check out the articles below to continue your cleaning spree!
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The Pressure Washer Method
If you have a pressure washer, this method is a super-effective way to clear out mold and mildew and restore your outdoor cushions to their original condition.
As long as you use your pressure washer properly, this method works on all types of cushions and fabrics.
For this method, you need a pressure washer and a large, open, and hazard-free space.
If you dont have a pressure washer, you can either buy, rent, borrow one, or skip this method entirely .
Tools and Materials:
- Pressure washer cleaner, such as the Simple Green Total Outdoor Cleaner
Instructions:
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.
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How To Clean Canvas Patio Furniture And Pillows So They Look Brand New
And even remove stubborn mildew stains.
The weather was finally nice enough to enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the patio, but then I took a look at the fabric cushions on my furniture. They were dusty, dingy, and had some muddy paw prints and the droppings of errant birds. Luckily for me, cleanup required just a few supplies, a bit of elbow grease, and a breeze to dry the fabric before I could settle down for a glass of iced tea and a good book. Follow these steps to clean your canvas patio furniture and pillows so theyre ready for the relaxing warm-weather evenings ahead.
Note: If the covers on your pillows and cushions are removable, cleaning is even easier. Pretreat any stains with a dab of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent, work it in with a soft-bristled brush, let it sit for 15 minutes, and toss the covers in the washing machine. Wash in cold or warm water and hang the covers to air-dry before you put them back on the cushions. Most small canvas throw pillows can also be machine-washed and air-dried.
- Garden hose
Tips For Washing Larger Pillows
For larger pillows, sunbrellas, or other large items for your outdoor space, you need to hand wash the items. For best results, choose a warm or hot day with plenty of sun to help aid in drying and to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
- 1 gallon of lukewarm water
In a tub, sink, or large bucket, mix the warm water and soap to create a sudsy solution. Soak the pillows or other fabric for 30 minutes. Use a scrub brush to treat heavily soiled areas.
Drain cleaning solution and rinse with clean water. Lay pillows or different fabric out on a plastic tarp or hang directly from a clothesline to dry.
You dont have to worry about shrinking nylon blend cushions as long as you hand wash them and dont use the dryer. Most stains and everyday grime respond well to this homemade cleaning recipe.
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How To Clean Patio Cushions With Bleach
Bleach is one of the most effective ways to remove mildew from your patio cushion because it also kills germs, bacteria, and fungi. But before you pour bleach on your cushion, remember that chlorine bleach is a strong agent. It can remove pigments from colored cushion fabric if its not bleachable.
Bleach can also irritate your eyes and skin if not used properly. But if you have white cushions with stubborn stains, mold and mildew, this is your best option.
Using gloves and an apron, mix ¾ cups of bleach to one gallon of water in a bucket. Dont clean your cushions on your patio as the bleach could cause staining on your floor.
Set up a workstation in your garage or sidewalk and lay down a tarp to avoid staining.
Dip a cloth into the bleach solution and test it on a hidden part of the cushion first to see if it changes the fabrics color. If its okay to use, you can wipe down the cushions using cloth or a brush and keep reapplying until they are fully saturated.
Let the solution sit for about 5 minutes before rinsing the cushions with water. Let them dry completely outdoors.
Removing Bird Droppings From Patio Pillows
Before applying a pre-treating stain remover to the bird droppings, allow the mess to dry and remove as much as possible. Use a microfiber towel or cloth to gently wipe away as much as you can. This method also works to remove blueberry stains from cotton.
- 1-quart warm water
Pour water, Borax, and dish soap into a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the solution directly onto the bird dropping and let it sit for a few minutes.
Use a soft bristle scrub brush to work the cleaning solution into the stain and allow it to sit for several minutes. Rinse away all soap residue with clean water and let the pillow air dry.
This simple mixture is also a great way to clean plastic patio furniture to get rid of grime that accumulates from being outside in the elements. Spray on the furniture, scrub with a soft-bristled brush or old rag and rinse clean. Wipe or air dry.
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How Often Is Best To Clean Your Patio Furnitures Cushions
Unlike indoor furniture, the pieces in your backyard are constantly exposed to various factors that could contaminate their fabric. Frequent use does not make it any better, so just to be on the safe side it is good to clean your outdoor seat cushions and pillows at least once or twice per week.
Vacuuming will extract the trapped dust in the fabric and any missed stains can be removed before they can settle permanently. You can increase the number of cleaning sessions if you often enjoy time in your backyard.
There is one important thing to remember, though, before you begin. Never miss checking the cushions label for washing instructions. While more resistant, outdoor furnitures fabric can still be damaged by improper cleaning or when more aggressive detergents like bleach are used. If you cant find a label, check the manufacturers website for details.
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Best Way To Clean Heavily Soiled Cushions
Before winter, give your cushions a thorough cleaning, as it makes it easier to pull them out in spring. Before cleaning any pillows or cushions, look for cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer as some covers feature fabric fasteners or zippers for easy removal, while others do not.
- 1 teaspoon mild dishwashing detergent
- 4 cups warm water
Mix dishwashing detergent, Borax, and water to create a general cleaning solution. Use a scrub brush to apply the solution to the cushions directly and gently scrub. Leave the cushion alone for 15 minutes, but dont let the pillow completely dry.
If stains are still present, reapply the solution and rub again. Rinse the cushions in cold water to remove all cleaning residue. Use a clean towel to blot up all excess water. Set the cushion on its edge to dry.
If its too cold to allow the cushions to air dry, use a hairdryer to speed up the process. Do not place pillows in a commercial dryer utilizing any heat setting as it causes the cushions to shrink.
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How Often To Clean
Don’t allow stains to wait for summer to end before you treat them. The type of stain remover you need depends upon the specific stain.;A good overall cleaner is Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner. The foaming action and built-in scrub brush is perfect for outdoor fabrics. The key to success is giving the treatment time to work. No product is magic; allow;it at least 30 minutes to penetrate to loosen the stains. While you are cleaning the cushions, don’t forget to give metal, plastic, and rattan furniture a proper cleaning.
The Spruce / Almar Creative
Launder as usual. Fabric stained with self-tanner will need additional treatment.
How To Clean The Mould Off Outdoor Cushions
Mould and mildew both favour dampness and, considering the conditions outdoors, do not be surprised if you see them appear on your garden furniture. In order to get mould off the cushions, you can try a few things.
Chlorine bleach is considered a powerful mould killer, but we suggest you resort to it only in the worst-case scenario. There are natural home remedies that can help clean the mildew and mould off the outdoor cushions, too. So put on your protective gloves and choose an option:
- Vinegar and water spray
- Borax and water solution
- Vinegar, water and essential oils blend
Let the cleaner work and then wash and dry the cushions. The best way to prevent mould and mildew is to protect the fabric from liquids. If the cushions get wet, make sure you set them to dry right away. The same applies for when you wash them by hand or in the washing machine.
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