How to Keep Outdoor Cushions Clean - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Outdoor cushions add comfort and style to any patio or deck, but they require some extra care and maintenance to keep them looking fresh. Exposure to sun, rain, dirt, pollen, and everyday use can take a toll on outdoor cushions, causing fading, stains, mildew, and wear. With the right cleaning methods and care, you can keep your outdoor cushions in great shape so they withstand the elements and provide years of enjoyment.

Why It’s Important to Keep Outdoor Cushions Clean

Keeping outdoor cushions clean not only maintains their aesthetic appeal but also extends their lifespan. Here are some key reasons to make cushion care a priority:

Prevent fading and fabric damage: Exposure to sunlight, water, and dirt degrades the dyes and fibers in cushion fabric over time. Regular washing preserves the vibrant color and integrity of the fabric.
Avoid mildew and mold buildup: Moisture that seeps into cushions can promote mildew growth, causing unsightly stains and foul odors. Routine cleaning inhibits microbial growth.
Extend the life of cushions: Soil, debris, and body oils that accumulate on cushion covers slowly break down the fabric. Cleaning removes these contaminants before they can degrade the material.
Improve appearance: While some fading over time is inevitable, frequent cleaning keeps outdoor cushions looking fresher. Removing stains also improves the look.
Create a healthier outdoor space: Mildew and mold release allergens into the air. Controlling these growths through cleaning makes outdoor areas more pleasant and comfortable for guests.

Supplies Needed

Cleaning outdoor cushions doesn’t require much. Here are the basic supplies you’ll need:

Mild laundry detergent: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free liquid detergent. Powder detergents may leave behind residue.
Soft brush: Use a soft-bristle scrub brush to help remove dirt and debris. Avoid stiff brushes that could snag fabric.
Spray nozzle: Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose to help pre-treat stains and rinse cushions thoroughly.
Cleaning gloves: Wear water-resistant gloves to protect your hands and get a better grip on the cushions.
Absorbent towels: Have some clean towels on hand to blot excess water after washing. Terry cloth towels work well.
Pillow inserts: If removable, take out the pillow inserts before washing the cushion covers.
Laundry bag: Place delicate cushion covers in a mesh bag for washing. This prevents damage.
Clothesline and clothespins: Hang cushions to air dry in the sun after washing.

Cleaning Methods

How you clean outdoor cushions depends on the fabric, construction, and how soiled they are. Here are some effective cleaning techniques:

Spot Cleaning

For cushions with light staining or soiling, spot cleaning is often sufficient.

How to Spot Clean Outdoor Cushions:

Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use about 2 tablespoons per gallon of water.
Dip a soft-bristle scrub brush into the solution and gently brush stains to work in the detergent.
Allow the solution to soak for 5-10 minutes. Then rinse well with clean water.
Blot damp spots with an absorbent towel. Allow the cushions to fully air dry.

This approach targets problem areas only, so it’s water and time efficient. But for cushions that are heavily soiled overall, a full washing is better.

Washing Machine Method

The washing machine makes quick work of cleaning all your cushion covers thoroughly.

How to Wash Outdoor Cushions in a Machine:

Check the care label and confirm the covers are machine washable.
Remove the pillow inserts from the covers if possible. This allows more effective cleaning.
Pretreat any tough stains by rubbing in liquid detergent. Let sit for 10 minutes before washing.
Place covers or whole cushions in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents tearing.
Wash on the gentle cycle using cold water and a mild powder detergent.
Air dry the cushions or tumble dry on low if the fabric allows machine drying.

Washing machine cleaning works well for most outdoor cushion fabrics. Just take care to protect zippers and closures.

Hose Washing

For large or delicate cushions, hose washing by hand is a good option.

How to Hand Wash Outdoor Cushions with a Hose:

Remove covers if possible so you can target both sides of the fabric thoroughly.
Treat any stubborn stains with a prewash spray and let soak in.
Set cushions on a grassy or gravel area accessible to the hose.
Spray cushions generously to saturate the fabric with cool water.
Apply a small amount of mild detergent directly onto cushions.
Use a soft-bristle scrub brush to work in the detergent, scrubbing gently.
Rinse very thoroughly with clean water to remove all suds and residue.
Hang or lay flat in the sun to dry completely.

Hose washing gives you more control for gently cleaning delicate or loosely woven fabrics.

Bleach Solution for Mildew Removal

For cushions affected by mildew and mold, adding bleach to your wash solution helps eliminate it.

