How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Fabric & Synthetic Mesh Slings

Caring for outdoor textiles

In the past, outdoor furniture was designed for a simple backyard barbecue with a Weber grill or an afternoon catching some rays by the pool. Most seating was casual and either folded or featured rubbery straps. New fabrication methods and a trend toward holistic architecture have created more elegant and upholstered pieces.

These designs blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. Dining chairs, patio sectional sofas, and lounge chairs have modern designs. They use high-tech fabrics that withstand many conditions. While most require little attention, a few tips can keep them in tip-top shape. This section of our guide covers a few prominent outdoor fabric types and how to maintain them.

Outdoor fabric & cushion maintenance schedule

To keep your outdoor seating comfortable, attractive, and mold-free, it’s important to follow a consistent cleaning routine. Different types of outdoor fabrics, such as mesh slings, ropes and cushions, have special needs. These needs depend on their exposure and material. The table below outlines how often to perform light and deep cleaning for various fabric types, along with key care tips.

Fabric Type	Light Cleaning	Deep Cleaning	Care Notes
Mesh Slings	Once a month	Every 3 months	Rinse and wipe down regularly; spot clean spills ASAP.
Webbing & Rope Seating	Monthly dusting or rinse	Twice yearly	Check overlaps for mold or mildew; scrub gently.
Removable Fabric Covers	Spot clean monthly	2–3 times per season	Machine wash if permitted; air dry completely.
Non-Removable Cushions	Monthly surface wipe	Seasonally or when stained	Don’t saturate foam; dry thoroughly in the sun.
All Fabrics (Mildew-Prone)	After heavy rainfall	As needed	Use diluted bleach (if safe) or mildew remover carefully.

Synthetic Mesh (slings)

Most high-quality patio sling chairs and seating is made from PVC-coated polyester mesh. This strong synthetic textile is stretch and tear-resistant and relatively easy to clean [Van Craenenbroeck, Puystiens, De Laet, Van Hemelrijck & Mollaert 2016]. The resin coating keeps the woven fibers safe from damage and fading due to the sun and weather. Holes in the weave help the material dry quickly. Serge Ferrari’s Batyline and Twitchell’s Textilene are two sling fabrics popular with high-end outdoor brands. Clean sling pool furniture every three months to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

1. Leave the sling fabric on their frames when cleaning
2. Remove any dirt or other organic debris on the surface with a cloth or whisk broom
3. Add mild dish soap to lukewarm water
4. Wash the mesh directly with a sponge or microfiber cloth
5. Allow the soapy water to seep into the material before gently cleaning the surface with a soft-bristled brush
6. Don’t forget to clean the bottoms and backs of the slings too. You may need to place a towel under the furniture. This will help prevent the frame from getting scratched by the ground
7. Rinse the fabric with clean water
8. Let the mesh sling fabric air-dry

Manufacturer Video Tip – Synthetic Mesh – Batyline Elios

Sling chair fabrics like should be regularly maintained but occasional spot cleaning may need a specialized focused approach. Check out this “How to” video from Serge Ferrari to clean stubborn stains from ketchup, red wine, sunscreen and more.

Synthetic Webbing (straps & ropes)

Some outdoor furniture uses crisscrossing straps or parallel roping to provide flexible comfort. In high-end seating, the open weave is usually made from a blend of materials. These include polypropylene, polyester, and sometimes hemp. Before washing synthetic webbing, remove any debris that may have become lodged in the gaps of the weave or where straps overlap. Otherwise, it’s cleaned like sling chairs – mild soap and water, light scrubbing and a clean rinse. Don’t use alcohol-based, solvent or acidic cleaners or metal bristled brushes.

Upholstery Cushions & Pillows

Upholstered outdoor seats have cushions and pillows wrapped in UV and weather-resistant fabric. Covers are made from acrylic, polyester, or vinyl threads. These threads are coated to protect against water damage and fading. Some covers have zippers or fasteners that allow you to remove their foam inserts, while others are sewn shut. If you want your outdoor sofa and loungers to last long, look for Sunbrella patio furniture with Urecel QuickDry foam.

Cleaning outdoor cushions with removable covers

Some removable covers are machine-washable. However, cleaning them by hand is very easy.

