It’s much simpler to learn how to clean outdoor cushions than you might think, and we’ve got the inside scoop on keeping your outdoor pillows mold and mildew free.
It will cost you less money and prevent trash from going into the landfill if you take care of your outdoor furniture and cushions. This article on cleaning outdoor cushions will keep them looking great all season long with just a few basic supplies.
How to Clean Patio Cushions and Pillows
Some outdoor pillows and patio cushions have covers that are easily removable and washable. Follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions, then allow the covers to completely air dry before replacing them.
Use your garden hose and a basic cleaning solution to refresh your patio furniture cushions if you are unable to remove the cover. To prevent leaving fresh mud or grass stains on the cushions, make sure to do this on a stable outdoor surface, like a patio or deck.
What You Need
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Soft-bristled brush
- Dish detergent
- Borax
- Bucket of water
- Garden hose
- Clean towel
Step 1: Vacuum Up Loose Debris
Vacuum the cushion’s surface using the upholstery attachment to get rid of any loose dirt, dust, or debris. Be cautious around buttons and other decorative elements, and pay extra attention to seams and crevices that could conceal dirt. A soft-bristled brush with a price tag of $6 is another option for removing dirt.
Step 2: Scrub With Cleaning Solution
In a bucket of water, combine 1/4 cup of Borax ($6 Target) and 1 tablespoon of dish detergent. Scrub the entire surface with a brush dipped in the cleaning solution, returning to stained areas as necessary. Allow the solution to soak for at least five minutes.
Step 3: Rinse Cushions Using Garden Hose
Wash the cushions with a garden hose set to medium-high pressure. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the cleaning agent away. Avoid using a pressure washer because it could harm the fabric.
Step 4: Let Dry Completely
Use your hands to squeeze out any extra water, and then blot the fabric with a fresh towel to remove as much moisture as you can. The cushions should be supported vertically so they can completely air dry. To reduce drying time, place them in a sunny area.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions With Vinegar
Try cleaning outdoor cushions with vinegar for a natural cleaning approach. Pour into a spray bottle 4 cups of warm water along with 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. Spray the solution on the cushions after vacuuming the area, then leave them for 15 minutes to absorb the solution. Scrub any stained areas gently with a brush. Let the surface air dry after rinsing with water.
How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
As with most stains, outdoor cushions should be treated as soon as possible after becoming stained. Use these instructions for specific types of spots:
- Grass stains: Use a liquid detergent with stain-removing enzymes, such as Tide Heavy Duty Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent ($13, Target), if the above Borax solution fails to remove grass stains. Work the detergent into the stain with a soft brush before rinsing with fresh water.
- Mold or mildew: As much of the mold or mildew as you can should be removed with a brush. To prevent the spores from spreading to other parts of your house, make sure to do this outside. Wait at least 10 minutes after applying undiluted distilled white vinegar to the affected area. Apply a vinegar-soaked cloth to stains that are particularly difficult to remove. Use a brush to scrub the cushions, and then a sponge dipped in water and a little detergent to clean them. In a bright area, thoroughly rinse and let air dry.
- Oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the fabric to remove oil-based stains from food, bug spray, and sunscreen. Scrape off the powder using a straightedge, such as a ruler or credit card, after waiting 15 minutes for the oil to be absorbed. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.
- Tree sap: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover to the stain and then, to create a paste, sprinkle some powdered detergent on top. Rinse with hot water after using a soft brush to scrub. Wash with oxygen bleach ($8, Amazon) to restore the color if the discoloration is still present.
Many outdoor pillows and cushions have been coated with a special material that repels water. In order to prevent sealing in dirt or stains, replenish this coating or protect untreated fabrics with a protective fabric spray. Make sure the cushions are completely clean before proceeding.
How to Wash Outdoor Cushions in the Washing Machine
If the covers on your outdoor cushions are removable, washing them in the washing machine is an excellent way to get them clean quickly. Do this once a year (or more often if it is obvious they need it).
Read More: How To Clean A Front-Load Washing Machine?
Simply take off the cushion cover and store the inner filling somewhere warm, dry, and covered to prevent mildew from growing there. For information on temperature and other details, check the label as described above. The covers should then be washed on a gentle cycle with the best washing powder or washing pods you can afford, shaking any dust, sand, or other debris stuck in the corner grooves. When finished, let them completely dry in the air before reinserting the filling.
Make a paste of baking soda and water to pre-treat soiled cushions before washing them. It’s an excellent alternative to bleach for removing stains and revitalizing surfaces.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions With Vinegar
White vinegar can be used to clean mildew and stains from outdoor cushions. The outdoor cushion covers that you can’t remove can be used with this technique.
- To clean the cushions, just combine lukewarm water, 1/2 cup dish soap (or none at all if you prefer), and a few tablespoons of white vinegar.
- Rub the mixture thoroughly all around before allowing it to rest for a short while.
- Then, rinse thoroughly with a sponge and more warm water, being careful not to let any water get into the filling (less of a problem if your covers are weatherproof).
- Let the cushions dry in the sun until they are completely dry.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions With Mildew
There are many efficient ways to get rid of mildew and other types of stains without sodium borate, but borax powder (available from Amazon)(opens in new tab) is a fairly powerful cleaning product that many swear by to remove mold and mildew.
