Keeping your outdoor furniture cushions looking fresh and clean can seem like a daunting task. Outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements like sun, rain, dirt, pollen, and more. Over time, they can get dingy, stained, and smell musty. However, with the right cleaning methods and products, you can keep your outdoor cushions in tip-top shape all season long. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for cleaning outdoor furniture cushions and restoring them to their original glory.
Why It’s Important to Clean Outdoor Cushions
Outdoor cushions take a beating from the elements, so it’s crucial to clean them regularly to prolong their life. Here are some key reasons to make cleaning outdoor cushions a priority:
- Extend the life of cushions: Regular cleaning keeps outdoor cushions looking fresher for longer. Over time, dirt, debris, and stains can break down the fabric. Deep cleaning removes these abrasive particles, preventing premature wear and tear.
- Prevent mold and mildew: Moisture gets trapped in cushions, allowing mold and mildew to take hold. These growths not only look unsightly but can weaken fabric and foam over time. Frequent cleaning inhibits their growth.
- Eliminate odors: Outdoor cushions are prone to trapping all sorts of smells from food spills to pet odors. Cleaning helps eliminate musty scents.
- Improve appearance: When cushions get dingy and discolored, it brings down your whole outdoor aesthetic. Proper cleaning restores vibrancy and makes your outdoor space look well-kept.
- Protect investments: Outdoor cushion sets can be pricey. Proper maintenance through regular cleaning protects your investment in high-quality, long-lasting outdoor décor.
Supplies Needed to Clean Outdoor Cushions
Having the right cleaning supplies on hand makes the process easier. Here are some must-have items for tackling any type of soiled outdoor cushion:
- Gentle soap or detergent: Look for mild liquid hand or dish soaps, laundry detergent, or specialty outdoor cushion cleaners. Harsher chemicals may degrade fabric.
- Soft-bristle scrub brush: Use this for working suds into heavily soiled areas and stubborn stains. Avoid stiff brushes that could snag or pull delicate fabric.
- Spray nozzle hose: A pressurized setting helps rinse away debris and suds. Adjust to a more gentle setting for curtain-type fabrics that require delicate handling.
- Clean cloths or sponges: Old towels, microfiber cloths, and soft sponges come in handy for blotting away excess moisture.
- Laundry bag or pillowcase: Place delicate removable cushion covers in one of these for washing. This prevents fraying, tearing, and bunching in the machine.
- Protective gloves: Wear water-resistant gloves to keep hands dry while scrubbing and rinsing. Look for textured palms and fingers for grip.
- Scrub brush attachment: Attach this brush to a hose for hands-free scrubbing of cushions still on outdoor furniture.
- Vacuum brush attachment: Use a soft brush attachment to vacuum away dry debris and dirt from cushions before wet cleaning.
Cleaning Outdoor Cushion Covers
Outdoor cushion covers require frequent washing to look their best. Here is a simple process for cleaning cushion covers:
Step 1: Brush Off Loose Debris
Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris from the cushion cover surface before washing. For covers still on furniture, use a handheld upholstery brush.
Step 2: Check Tags
Inspect cushion tags for material content and manufacturer washing instructions. Common outdoor fabrics like polyester and olefin can usually be machine washed but check tags to be sure.
Step 3: Pretreat Stains
Spray stains directly with a stain remover or dilute detergent solution. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate the fabric.
Step 4: Remove from Furniture
Take cushion covers off the frame to machine wash separately. Use a zippered laundry bag or pillowcase to protect the cover.
Step 5: Machine Wash
Wash in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Air dry or tumble dry on low if the tag permits.
Step 6: Treat Mildew/Mold
For mold and mildew stains, use detergent with bleach alternative or oxygen booster. Or spray diluted hydrogen peroxide on the stain and let sit before washing.
Step 7: Sanitize with Vinegar
For extra disinfecting against bacteria, add 1⁄2 cup distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Its acids help sanitize without leaving odors.
Step 8: Air Out
Before placing back on cushions, allow to fully air dry to prevent moisture buildup on the filling.
How to Clean Cushion Covers Onsite
If cushion covers are too large or delicate for home washing, clean them effectively right on your outdoor furniture using this method:
Clear the Area
Remove all loose debris from the cushion surface with a hand vacuum or brush. Clear away nearby items to avoid spray.
Mix Soap Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild hand or dish soap. For mildew, add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water.
Scrub Stains
Use a soft brush dipped in the solution to gently scrub stains and soiled areas of the fabric. Avoid harsh scouring that could abrade the material.
Rinse Clean
Spray cushions with a strong stream of water from your garden hose nozzle or use a wet sponge to remove suds. Change rinse water often to prevent residue.
Blot Dry
Press water out with clean towels. Allow to fully air dry in sunlight before replacing cover on the frame. Don’t replace while damp.
