Outdoor furniture covers play an important role in protecting your patio furnishings from the elements. However, just like the furniture itself, these covers can get dirty over time. Cleaning them regularly removes mold, mildew, pollen, dirt and other debris that can stain and damage the fabric. With some basic cleaning solutions and a little elbow grease, you can keep your outdoor furniture covers looking fresh.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Covers
Cleaning outdoor furniture covers doesn’t require much in the way of specialized products. Most likely, you already have everything you need. Here’s a list of recommended supplies:
- Mild detergent: Choose a gentle laundry or dish soap, not a harsh cleaner. Look for one without dyes or fragrances.
- Soft-bristle scrub brush: Use this to gently scrub stains. Avoid anything abrasive that could damage the fabric.
- Spray bottle: Use this to dispense your cleaning solution. Adjust the setting to a forceful stream to help lift dirt.
- Garden hose: Use a hose with an adjustable nozzle to rinse away dirt and suds.
- Old towels: Have these ready to pat dry any excess moisture.
Optional supplies:
- Upholstery cleaner: For tougher stains, a fabric-safe foam cleaner can help bust through grime.
- Bleach: Adding 1/4 cup bleach to your detergent solution can help remove mold and mildew. Make sure your covers are bleach-safe first.
- Baking soda: Help absorb odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on the fabric before washing.
- Borax: Just like baking soda, borax can hep deodorize musty outdoor furniture covers.
How to Wash Outdoor Furniture Covers
Washing your outdoor furniture covers is very similar to washing delicate clothing. Follow these steps for best results:
Step 1: Brush Off Loose Debris
Before washing, give the covers a thorough brushing with a soft-bristle scrub brush or broom. This lifts off loose pollen, dirt and other particles. Pay extra attention to the underside of the fabric.
Step 2: Mix a Mild Detergent Solution
Fill your spray bottle with warm water and add a small amount of mild laundry or dish detergent, about 1⁄4 cup per gallon of water. Agitate the solution to mix it up and help dissolve the detergent.
Optional: For moldy or smelly covers, add 1/4 cup of bleach and 1⁄2 cup borax to your detergent solution.
Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution
Working in sections, spray the cleaning solution liberally over the outdoor furniture cover. Focus on any visibly soiled areas first. Let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Gently Scrub Stained Areas
Use a soft-bristle scrub brush to gently scrub any stained or soiled areas. Avoid using rough force. Let the cleaning solution do most of the work.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to rinse away all traces of the cleaning solution. For best results, select a forceful stream to help wash away all the dirt and suds.
Step 6: Air Dry the Covers
Pat dry any excess moisture with old towels, then allow the outdoor furniture covers to completely air dry before putting them back on.
Step 7: Spot Clean as Needed
Check covers regularly and spot clean any new stains as needed to prevent a big buildup.
Tips for Cleaning Different Outdoor Furniture Cover Fabrics
Not all outdoor furniture cover materials can be cleaned the same way. Follow these tips for getting covers clean based on the fabric:
Vinyl Covers
- Use only mild dish soap, never detergent
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup
- Avoid using brushes or abrasive scrubbers
- Air dry away from direct sunlight
Polyester Covers
- Safe for automatic washing machines, air dry
- Can use oxygen bleach if needed
- Wash monthly to prevent mold growth
Cotton Canvas Covers
- Machine or hand wash in warm water
- Pretreat oil stains first
- Air dry completely before storing
Acrylic Covers
- Hand wash only
- Lay flat to dry to avoid stretching
- Use a cloth dampened with solvent for stubborn stains
No matter what type of material your outdoor furniture covers are made of, be gentle when cleaning. Rough scrubbing can damage the fabric.
Cleaning Solutions for Stubborn Outdoor Furniture Cover Stains
Sometimes plain soap and water doesn’t cut through built-up grime on outdoor furniture covers. Try these cleaning solutions for tackling more stubborn stains:
Mold and Mildew Stains
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the stain and allow to sit for 1 hour before rinsing. The acetic acid in vinegar kills mold and mildew.
Tannin Stains
Dissolve an aspirin tablet in water and apply the paste directly to any rust or tannin stains. Let sit for 1 hour then rinse clean.
Leaf Stains
Create a baking soda paste with just enough water to form a spreadable consistency. Apply to leaf stain marks and let sit overnight before washing as normal.
Rust Stains
Use lemon juice or a paste of cream of tartar and water on any rust stains. Let sit for 15 minutes then rinse. The citric acid dissolves rust residue.
Bird Droppings
Soften and lift away hardened bird droppings by saturating the area with vinegar. Allow to soak for 15 minutes then gently scrub away.
Oil Stains
Smother oil stains with talcum powder or cornstarch, which will absorb the grease. Let sit for 24 hours then vacuum up the powder.
Chemical Stains
Rinse the cover immediately with cold water if any chemical or fuel spills on it. Avoid hot water as that can set the stain.
With a bit of patience and some tried-and-true cleaning methods, you can keep outdoor furniture covers looking fresh season after season. Just be sure to allow them to fully air dry before putting them back on patio furniture. Enjoy your clean covers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Covers
How often should you clean outdoor furniture covers?
Aim to thoroughly clean outdoor furniture covers at least twice a year – at the beginning and end of the season when switching out patio furniture. Spot clean stains as needed between deep cleanings.
Can you put outdoor furniture covers in the washing machine?
It depends on the material. Some synthetic polyester or olefin covers can go in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Avoid machine washing natural fabrics like cotton canvas. Check tags for washing instructions.
What is the best way to clean sun-faded outdoor furniture covers?
Unfortunately, there’s no way to restore badly sun-bleached covers. But you can slow fading by keeping them clean and washing away UV-weakening dirt and debris.
Is it ok to use bleach on outdoor furniture covers?
If your covers are bleach-safe, you can add 1⁄4 cup bleach to your detergent solution to kill mold and lift stains. Always check manufacturer instructions first.
How do you clean mold off outdoor furniture covers?
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly mist problem areas. Let sit 1 hour. The acetic acid in vinegar kills mold spores.
How do I get rid of mildew smell on outdoor cushions and covers?
Wash covers with detergent, borax and bleach. For cushions, sprinkle liberally with baking soda before vacuuming. Borax and baking soda absorb and neutralize odors.
What is the best way to dry outdoor furniture covers after washing?
Always air dry outdoor furniture covers fully before putting them back on patio furniture. Lay flat or line dry away from direct sunlight or heat to avoid shrinkage or damaging the fabric.
Why clean outdoor furniture covers?
Regular washing keeps outdoor covers free of pollen, mold, bird droppings and other debris that can stain patio furniture. It also eliminates any musty odors.
Conclusion
Outdoor furniture covers protect your patio investment, but only if you properly maintain them. Follow these tips to keep covers clean:
- Brush off loose dirt before washing
- Use a mild detergent and soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose
- Allow to completely air dry
- Spot clean messes as needed Treat different outdoor furniture cover fabrics gently according to material type. Tackle stubborn stains with natural cleaning solutions like vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda. Proper care will keep your outdoor covers free of grime so they continue shielding your furnishings from the elements all year long.