Can Patio Cushions Be Machine Washed
If your cushions have zips, the covers can mostly likely be machine washed. However, if your seat cushions are tightly fit like ours are, I don’t recommend doing this option as there’s a good possibility of the zips eventually breaking.
Our back cushions are soft and easy to unzip and remove the inner cushion, so I do machine wash those one.
If you can machine wash, then definitely do. It’s the easiest of all the cleaning options! I do this with my living room couch cushions, too!
Cleaning Plastic Patio Furniture With Dishwashing Soap
For patio furniture that youve never cleaned or is extra dirty from the elements, use a cleaner that has a little more kick. Heres how to clean plastic outdoor furniture using a little dish soap and bleach.
- Soft cloth
Pour a gallon of water into a bucket and add the vinegar and dish soap for cleaning your plastic furniture or to deep clean wicker furniture. Swish the solution around to mix well.
Put on rubber gloves and dunk a sponge into the soapy water. Scrub the plastic or wicker with the wet sponge, using circular motions to loosen up the grime.
Start at the top and make your way down as you clean and make sure to get in all of the crevices of the furniture. An old toothbrush can be helpful for the hard-to-reach areas. Rinse the furniture with clean water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Dish soap can also be helpful as the best way to clean wood furniture before staining or painting. It removes all kinds of grime.
How To Get Rid Of And Prevent Smells On Outdoor Furniture
Mold and mildew are common agents that cause unpleasant smells on outdoor furniture. For wood furniture, add vinegar as needed to a solution of warm water and Murphy Oil Soap. Furniture made from iron, other types of metal, plastic, or resin is less susceptible to bad smells since it’s constructed with less porous materials.
Your outdoor cushions may also be the source of musty smells. If the washing machine or mixture of dish soap and water isn’t enough to remove odor, try spritzing the cushions with an even blend of distilled white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Let the cushions dry in the sun, then repeat if necessary.
Method 3 Of 4:cleaning Metal
Use A Scrub Brush On Any Tough Spots
Once the patio cushions are done soaking, take out your scrub brush. Give the cushion a thorough scrub, anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the toughness of the stain.
If you dont have a scrub brush, apply your dish soap to a cloth and scrub your patio cushions.
Use an up-and-down or side-to-side motion. Scrubbing in this way helps loosen dirt from deep within the fabric, which is something that water alone cant do.
Most importantly, repeat this process until the stains have vanished!
Step 1: Start With The Cushions
If your patio furniture has cushions with removable covers, you’re in luck. The washing machine will be your best bet for attacking seasons-long grime.
If your cushion covers aren’t removable or you’d rather avoid the wash, mix one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent with a quart of warm water. Pour the mixture into your spray bottle, then spray thoroughly across the entire cushion. Let it dry for about 10 minutes before hosing the cushions off and air-drying them in the sun.
How to Quickly and Easily Wash Couch Cushion Covers, According to a Pro
Use A Mild Cleaning Agent
The simplest way to rid your outdoor patio furniture of rust is to use a mild cleaning agent, such as lemon juice or white vinegar. A gentle cleanser will allow you to wipe away the early signs of wear before they become a much larger problem.
Using the cleaning agent and a rag, spray the solution onto the metal and begin wiping away at the rust. The rust stains will begin turning a brownish-red color and will slowly start coming off with continuous rubbing. Wipe away excess rust with a dry rag.
Method 2 Of 4:loosening Light Stains With Vinegar
How To Clean Plastic And Hard
Use these tips to remove stains and built-up grime on plastic patio chairs and tables. Make your own mild cleanser by mixing 1/2 cup baking soda mixed with 1-gallon warm water, or 3 tablespoons dishwasher detergent and 1 gallon of warm water. For colored plastic, mix 1/4-cup vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. It’s best to avoid using chlorine and bleach on white plastic furniture because they eat away at the material.
For stubborn stains, dampen a clean rag with white distilled vinegar and wipe down the piece. You can also sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge to create a mild abrasive that will peel away stains but won’t scratch surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners, which will scratch plastic outdoor furniture. After washing your plastic furniture, protect it with a coat of automotive paste wax.
How To Clean Concrete Patio With Baking Soda
Like vinegar, baking soda is an environmentally friendly cleaner for your patio. It could be an exceptional option for anyone who wants to evade commercial cleaners.
Now, the question is about how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer, but you will use baking soda instead.
First, mix 90 grams of baking soda with 4 liters of water. Put the blend into a small sprayer. Then, you can begin to spray the stains.
Should you need something stronger, you can try adding a few squirts of liquid dish detergent. Spray the mixture on the stains and let it sit for 20 minutes so that it can break down the grime and dirt.
After 20 minutes, you can begin to scrub the patio thoroughly. You will soon notice that the grime begins to vanish.
After that, grab your garden hose to rinse off the area. Let the concrete dry before you put the furniture back in its place.
Are Your Cushions Beyond Repair
Although these methods are effective, you might find yourself in a situation where the cushions are beyond repair.
If the mold and mildew stains are extreme and persist even after a thorough cleaning, its time to get some new outdoor cushions.