For treating mold and stains on outdoor cushions, mix white vinegar, water, and your preferred essential oil (we like Handcraft Blends’ tea tree oil because it’s naturally anti-bacterial). Simply prepare your solution, spray it on, and let it work before washing it off and allowing it to completely dry.
Additionally, if you treat a large enough number of cushions, you might have some extra oil to use in your best essential oil diffuser.
How to Clean Bird Poop Off Outdoor Cushions
Shame on your cushions, even if it brings you good fortune. Not to worry, just scrape off what you can and spray the area with warm water and detergent after donning disposable gloves to handle this disgusting task.
If the dirt is deeply embedded, use an old toothbrush or a soft brush to remove it before using one of the aforementioned techniques to thoroughly wash the area.
If, however, this job (and their gastrointestinal practices) are becoming a little too, um… regular, find out learn how to get rid of pigeons on your balcony or patio to stop their faecal matter finding its way onto your decorative cushions.
How to Remove Stains from Outdoor Cushions
You can pre-treat cushion covers with a water and baking soda paste, as was mentioned in the washing machine technique. In particular, bleach can be replaced with this.
How to Protect Outdoor Cushions
To avoid dirt accumulation and stains on your outdoor furniture, Read advises “consider using plastic cover cushions or make sure you’re treating your fabric with upholstery protectors” (opens in new tab).’
Plus there are a few more tricks to keep outdoor cushions looking fresh and clean:
- Remove dust: Regularly dry brushing outdoor seat cushions and patio cushions will help clear them of the dust and debris the wind has carried in. To make this process go more quickly, you can even clean your patio cushions with your best vacuum or a good handheld vacuum.
- Clean before you store: Outdoor cushions will store much better if you clean them as described above rather than just tossing them in the garage when it starts to rain.
- Speed up drying time: We’re only human, so occasionally throughout the year, outdoor cushions will become wet (UK residents, pay attention!) so flip yours on its most narrow edge to speed up drying time between downpours. Alternately, bring them inside and dry them off with your hair dryer.
- Catch spills quickly: Your outdoor dining chair’s seat cushion was splattered with ketchup or French fries. Blot, blot, blot, then use salt or cornstarch to completely soak up the mess. Finally, use your garden hose to thoroughly clean the area before allowing it to dry to prevent a stain from setting.
Read More: Can You Use Window Cleaner On Stainless Steel – How to Use
Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Outdoor Cushions
As a result, we can infer that water can effectively clean your outdoor cushions of the majority of dirt. However, does the power of the tool you use affect how effectively it does so? Surely the cleaner it is, the better it cleans, the more powerful it is? Wrong.
You should exercise caution when using a jet wash to clean cushions, even though the best pressure washers might be fantastic for blasting dirt off your patio paving. Here, Jenna Kate, a writer and photographer at Jennakateathome.com(opens in new tab), offers some useful tips and a caution about using a power washer on your cushions.
Pressure washing is undoubtedly less time-consuming than hand washing and a surefire way to get your patio cushions clean if your patio furniture does not have zippered covers.
However, repeated use of this technique might cause the cushion fabric to deteriorate. Use a low PSI pressure washer and don’t do it more than once a year if you decide to go this route. If you want to increase the lifespan of your furniture, hand washing cushions without removable covers is a much better option.
What is the Best Way to Clean Outdoor Fabric Cushions?
Since many will have been treated with UV-protective and other weather-resistant coatings, especially if yours came as part of a patio dining set, outdoor cushions, whether individual or on patio furniture, aren’t always like regular cushions you’ll find in your home.
Check the labels of your items for any instructions on how the manufacturer suggests cleaning them before you begin any cleaning or washing.
The cushion covers should be taken off for a basic clean and put into a washing machine on a low cycle with a mild detergent, according to Read. Washing the foam insert inside the cushion can cause mildew and mold, so avoid doing so. When the washing cycle is finished, make sure the cushion covers are completely dry before replacing them. Place the cushion covers outside in the sunshine or indoors on radiators to dry during the summer.’
‘Consider hand washing your cushions if they are made of a delicate fabric or if there is a particularly difficult stain (we have lots of tips on how to hand wash clothes, and the same principles apply).
To remove recent stains and avoid discolorations, use a wet microfiber cleaning cloth (opens in new tab) or a clean rag with a mild detergent. Consider using a fabric brush (like this one from The Laundress(opens in new tab)) and, depending on the fabric, a potent stain remover if you have a dried-in stain.
FAQs
How Do You Clean Outdoor Cushions Without Removable Covers
For a natural cleaning method, try using vinegar to clean outdoor cushions. Pour into a spray bottle 4 cups of warm water along with 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. Spray the cushions with the solution after vacuuming the floor and let them sit for 15 minutes. Scrub any stains with a soft brush.
How to Clean Patio Cushions With Mildew
Pour three cups of warm water into a large bowl and stir in one tablespoon of dish soap. Before using it to scrub the cushions, soak a sponge in the mixture. Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the cushions. Allow the cushions to dry in the sun and to air out.
How to Clean Patio Furniture Cushions and Canvas
How to Clean Patio FurnituPretreat any stains by applying a small amount of strong liquid laundry detergent, rubbing it in, and letting it sit for 15 minutes before washing the covers. Before reusing the covers on the cushions, wash them in cold or warm water (as directed on the care label) and hang them to dry naturally.re Cushions and Canvas