How to Clean Outdoor Cushions - Outdoor Cabinets

Outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements and can get dirty pretty quickly. Regular cleaning keeps outdoor cushions looking fresh and extends their life. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to clean outdoor cushions properly.

Why It’s Important to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor cushions collect dirt, pollen, mold, mildew, and other debris. Here are some key reasons you should clean outdoor cushions regularly:

Extend cushion life – Regular cleaning removes abrasive particles that can prematurely wear down the cushion fabric. It also prevents mold and mildew growth that can degrade materials over time.
Prevent staining – The longer you let stains from food, drinks, leaves, pollen etc sit on the cushions, the harder they’ll be to remove later. Frequent cleaning helps prevent permanent staining.
Improve appearance – Over time, debris accumulation makes cushions look dingy. A good cleaning restores the vibrant color and appearance of the fabric.
Create a clean environment – Dirty cushions filled with pollen, mold, and mildew spores make your outdoor space less inviting and potentially unhealthy.
Maintain water repellency – Outdoor cushion fabrics are often treated with water repellent finishes. Regular cleaning helps maintain the water resistance.

Supplies Needed

Gather the following supplies before cleaning outdoor cushions:

Vacuum brush attachment – To remove loose dirt and debris from the cushion surface.
Soft brush – For gently scrubbing stains. Choose one with natural bristles.
Mild detergent – Look for a gentle, eco-friendly laundry or dish detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Clean cloths – Have plenty of clean microfiber cloths or soft cotton rags on hand.
Garden hose – For rinsing cushions after washing. Use a nozzle with adjustable pressure.
Scrub brush – For tougher stains, use a soft scrub brush with natural bristles.
Sponge – Useful for applying detergent and scrubbing stains. Choose a soft, abrasion-free sponge.
Towels – Absorb excess water from cushions after rinsing. Use clean, dry towels.
Protective gloves – Wear waterproof gloves to protect your hands during scrubbing.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Covers

Outdoor cushion covers can be removed and machine washed for deep cleaning. Here are step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Vacuum Both Sides

Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove any loose dirt particles, debris, pollen, and surface dust from both sides of the cushion cover. Vacuuming first prevents abrasive particles from rubbing into the fabric during washing.

Step 2: Check Care Instructions

Before washing, check the care label on the cushion cover for any special washing instructions. Some covers may not be machine washable or may have specific temperature or cycle requirements.

Step 3: Remove from Cushion Core

Unzip and remove the cushion cover from the inner cushion core before washing. Cushion cores are typically not washable.

Step 4: Pretreat Stains

Use a soft brush or sponge to gently rub a mild detergent into any visible stains to help lift them during washing. Avoid harsh stain removers.

Step 5: Wash on Gentle Cycle

Wash cushion covers on the delicate or gentle cycle using cold water. Hot water can damage fabrics and cause colors to bleed.

Step 6: Allow to Air Dry

Tumble drying can damage fabrics and cause shrinkage. Allow cushion covers to air dry fully before putting them back on the cushions.

Cleaning Cushion Covers In Place

If removing cushion covers for washing isn’t possible, here is how to clean them in place:

Step 1: Vacuum

Vacuum both sides of cushions first to remove loose debris that could scratch the fabric if rubbed while cleaning.

Step 2: Mix Soap Solution

Mix a mild detergent like dish soap or laundry detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use minimal soap to avoid residue.

Step 3: Scrub Stains

Use a soft brush or sponge dipped in the soap solution to gently scrub stains. Avoid harsh scrubbing.

Step 4: Rinse

Use a garden hose on a low pressure setting to thoroughly rinse away all soap residue. Soap left behind can attract more dirt.

Step 5: Blot Dry

Press clean towels into the fabric to absorb excess moisture. Avoid rubbing, which can damage fabrics.

Step 6: Allow to Air Dry

Let cushions air dry completely before using or putting covers back on. Don’t put wet cushions back on outdoor furniture.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Fill

Cushion fill inside the covers also needs occasional cleaning. Here’s how:

Step 1: Remove Covers

Unzip cushion covers and remove to access the inner cushion fill inside.

Step 2: Vacuum

Use a vacuum hose attachment to thoroughly vacuum all sides of the cushion fill to remove dirt and allergens trapped deep inside.

Step 3: Spot clean

Use a soft brush and mild soap solution to gently spot clean any visible stains on the cushion fill.

Step 4: Rinse if Needed

For polyester fiber fill, a light mist of water can help rinse away soap residue. Allow to fully air dry before recovering.

Step 5: Air Out

If cushion fill has any mildew odor, lay it out in direct sunlight which naturally kills mold and mildew.

Step 6: Recover

Once completely dry, place cushion fill back into covers and re-zip.