Next time youre in the market for outdoor cushions, I recommend choosing carefully.
Opt for waterproof and weather-resistant fabrics, which will limit your cushions exposure to mold and mildew.
Printed acrylic and polyester are water-repellent, which is why theyre excellent fabrics for outdoor cushions, swimwear, and active gear.
Vinyl is the most affordable option for outdoor cushions. When treated properly, its resistant to mildew. The drawback is that it gets hot to the touch during summer days.
But my top recommendation is solution-dyed acrylic. Its soft and comfortable, unlike vinyl, which can be hard and hot.
Also, solution-dyed acrylic is durable and less likely to fade. Most important of all, its resistant to mildew and mold. But just in case you do notice mold or mildew, this fabric is easy to clean.
If your cushions are irreparable, there are dozens of outdoor cushions to choose from on , , and .
Have some fun shopping for your new set of cushions, and dont stress about mold or mildew.
If you found this article helpful, you should also check out:
What If They Dont Get Clean Anymore
After years of use, some furniture can show stains that cant be cleaned anymore. If nothing we presented above worked, it means that you need to take more drastic measures. For hardwood furniture , you can simply surface-sand it and it will get its luster back. However, its more difficult for other types of furniture , where you will have to sand or strip to the bare surface. Then, you can paint or stain them for a revival of the old furniture. With plastic, things are even more complicated, since a new coat of paint may solve the issue for now, but it wont last in the long run.
For an illustration of the processes above, as well as extra tips and explanations, you can check out this video:
Using Suitable Detergents To Clean Outdoor Furniture Will Help Preserve Its Paint Job
When picking out cleaners for your patio furniture, be sure to buy gentle ones on the surface and do not contain any harsh chemicals. The cleaner you use should also have no dyes or artificial colouring as this can cause discolouration over time when applied to your furniture.
Also, consider whether the cleaner is safe to use with colours as many products today contain dyes that may stain your wooden items if misapplied!
Layer a coat of sealant after washing your patio set if possible
If your patio furniture is in a spot where you can gain easy access to it, make sure that you put on a coat of sealant once every few months or so. This will help protect the paint from chipping off and fading after prolonged exposure to sunlight or rain!
Cleaning Mildew From Canvas And Fabric Cushions With Bleach
The most common product used to kill mold and mildew is bleach. It can be used on canvas and other fabrics, but you risk the chance of causing fabric discoloration. Additionally, if the solution is too strong, it can even cause canvas and other fabrics to deteriorate.
If you are not a fan of bleach, you can substitute 2 cups of white vinegar OR hydrogen peroxide for the bleach in this solution.
How To Clean Teak Patio Furniture
Teak wood is an ideal material for your patio furniture because it is durable and doesnt take much in the way of cleaning and maintenance. Teak patio furniture will either be treated with teak oil or finely sanded to show off its natural form. Even though teak is naturally resistant to rot and mold, if not properly cleaned, mildew can still form on the surface of the furniture.
- 1 gallon of warm water
To prevent your teak patio furniture from becoming discolored and succumbing to mildew build-up, make sure you are cleaning it on a regular basis. The following tips are based on one of our natural homemade deck cleaner recipes and will provide you with ways to keep your teak furniture looking like new.
Teak Furniture Cleaning Recipe #2
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 gallon of warm water
Use one of two easy homemade cleaning solutions either vinegar and warm water, or chlorine bleach, laundry detergent, and warm water. Apply the homemade cleaning solution to the furniture using a soft plastic brush, making sure to scrub the wood as you go.
Avoid using a metal brush as it will damage the woods surface. Remove water stains from wood before cleaning. Allow the mixture to sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
If your teak furniture has seen a lot of exposure to the elements, youll want to look for a more aggressive, store-bought solution to clean the pieces. After cleaning, you may want to make furniture polish to bring back the shine to your teak furniture.
How To Clean Concrete Driveway With Bleach
Commercial cleaners are effective in getting rid of stains and dirt on your patio. However, they can cause other serious issues related to your health.
Fortunately, there are some alternatives related to household cleaners that are safer for you and the environment. One of them is bleach.
Cleaning concrete with bleach is not a new thing. It is even famous for being an environmentally friendly multipurpose cleaner. So, how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer?
Since your concrete patio sits in your backyard all the time, it is prone to dampness. Thus, you may find mildew stains in some areas. If you are facing this issue, go grab bleach to remove them.
You can use oxygen-based bleach to remove the mildew stains. However, this type of bleach will not be able to kill the spores. If you want to eradicate both the spores and stains, you should use chlorine bleach.
Here is how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer.
Tools:
- Garden hose
Step 1:
After wearing the eye protective gear, make the cleaning solution by mixing one part chlorine bleach and two parts water. Do not forget to cover the lawn and nearby shrubs because it may be harmful to them.
Step 2:
Place the solution in a spray bottle and apply it onto the mildew-stained areas. Leave it that way for approximately 30 minutes.
Step 3:
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:
How To Clean Patio Furniture Mesh
A gentler approach should be taken with mesh patio furniture. Acid-based or vinegar solutions can damage the mesh of your furniture, so consider using a milder alternative.