How to Use Bleach When Washing Outdoor Cushions:

Inspect cushions closely and identify any areas with mildew growth.
Mix 1 cup powdered laundry detergent, 1/2 cup bleach, and 1 gallon warm water in a bucket.
Pretreat mildew stains by spraying the bleach solution directly on affected areas. Allow it to soak in for 10 minutes.
Wash cushions using your desired method (spot clean, machine, or hand wash) with the bleach detergent solution.
Rinse very thoroughly. Bleach residues left on fabric can cause deterioration.
Hang in direct sunlight to dry. The UV rays help sanitize and remove any lingering mildew.

Repeat this bleaching process as needed until all the mildew stains are gone. Just take care with bleach because it can damage or discolor some fabrics. Always spot test first.

Cleaning Tips By Fabric

The cleaning method you use should take the outdoor cushion fabric into account. Here are some tips for properly caring for different materials:

Canvas

Durable and resistant to mildew, but still prone to staining from spills and dirt.
Check care tag, but most canvas can be machine washed cool and tumble dried low.
For hand washing, scrub with soft brush and mild soap then hose rinse. Use bleach for mildew.

Mesh

Vulnerable to UV damage but resistant to stains. Rinse spills promptly before they soak in.
Hand wash only with cold water and mild detergent. Don’t machine wash mesh covers.
Avoid bleach. Use lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide to treat mildew.

Polyester

Colorfast, durable, quick drying, and resists mildew. Machine washing polyester covers is easy.
Pretreat oil-based stains. Wash in cold water with similar colors. Air dry.
For hand washing, use warm water and gentle soap. Rinse thoroughly.

Olefin

Lightweight, mildew resistant, and dries quickly. Ideal for hand or machine washing.
Use cool water to wash. Hot water could shrink covers. Don’t use bleach.
Machine drying is okay on low heat. Remove covers from cushions first.

Cotton

Prone to shrinking so always wash cushion covers separately from cotton inserts.
Wash in cool water. Allow to air dry to prevent shrinkage.
Use bleach alternative like hydrogen peroxide for mildew. Don’t iron.

Stain Removal Tips

Even with regular washing, outdoor cushions still encounter spills and stains. Here are some tips for tackling common ones:

Food stains: Pretreat with dish soap. Avoid hot water. Rinse thoroughly. For grease, try baking soda or vinegar.

Drink stains: Flush the stain immediately with cold water or club soda. Then launder as usual. Avoid heat setting the stain.

Rust stains: Mix lemon juice and salt into a paste. Apply to the stain and let sit for 1 hour before washing. You can also try white vinegar.

Mold and mildew stains: Use a bleach detergent solution. Or spray diluted hydrogen peroxide on the stain and let sit before washing.

Pollen and leaf stains: Try dabbing these stains with rubbing alcohol before washing. For tougher ones, use an all-purpose cleaner or baking soda paste.

Bird droppings: Wipe away droppings promptly then wash. If the stain remains, rub in baking soda, vinegar, or ammonia before washing.

Sunscreen and oil stains: Rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain and let sit before washing. Or spray hairspray or alcohol-based sunscreen to breakdown oil.

Ink and marker stains: Try hairspray, alcohol, or lemon juice. Avoid using heat to set the stain. Then wash as normal.

For best results, identify stains and treat them as soon as possible. Always check care tags before choosing cleaning products.

Cushion Washing Schedule and Routine

The frequency for cleaning outdoor cushions depends on how much use they get and how quickly they become dirty. Here are some tips for establishing an effective cushion washing routine:

Inspect all your cushions at the start and end of the outdoor living season. Wash any that already show signs of dirt, stains, or mildew.
Wash your outdoor cushions at least every 2-3 weeks during peak summer usage. Or wash more frequently if they receive food spills or accumulated dirt.
Wash occasionally in spring and fall, even with lighter use. Seasonal pollen and debris still build up on cushions.
Check after rainstorms and wash if cushions got very wet. Don’t let moisture soak in to avoid mold.
Consider washing cushions after any apparent “mishap” like a spilled drink or smeared food. Prompt treatment makes stains easier to remove.
Wash cushion covers separately from inserts to improve cleaning and drying time.
Use the cleaning method best suited to your cushion fabric type and level of soiling.

Establish a routine cushion washing schedule but remain flexible. Wash more frequently during busy summer months or if cushions require a deeper clean.

