How to Clean Outdoor Seat Cushions - Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor seat cushions are a great way to make your patio, deck, or poolside more comfortable and inviting. However, outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements and can get dirty pretty quickly. Learning how to properly clean outdoor seat cushions will help extend their life and keep them looking fresh. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the best practices for keeping outdoor cushions clean.

Why It’s Important to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor seat cushions need more frequent cleaning than indoor cushions for a few key reasons:

Exposure to dirt, pollen, and pollutants – Outdoor cushions attract more environmental contaminants that can stain and degrade the fabric.
Moisture – Outdoor cushions are subjected to rain, humidity, and ambient moisture which can lead to mold and mildew growth.
Sun damage – The sun’s UV rays will fade and deteriorate the fabric over time.
Bird droppings and tree sap – Cushions under trees or ledges can quickly accumulate messy droppings.

By cleaning outdoor seat cushions regularly you prevent stains from setting, maintain the integrity of the fabric, help retain fluffiness & support, and extend the life of the cushions.

Supplies Needed to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Having the right supplies on hand will make cleaning outdoor seat cushions much easier. Here are the most important items to have:

Mild detergent – Look for gentle, eco-friendly laundry or hand washing soap. Avoid harsh detergents.
Soft-bristle scrub brush – For working in stains and dirt. Make sure it is a brush designed for delicate fabrics.
Garden hose – For rinsing cushions after washing. Use a spray nozzle to control water flow.
Terry cloth towels – Absorbent towels to blot excess water after rinsing.
Spray bottle with water – For pre-treating stains. Also useful for rinsing cushions.
Baking soda – Helps lift stains and freshens fabrics.
White vinegar – Helps kill mold and mildew that can grow on damp cushions.
Laundry pretreat spray – Pre-treating sprays help lift protein-based stains.
Clean buckets or bins – For dissolving detergent and soaking cushions.
Soft-bristle patio broom – For giving cushions a quick sweep before washing.

How Often You Should Clean Outdoor Cushions

The frequency of cleaning outdoor seat cushions depends on several factors:

Fabric material – More delicate fabrics like linen need more frequent washing than sturdy canvas.
Amount of use – Heavily used cushions need washing more often than sparingly used cushions.
Environment – Cushions in damp climates or under trees require more frequent cleaning.
Level of dirtiness – Wash cushions whenever you notice stains, mildew, or bird droppings.

As a general guideline, plan to clean outdoor seat cushions:

Canvas, polyester, olefin – 1 to 2 times per month
Linen, cotton – 2 to 3 times per month
With heavy use – Weekly
After rain storms – As needed
When visibly dirty – Right away

Washing cushions before storing them for winter is also smart.

Preparing Outdoor Cushions for Washing

Before washing outdoor seat cushions, do a quick inspection and spot cleaning:

Remove loose dirt and debris with a soft patio broom.
Check for bird droppings, sap, or paint spots. Pre-treat stains by spraying with water or a laundry pretreater. Let soak 5 minutes.
Blot wet stains with a towel to remove excess moisture. Don’t rub aggressively.
Zip up and button removable cushion covers. Check for holes or tears in the fabric.
Remove Velcro fasteners that could snag the fabric during washing.

Washing cushions right after a rain storm will help dilute and rinse away dirt.

Hand Washing vs Machine Washing Cushions

Outdoor seat cushions should usually be hand washed instead of machine washed. However, machine washing works for very durable fabrics. Consider the pros and cons of each method:

Hand Washing

Pros: Gentler cleaning for delicate fabrics like linen. Able to scrub out stains. No risk of damage from machine agitation and spinning. Faster drying time.

Cons: More labor intensive. Limited to smaller cushion sizes that fit in a tub or bin. Water consumption if not using an eco-friendly process.

Machine Washing

Pros: Cleans the entire cushion, including inner surfaces. Convenient for large, heavy cushions. Saves time and labor.

Cons: Risk of tearing fragile fabrics. Possibility of shrinkage or faded colors. Longer dry time. Access to a large capacity machine required.

Check the cushion’s fabric care label before deciding on washing method. When machine washing, use the gentle cycle with cold water.

How to Hand Wash Outdoor Cushions

Follow this thorough process to hand wash outdoor seat cushions and remove stains:

Supplies Needed

Mild detergent
Soft bristle brush
Spray bottle of water
Terry cloth towels
Garden hose
Clean buckets or bins
Baking soda and vinegar

Steps for Hand Washing

Fill two buckets with cool water. In one bucket, mix a small amount of mild detergent according to package directions.
For major stains, pre-treat the area with a mix of baking soda and water. Let sit, then scrape off excess.
Submerge the cushion in the bucket of detergent water. Swish it around to evenly distribute the detergent through the fabric.
Use a soft brush to gently scrub any stains, moving from the outer edges in toward the middle. Avoid harsh scrubbing.
Drain the dirty wash water and rinse the cushion several times in the bucket of clean water. Move the cushion around to remove all soap.
Drain the rinse water. Lift the cushion from the bucket and let excess water drain off.
Lay the cushion flat on a towel. Roll up the cushion and press to extract water. Unroll and move to a dry section of the towel.
Flip the cushion over and repeat rolling and pressing to remove moisture. Rotate to dry towel sections as needed.
Rinse away any lingering soap by spraying all over with a garden hose or spray bottle. Let air dry fully in the sun.
For mold/mildew prevention, spray a mix of 1 cup vinegar per 1 gallon of water.

Letting cushions air dry in the sun helps kill germs and prevent mold growth. Fluff and rotate cushions while drying to maintain shape.