Fabric and Plastic Mesh: Begin by brushing away loose dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Using a mixture of detergent and water, wipe down the mesh using a rag. Repeat on front and back. Rinse the mesh using a bucket of warm water and wipe down again once the fabric has been thoroughly rinsed.
Arms and Frame: Mix 1 tablespoon detergent and 1 cup warm water. Apply the solution to the arms and frame of your patio furniture using a rag and rinse with clean warm water. Dry with a soft cloth.
Regular Cleaning Of Outdoor Furniture
Mildew is actually a plant that grows best in hot, humid summer weather; it’s a form of mold. It flourishes in damp, warm environments that are poorly lighted or where air does not circulate well. Along with discoloring fabrics, mildew gives off a musty odor, and if it isn’t treated, it can discolor fabric and may even cause them to rot. To help prevent this kind of damage, monthly cleaning and maintenance is recommended.
Store Them Away Each Evening Or Cover Them
If you don’t use your patio furniture every day, storing them in a deck box really is a great solution. If you don’t want to have to pull them out every time you want them, then investing is good quality covers is essential. However , properly putting the covers on takes more time than just gathering up all the cushions and throwing them into a deck box!
Removing Mildew From Wood
Many people think bleach is the answer for removing mildew, but bleach can be too harsh for your wooden outdoor furniture. It can weaken and discolor the wood, causing even more problems.
For wooden patio furniture mix a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 1?2 cup white vinegar, and 1?4 cup of baking soda into 1 gallon of water. Use a kitchen sponge or washcloth for application. If you notice any mildew growth coming back, use full-strength white vinegar immediately to nip it in the bud.
Cleaning Concrete With Vinegar
Vinegar is renowned for being an excellent natural cleaner. You can use it on your patio as well as the entire parts of your home because it is relatively safe.
So, how to clean concrete patio without pressure washer, but using vinegar instead?
To clean your patio, you will need to mix water with equal parts white vinegar. Place the mixture in a spray bottle.
After that, spray the stain, leave it for a couple of minutes, then scrub it with a hard bristle broom or a special brush for decks and patios.
If it appears not to work properly, then you may require to try spraying the stain with undiluted vinegar. Leave the solution for 10 minutes or so. Finally, scrub it.
You can also try making a cleaning solution by mixing one cup of baking soda and two cups of distilled white vinegar to remove the heavy stain on a concrete patio.
When you concoct them, you will find the mixture foam up. It is perfectly fine. Slowly mix them up until you get a cream-soup-like consistency.
Once the mixture is ready, remove all furniture, planters, and grills from your patio. Make sure you clean it fastidiously from any loose debris.
You can utilize a sweeper or a leaves blower to do this. After that, wet down the concrete with a spray nozzle of your garden hose.
Next, use a sponge mop to spread the mixture over the patio. Let it for at least 30 minutes. Then, rub the stain with a nylon-bristled brush.
Using Laundry Detergent To Clean Plastic Patio Furniture
Laundry detergent works well at loosening up old dirt and gunk from plastic lawn furniture, as well as teak furniture. This recipe is also useful as a DIY siding cleaner and any liquid detergent works.
- Water hose
To clean vinyl strap patio furniture, combine the water and liquid dish soap in a bucket. Clean the furniture directly from the bucket or pour it into a spray bottle for easy application.
Dunk the scrub brush into the cleaning solution or spray the mixture onto the furniture and scrub away stains and dirt using circular motions.
For tough stains, allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before using a garden hose to rinse away all of the dirt and grime residue. Set the furniture into the sun and allow it to air dry.
Step 3: Choose Your Cleaner
The best cleaner for your outdoor furniture depends on the material it’s made from. Wood furniture can be more difficult to maintain, as this natural, porous material requires additional steps to stay in tip-top shape. Iron and metal materials are easierthough you’ll want to watch for signs of oxidationwhile plastic and resin furniture is the most low-maintenance. Below, find specific steps for deep cleaning your furniture by material:
Step 1: Mix The Cleaning Solution
Lay your cushions out on a deck or patio. Do not wash them in your yard as you will only get grass stains and mud all over them.
In your bucket or container filled with warm water, add 1 – 2 tablespoons of dish detergent and ¼ cup of Borax. The Borax helps if you have mildew stains, but otherwise it’s not needed.
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.
Cleaning Solutions That Are Safe For All Mesh Fabrics
If youre not comfortable using bleach for cleaning your mesh patio furniture, there are other cleaning solutions that you can use including:
- Dish washing soap. This is one of the most common cleaning solutions for mesh fabrics because its safe and effective. Just mix some dish washing soap in a gallon of warm water. Use it to clean your mesh patio furniture without worrying that it will stain or fade the color.
- Rubbing alcohol. If your chair has some stubborn stains or spots that cant be removed by a simple dish washing soap solution, you can soak a soft cloth in some rubbing alcohol and use it to remove them.
- Dry cleaning solvent. Another useful technique in removing those stubborn spots and stains on mesh fabric is spraying it with dry cleaning solvent. This product is recommended because it doesnt saturate your fabric with chemicals, but it still does the job of lifting the stain out so you can easily wipe it off the furniture.