How to Dry Outdoor Cushions

Proper drying is just as important as washing outdoor cushions. Moisture left in cushions breeds mildew and mold. Here are some drying tips:

Always refer to furniture and fabric care tags for the manufacturer’s drying recommendations.
For machine-washed cushion covers, tumble dry on a low setting or line dry in the sun.
Lay whole cushions flat in a sunny spot to air dry thoroughly after hose washing. Turn periodically.
Improper machine drying can shrink or warp cotton cushion covers. Lay flat to air dry.
Fluff and rotate inserts as covers dry to distribute filling and loft.
Speed up drying time for inserts by placing them in a clothes dryer on air fluff setting.
Consider using a portable fan pointed at cushions to circulate air and expedite drying after hand washing.
Feel for dampness in the interior before recovering cushions. Don’t reassemble until 100% dry.

Take the time to thoroughly dry your cushions after every wash. Avoid putting away damp cushions as mildew can develop quickly.

Storing Outdoor Cushions in Off-Season

The cold, wet conditions of winter can easily ruin outdoor cushions left outside. Use these storage tips to protect them in off-season:

At end of summer, wash and dry cushions well before storing to inhibit mildew growth.
Check for damage such as tears, broken zippers, or detached ties and repair before storage.
Store cushion inserts and covers separately if possible. Inserts take longer to dry out.
Place clean, vacuum-sealed covers in airtight plastic bins to prevent dirt and moisture exposure. Store inserts in breathable bags.
Move cushions indoors to a temperature controlled storage area out of humidity and direct sunlight. A basement or closet works well.
Avoid using the garage for storage if dampness or wide temperature swings occur. The conditions could promote mold or freeze damage.
To save space, stack inserts and wrap tightly in a clean tarpaulin or plastic sheeting before storing.

With some advance planning, you can keep your outdoor cushions in “like new” condition through the dormant winter season. Proper cleaning and storage will extend their life for many years.

Outdoor Cushion Care Tips

In addition to regular cleaning, some simple care measures help maintain outdoor cushions:

Plump and rotate the cushions frequently to redistribute fill and avoid flattened spots.
Bring cushions inside or cover during inclement weather to reduce exposure to the elements.
Rinse spills promptly with water to avoid permanent staining.
Allow cushions to fully air out after rainfall before recovering to prevent mildew growth.
Use cushion covers designed for outdoor use and made of mildew-resistant fabrics.
Vacuum cushions occasionally using an upholstery brush attachment. This removes surface dirt between full washings.
Inspect for signs of wear at the start and end of each season. Make repairs or replace if needed.
Consider spray-on waterproofing treatments to protect outdoor fabric from moisture damage. Always test first.

With the right preventative care and frequent deep cleaning, outdoor cushions can stay like new for many years of use. Follow these tips and enjoy your comfortable, clean outdoor living space.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should outdoor cushions be cleaned?

Clean cushions every 2-3 weeks during peak outdoor living season when in frequent use. Wash occasionally in spring and fall too.

What is the best way to clean outdoor cushions?

Most can be machine washed cool and tumble dried low. Hand wash delicates with a soft brush and mild soap then hose rinse.

How do you clean mold off outdoor cushions?

Use a diluted bleach solution and soak moldy areas before washing. Or spray diluted hydrogen peroxide on the mold and let sit before washing.

Should outdoor cushions be washed with bleach?

Bleach can help eliminate mildew that develops on outdoor cushions. But check fabric care tags first, as some materials like mesh should not be bleached.

How do I get sunscreen stains out of outdoor cushions?

Rub liquid laundry detergent into sunscreen stains before washing. You can also try rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or lemon juice to breakdown oily sunscreen stains.

What is the best way to dry outdoor cushions after washing?

It’s best to air dry cushions in the sun after washing. Machine drying can be used for some fabrics, on a low heat setting, if recommended. Ensure cushions are completely dry before recovering or storing.

How do you store outdoor cushions in the winter?

Before storage, wash and completely dry cushions. Store cushion covers and inserts separately in airtight bins in a temperature controlled location. Avoid unheated garages or attics if moisture or extreme cold occurs.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and care are essential to keep outdoor cushions looking fresh and extending their lifespan. Wash cushions at least every 2-3 weeks during summer’s peak usage. Choose cleaning methods suitable for the cushion fabric and degree of soiling. Always take time to completely dry cushions after washing. With some routine maintenance and proper storage, your outdoor cushions can deliver lasting quality and comfort for many years.