How to Disinfect Outdoor Cushions

For times when extra disinfection is needed, here are some tips:

Sunlight – The UV rays in direct sunlight have disinfecting properties. Allow cushions to sit in sunlight for a few hours.
Vinegar – White vinegar is a natural disinfectant. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and wipe down cushions. Rinse afterwards.
Tea tree oil – Has antimicrobial properties. Add a few drops of tea tree essential oil to the vinegar cleaning solution.
Baking soda – Helps remove odors. Sprinkle baking soda over cushion fill before vacuuming to freshen.
Steam – Use a handheld fabric steamer to penetrate cushion covers with hot steam to kill germs and odors.
Mild bleach – For removable white covers, add 1⁄4 cup bleach to the wash cycle for disinfection. Avoid using bleach on colors.

Cleaning Tips by Fabric Type

Use these specific cleaning tips based on your outdoor cushion fabric:

Acrylic Fabric

Machine wash on a gentle cycle using cool water and mild detergent.
Air dry only. Avoid heat drying acrylic fabric which can damage it.
For spot cleaning, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid harsh cleaners.

Olefin Fabric

Olefin can typically be machine washed and air dried. Check tags to confirm.
Pretreat oil-based stains – like food grease – with dish soap before washing.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softener which can damage olefin fabrics.

Polyester Fabric

Vacuum regularly with a soft brush to prevent buildup in the woven fibers.
Most polyester cushion covers can be removed and machine washed. Air dry.
Use only mild, bleach-free detergents to prevent fading.

Cotton Fabric

Brush off any dried debris before washing cotton cushion covers.
Wash in cool water on a gentle cycle. Stain treat first if needed.
Lay flat or line dry cotton cushions. Avoid heat drying.
Steam cleaning helps sanitize natural fibers like cotton.

Sunbrella Fabric

Hose down Sunbrella cushions and use a soft brush to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.
For deeper cleaning, use a mild soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly.
Allow Sunbrella fabric to air dry fully before recovering cushions.

How Often Should Outdoor Cushions Be Cleaned?

Clean light colored cushion covers at least once a month.
Spot clean fabrics immediately after spills to prevent staining.
Deep clean all cushion covers 2-3 times per season.
Vacuum cushion fills every few weeks during peak outdoor use.
Wash removable covers at the end of each season before storage.
Clean Sunbrella and acrylic fabrics more frequently as they resist staining.
Only need to do occasional spot cleaning on darker colored cushions.
Clean after pollen season and before use to remove allergens.
Disinfect cushions periodically and whenever sickness occurs.

Storing Outdoor Cushions in Winter

Properly storing cushions over winter helps protect them and keeps them fresh for next season:

Ensure cushions are completely dry before storing to prevent mold growth.
Place dryer sheets or fabric sachets in covers to keep them smelling fresh over months in storage.
Store cushion covers and fills together to make re-assembly easier in spring.
Avoid plastic bags or bins, which can trap moisture. Breathable containers are best for storage.
Store cushion covers unzipped halfway to prevent creasing and damage to zippers.
Lay covers flat or stand upright – avoid folding or compression which can crease fabric.
Keep stored cushions in a clean, dry, pest-free space, like a closet, basement or garage.
Clean covers thoroughly at the end of each season before storing cushions away for the winter.

FAQs About Cleaning Outdoor Cushions

Can I put outdoor cushion covers in the washing machine?

Most outdoor cushion covers can be removed and machine washed on a gentle cycle using cool water and mild detergent. Be sure to check fabric care labels first.

How do I clean Sunbrella outdoor cushions?

Hose down Sunbrella cushions with a gentle stream of water. Use a soft bristle brush and mild soap on stubborn stains, then rinse. Let air dry completely.

How do I get mold off outdoor cushions?

Mix equal parts vinegar and water and scrub into mold stains using a soft brush. Rinse with water and allow cushions to dry fully in direct sunlight to kill any remaining spores.

How do you clean mold and mildew from outdoor fabric?

Wipe down mildew stains with a cloth dipped in vinegar water. For tougher mold, use 1 cup bleach mixed with 1 gallon of water. Rinse thoroughly. Then allow cushions to dry fully in sunlight.

What is the best way to clean outdoor patio furniture cushions?

Regularly vacuum debris from cushions. Spot clean stains immediately with a mild detergent and soft brush. 2-3 times a season, wash removable covers or deep clean cushions in place.

What is a good homemade outdoor cushion cleaner?

Mix a solution of 1⁄4 cup mild eco-friendly dish soap, 1⁄4 cup baking soda, 2 cups warm water and 10 drops of lemon essential oil. Use a soft sponge to gently scrub cushions with the solution and then rinse.

How do you clean outdoor cushions that cannot be removed?

Vacuum debris from cushions first. Mix a very mild soap solution and use a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub stains on cushions in place. Rinse thoroughly with a low pressure hose. Blot dry.

Why is it important to clean outdoor cushions?

Regular cleaning extends the life of cushions by removing abrasive debris. It prevents permanent staining and deterioration of fabrics from mold and mildew. Clean cushions also look better and provide a healthier outdoor environment.

Conclusion

Outdoor cushions require regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh and extend their life. By following these steps for washing cushion covers, vacuuming and spot cleaning fills, and disinfecting, you can keep patio cushions clean all season long. Proper care also prevents deterioration and helps outdoor cushions last many years. Implement a routine cleaning schedule and your outdoor space will always be clean and inviting.