1. Take out the foam core
2. Brush any dirt off the fabric
3. Spray with soapy warm water until the cover is soaked through or soak it in a bucket filled with soapy water
4. Gently scrub the cover from seam to seam with a soft-bristled brush to remove light stains
5. Do both the inside and outside to remove stubborn stains
6. Rinse with clean water
7. Let the cover air dry completely before reinserting the foam core

Washing upholstery with non-removable fabric covers

Non-removable covers require a slightly different approach but it’s still pretty straightforward.

1. Apply the soapy water to the outside of the cover with a sponge
2. Rub the surface so that the soap bubbles are worked into the fabric
3. Use a high-pressure garden hose to clean off the detergent residue
4. Set the cushions on their edge to air dry

Manufacturer Video Tip – Upholstery Cushions – Sunbrella Fabric

Every day dirt and grime is one thing but outdoor cushions have to survive a myriad of potential mishaps. Backyard parties with kids and adults eating, drinking and lathering on SPF 50 sun block are a recipe for some serious spills. Fortunately, high-performance textiles are designed to resist staining if attended to in a reasonable amount of time. Here’s a “pro tip” video from Sunbrella on how to spot clean dried red wine stains.

Post-season maintenance for outside cushions & fabric

Before the rainy season or winter arrives, clean, dry, and store your outdoor cushions and fabrics. This will protect them from moisture damage, mildew, and pests. Different materials require different care. However, the main idea is the same.

• Clean them well
• Dry them completely
• Store them in safe, breathable conditions

Below is a comprehensive guide tailored to specific fabric types and storage environments.

Deep clean before storage

Regardless of fabric type, always perform a thorough cleaning at the end of the season:

• Mesh Slings – Scrub with mild soap and water, rinse well, and let them air dry fully in the sun.
• Rope or Webbing – Clean gently with a soft brush and soapy water. Pay special attention to overlapped areas where mildew can form easily.
• Removable Cushion Covers – Follow manufacturer instructions—most are machine washable. Use a gentle cycle and air dry completely before storing.
• Non-Removable Cushions – Surface clean with a fabric-safe cleaner or mild soap solution. Avoid over-saturating the foam. Let them dry upright in a sunny, breezy area.

Ensure complete dryness

Even mildew-resistant materials can harbor mold if stored damp. Be sure all fabrics are bone dry before storing:

• Allow multiple days of sun exposure if needed.
• Press down on foam cushions to check for hidden moisture inside.
• Avoid storing right after rainfall or humid days.

Smart storage solutions

Store outdoor cushions and fabrics properly to extend their life and prevent off-season damage:

Storage Element	Recommendation
Storage Containers	Use breathable, water-resistant bins or deck boxes with ventilation slats.
Avoid Airtight Plastic	Do not use sealed plastic totes or garbage bags, which trap humidity.
Protective Covers	Use breathable cushion bags or fabric dust covers to guard against dirt and pests.
Silica or Charcoal Packs	Place desiccants inside bins to absorb residual moisture.
Elevation	Store cushions off the ground (on shelving or pallets) to allow air circulation.

Ideal storage environment

Choose a safe and climate-stable space to prevent extreme weather damage:

• Best Locations – Dry basement, insulated garage, attic with ventilation, or a storage shed with airflow.
• Avoid – Damp crawlspaces, non-insulated sheds, or outdoor plastic bins exposed to direct weather.
• Rodent Protection – Add cedar blocks or pest deterrents to storage bins if storing in garages or sheds.

Don’t forget about little critters

Protecting your patio furniture against Mother Nature and mankind is critical to extending its useful life. Corrosion, mold, mildew, fading, and stains can harm the strength and look of your outdoor seating and tables. However, you need to remember the pests that call your backyard home. The final section of our guide identifies some of the most pesky critters that might mar your patio lounge or dining set.

Guide Sections

Patio Furniture Cleaning & Care Guide

How to Clean Teak, Eucalyptus & Other Outdoor Wood Furniture

Caring for Metal Patio Furniture – Aluminum, Steel & Wrought Iron

Cleaning Tips for Resin Wicker & Plastic Deck Furniture

Maintaining Outdoor Tabletops from HPL to Tempered Glass

Keep Pests Like Insects, Birds & Rodents Off Deck Furniture

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References

• Van Craenenbroeck, M., Puystiens, S., De Laet, L., Van Hemelrijck, D., & Mollaert, M. (2016). Quantitative study of the impact of biaxial test protocols on the derived material parameters for a PVC-coated polyester fabric. Procedia Engineering, 155, 220-229.