Cleaning Tips for Specific Outdoor Cushion Stains

Outdoor cushions pick up some distinctive stains from food, drinks, droppings, and the elements. Use these stain busting techniques:

Bird droppings – Soak in solution of baking soda and water to loosen. Gently scrape off residue before washing.
Tree sap – Apply baking soda directly on the sap. Let sit before brushing and washing. May take several treatments.
Mud or dirt – Let mud dry completely before brushing off excess. Soak in detergent before washing.
Food grease stains – Pre-treat with laundry spray or diluted dish soap. Avoid harsh rubbing.
Wine stains – Pour seltzer water on the stain and blot (don’t rub). Rinse and wash with detergent.
Pollen/tree leaves – Vacuum off debris before washing. Detergent will remove pollen.
Mold/mildew – Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of water. Spray on entire cushion and let sit before rinsing. Wash with detergent. For severe mold, use bleach.
Sunscreen/body oils – Use a laundry pre-treater spray or baking soda paste. Let sit before washing in warm, soapy water.

Spot test stain removers in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid harsh scrubbing that could damage the fabric.

How to Dry Outdoor Cushions

It’s important to thoroughly dry outdoor seat cushions after washing them. Wet cushions left bunched up can quickly develop mold. Here are tips for fast, effective drying:

Shake cushions vigorously after washing to remove excess water.
Roll up cushions in dry towels to absorb moisture, rotating to dry sections as needed.
Untie or unzip ties and covers so inner cushion surfaces can dry.
Stuff cushions with dry towels to help them hold shape while drying.
Lay flat in direct sunlight. Rotate periodically for even drying.
Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed drying if humidity is high.
Flip over periodically so both sides dry. Feel for any damp spots.
Plump and rotate cushions as they dry to prevent lumping or misshaping.
Dry in the shade if bright sun will fade the fabric. Move indoors if rain threatens.
Drying could take 1 to 2 hours or longer depending on humidity and sunlight.
Ensure cushions are completely dry before replacing outdoor. Wet cushions will grow mold quickly.

Proper drying prevents mold growth and retains the cushion’s shape. Store fully dry cushions indoors if they won’t be used for awhile.

Storing Outdoor Cushions in Winter

Cushions left outdoors in winter will become soggy, frozen, and prone to snow mold. Follow these tips for winter storage:

Wash cushions at the end of the season if dirty. Let completely dry.
Cover with outdoor-safe furniture covers or plastic bags so they stay clean and dry in storage.
Store cushions flat or upright on end. Avoid folding or bunching which can bend the filling out of shape.
Keep stored cushions in a clean, dry area like a basement, shed, or garage. Avoid attics which can get too hot.
Use mothballs or cedar blocks/chips to help repel insects. Vacuum upon removal in spring.
Uncover and flip or rotate cushions periodically in storage to prevent permanent creases.
Bring a few cushions indoors to rotate onto patio chairs if a warm spell occurs. Then return to storage.

Proper winter storage will prolong the life of your outdoor cushions so they stay looking fresh for seasons to come.

When to Consider Replacing Outdoor Cushions

With regular cleaning and proper storage, outdoor seat cushions can last for years. But over time, exposure to sun, moisture and use will take a toll. Consider replacing cushions if you notice:

Excess fading of colors, especially on one side
Fabric getting thin, developing holes and tears
Seams splitting open at the edges
Filling becoming lumpy or compacted
Mold or mildew odors that don’t go away after washing
Cushion no longer rebounds back to full thickness

Look for cushions warranted for 3 years or more, and buy UV and water-resistant covers if possible. Add some new accent cushions each season to keep your patio looking fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Outdoor Cushions

Get answers to some common questions on the best practices for cleaning outdoor seat cushions:

What is the best way to clean stubborn stains on outdoor cushions?

For tough stains, try letting them soak for 10-15 minutes in a concentrated solution of detergent before washing. Use a soft bristle brush and gentle scrubbing to work out the stain from the edges inward. Rinse thoroughly. Repeat if needed, but avoid excessive harsh scrubbing.

How do I remove mold and mildew from outdoor cushions?

Mix one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. Spray liberally over the entire cushion and let sit 10-15 minutes before washing with detergent and water. For severe mold, wipe down with a bleach-water solution of 1 Tbsp bleach per 1 quart water before washing.

Should outdoor seat cushions be machine dried?

No, machine drying can damage fabrics and shrink or warp cushions. Always air dry cushions naturally, in direct sunlight whenever possible. Use a fan to speed drying if needed.

What’s the best way to dry an outdoor cushion quickly?

Lay the cushion flat in direct sunlight. Use a fan directed on the cushion to increase air circulation. Flip periodically and feel for damp spots. Stuff with towels if needed to help the cushion hold its shape.

How do I get rid of yellow stains on outdoor cushions?

Unfortunately yellowing is caused by sun damage and not removable with cleaning. But you can help prevent it by using UV-resistant fabrics and regularly washing to remove pollutants. Add a UV protectant spray like Scotchguard to help block sun damage.

How can I make outdoor cushions last longer?

Wash frequently, dry thoroughly between uses, disinfect with vinegar/water spray, and use furniture covers when not in use. Store indoors over winter. Look for fade/mildew/stain resistant fabrics. Add cushion inserts for extra thickness.

Get Your Outdoor Cushions Sparkling Clean

Don’t let dirty outdoor seat cushions put a damper on enjoying your patio paradise. By regularly cleaning cushions, you’ll keep them looking vibrant and greatly extend their longevity. Be sure to check and wash your cushions at least monthly during outdoor season.

With the proper cleaning methods, supplies, and attention to detail, you can eliminate stains and keep your outdoor cushions looking like new. Just follow this comprehensive guide to hand washing, stain removal, drying, storage, and signs of replacement. Soon you’ll be lounging in total comfort and style on fresh, clean outdoor cushions!