As the days are getting nicer and the temperatures are rising, you want to make the most of it. And one way to do that is to enjoy your outdoor space.
To do so, you have to pull everything out, dust off your pieces, and set them up. In the process, you’ve found that your outdoor cushions aren’t in great shape. How can you clean them effectively, and what can you do in the future to ensure that they stay pristine?
Read on for a thorough guide on how to clean outdoor cushions, as well as how to get the most out of them.
Washing outdoor cushions – General tips
Keeping your outside cushions clean will not only improve their appearance, but it’ll also help them last longer. We’ll walk you through the methods to clean them for a dazzling look!
Cleaning patio upholstery without removable covers
Many outdoor cushions are made with durable, weather-resistant materials, but they don’t always come with zippers or removable covers. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t clean them thoroughly. It’ll just take a little more work.
Here are the items you’ll need:
- Vacuum
- Garden hose
- Soft-bristle brush
- Sponge
- Bucket of warm water
- Mild dish soap (or gentle laundry detergent)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Spray bottle (optional)
To start, eliminate debris (such as loose dirt, leaves, or pollen) by using a vacuum or dry brush. This will make it easier to get to the gunk off, and it’ll prevent you from rubbing debris deeper into the fabric during cleaning.
Then, in a bucket, mix warm water with a few drops of the mild dish soap. If you want mildew prevention, then add a cup of white vinegar.
Dip the soft brush or sponge into the bucket. Then, scrub the cushion in sections. Use gentle circular motions. This will help you avoid oversaturation. Pay extra attention to the seams and crevices, as these are the places where moisture and debris tend to collect. Work the solution into the fabric and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, so it breaks down the dirt and grime.
Now use the garden hose to rinse the cushions until all the soapy water is gone. Don’t use a pressure washer though, as it can damage the fabric and seams.
To help the cushions dry off, squeeze out the excess water by gently pressing on them with a clean towel. Don’t wring or twist them since this can cause damage and distort the shape.
How to clean garden cushions with covers
Most outdoor accent pillows have covers, which makes them much easier to clean. But the important thing is to check the care tag; many are machine-washable, but not all, so be careful. And if they are, you’ll want to take note of what the care instructions recommend, such as cold water, air drying, or dry cleaning.
If your pillows or cushions are machine-washable, then remove the covers and zip them closed. You should pre-treat stains by applying a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover to any visible spots. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
Wash your pieces using the gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Stay away from bleach and fabric softeners since the chemicals in them can damage outdoor fabric.
Afterward, you should air dry them by hanging or laying them flat. If the tags say it’s safe to use the dryer, then go ahead and throw them in. Otherwise, avoid it since it can shrink or weaken the fabric.
Do note that even if the covers are machine-washable, you should never put outdoor pillow inserts in the washing machine. Not only can this break down the foam, but it can also encourage mold growth since they’ll get waterlogged.
How to treat specific stains on deck furniture cushions
Outdoor cushions and pillows are exposed to a number of elements, including sun, rain, pollen, bird droppings, and more. As you might’ve guessed, there are specific ways to treat stains that not only make your items spotless, but also do as little damage as possible.
Keep reading for effective ways to eliminate stains so you’re prepared the next time an accident happens. Remember: the sooner you treat the stains, the better the results!
Mold and Mildew
Vinegar is a great solution for killing mold, so you’ll want to use it here. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of water and mix it up in a spray bottle.
Spray the affected area until it’s soaked, and then scrub it with a soft brush. After letting it sit for 10-20 minutes, you can rinse the cushion or pillow off. Let it fully dry in the sun, as UV rays can help kill mildew.
Grease or Food Stains
For pesky grease or food stains, turn to baking soda. Just sprinkle some over the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes so it can absorb the oil. Then, brush it off and scrub the area with warm soapy water.
Rinse the cushion or pillow off thoroughly and repeat this process if necessary.
Bird Droppings
Have those pesky birds been dirtying your beautiful outdoor couch cushions? Don’t worry, as you can get your items looking as good as new again.
Use a plastic scraper or dull knife to gently lift off the droppings (wear gloves if you want to be extra cautious). Then, using a sponge or brush, you can scrub the spot with warm soapy water before rinsing it off thoroughly.
Tree Sap
Unfortunately, tree sap can drip onto your pillows and cushions, creating stubborn and unsightly stains. An easy hack is to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer (with alcohol) to a cloth and then dab at the sap (don’t rub!). Next, dab with warm soapy water and rinse it off well.
How to quickly dry outside cushions
Cleaning your outdoor accessories may be the hard part, but drying them off quickly is vital, especially if you have deep seat patio cushions. If you don’t get all the excess moisture out, then you’ll have the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. So speeding up the process is key!
First of all, after you do the final rinse, press on the pieces with a clean towel to blot out as much water as possible. Again, don’t wring or fold them since you might distort or damage them.
Next, stand the cushions or pillows on their narrow edge by propping them up or putting them against a wall. This will allow water to drain more effectively while getting airflow.
If possible, use sunlight and airflow to your advantage. Place the items in direct sunlight in a well-ventilated area. The sun’s rays will help kill bacteria while drying the fabric quickly, especially if there’s natural air moving through.
For extra airflow help, or if you’re in a shaded or humid area, place a box fan or shop fan in front of your pieces. This can significantly cut the drying time. Make sure to flip the cushions or pillows periodically too; turning them every hour or two will ensure that all sides dry evenly.
You should never stack or pile the wet items. Not only will they stay damp longer, but they might also develop odors or mildew.
Tips to make backyard cushions last longer
You can clean your cushions, but they’ll only look and feel new for so long. Thankfully, there are some tips you can use to make them last a few more years.
Protect from weathering
To safeguard your cushions and pillows from the sun and weather, look for UV-resistant spray fabric protectors. These will prevent fading and degradation.
During the off-season, cover them with a tarp or plastic to prevent dirt from settling on them or store them in a deck box with airflow.
Avoid moisture build-up
Always dry them completely before you store your items, and don’t leave them on damp surfaces like grass or concrete. The outdoor furniture you use should allow for airflow underneath too.
If you’re purchasing new cushions, then choose water-resistant fabrics and quick-dry foam.
Clean regularly
When spills and stains happen, spot-clean them immediately. Otherwise, do a full wash at least once per season or monthly during heavy-use months.
Rotate use
One side of your cushions might feel more comfy, but you should regularly flip and rotate them. That way, one side isn’t always exposed to the sun, and it won’t be oddly lumpy either.
Ensure your cushions are beautiful and clean
Now that you know how to clean outdoor cushions, you can keep them looking as good as the day you bought them. Whether you’re lounging on your deck alone or hosting a huge backyard party, you’ll be able to have clean and fresh-smelling cushions that make your outdoor space more inviting.
Just remember that maintenance and quality care can be just as essential as the cleaning process itself. If you follow our tips, you’ll be able to get more seasons out of your outdoor pillows and cushions.
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