Speed Drying
On hot, breezy days, angling a fan on the damp cushions will speed drying time. Rotate periodically.
Freshen with Baking Soda
Once fully dry, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let sit for a few hours before vacuuming away. This helps deodorize.
Cleaning Removable Outdoor Cushion Covers
Many outdoor cushion covers are removable for easy cleaning access. Here are some best practices for washing removable covers:
- Inspect for manufacturer’s care tag and follow washing instructions carefully.
- Try to remove covers promptly when cushions become soiled to avoid stains setting in fabric.
- Machine wash in cold water and air dry for longest fabric life. Avoid heat which degrades elasticity over time.
- Close zippers, velcro, ties, and other fasteners to prevent snagging and tangling in the wash cycle.
- Wash similar color covers together to prevent bleeding. Reds and blues may bleed onto light covers.
- Use a small amount of mild powder detergent. Liquid detergent can leak out and stain if not fully rinsed away.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse for extra disinfecting against odor-causing bacteria.
- Avoid overloading the washing machine to allow covers to move freely and rinse cleanly.
- Shake covers out and smooth seams after washing so covers don’t bunch or twist when replaced on the frame.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Foam
The cushion filling also requires cleaning since dirt and oils pass through the fabric cover over time. Here are some tips for cleaning polyurethane foam and other cushion fills:
Vacuum Weekly
Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum to suck up dust and debris from the foam weekly when in use.
Spot Clean Spills
Blot fresh spills immediately with a clean sponge and mild soap solution. Avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Deep Clean Annually
Remove covers and hose down inserts with a strong spray to remove ingrained dirt and oils annually. Allow to fully dry in sunlight before replacing covers.
Consider Professional Cleaning
For mold concerns or very dirty inserts, professional couch cushion cleaning services use truck-mounted steam cleaning units to deep clean without saturating the foam.
Replace Over Time
If cushion inserts become excessively misshapen or degraded despite cleaning attempts, replacement is needed for proper support.
Cleaning Outdoor Cushions In Place
Many cushion sets don’t have removable covers. Learn how to effectively clean cushions still attached to the furniture frame:
Vacuum First
Use a soft brush attachment or upholstery tool to vacuum up loose dirt, debris, and crumbs from the cushion surface.
Pretreat Stains
Spray stain remover or diluted detergent directly on any visible stains. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing.
Mix Sudsy Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and a small amount of mild hand or dish detergent. For mildew, add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water.
Use a Soft Scrub Brush
Dip the soft brush into the solution and gently scrub stains, being careful not to abrade the fabric. Rinse the brush often.
Rinse Well
Use a pressurized spray nozzle on your hose to rinse away all suds repeatedly. Avoid over-saturating the cushions.
Blot Dry
Press out excess moisture with clean towels until no more can be absorbed. Direct sunlight also helps fully dry cushions.
Deodorize
Once completely dry, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let sit before vacuuming away.
Best Practices for Outdoor Cushion Care
Proper routine care makes cleaning cushions easier and helps keep them looking fresh all season long. Follow these best practices:
- Vacuum weekly using the soft brush attachment.
- Blot spills right away with a cloth to prevent staining.
- Allow to fully air dry before covering to avoid mold growth.
- Bring delicate cushions indoors during harsh weather and winter.
- Fluff and rotate cushions weekly to maintain even wear and shape.
- Use furniture covers during rainy, dusty conditions to stay cleaner between washes.
- Clean at the end of each season before storing to prevent mildew.
- Store cushions upright on end instead of stacking to avoid flattening.
Homemade Outdoor Cushion Cleaning Recipes
You can make your own effective cleaners for outdoor fabric using common household ingredients:
All-Purpose Outdoor Cushion Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients and mix well until dissolved.
- Apply sudsy solution to cushions with a soft brush.
- Allow soap to penetrate 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Scrub stains gently before rinsing clean.
Vinegar Disinfectant Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray over cushion surface and allow to sit 5 minutes.
- Wipe clean with a cloth or rinse clean.
Oxygen Bleach Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oxygen bleach powder
- 1 gallon hot water
Instructions:
- Dissolve powder in hot water and mix well.
- Use immediately on stains and mildew, allowing 10 minutes contact time before rinsing.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Tips for Avoiding Replacement
With proper care and cleaning, you can enjoy outdoor cushions for many seasons. Here are some tips to help avoid costly replacement:
- Store cushions properly at end of each season before extreme weather sets in.
- Wash cushion covers frequently before dirt becomes ingrained.
- Rotate and fluff cushions regularly to prevent uneven wear in one spot.
- Blot spills quickly so stains don’t set into fabric.
- Allow foam inserts to fully air dry before replacing covers after washing.
- Consider reupholstering options for cushions with sound frames but worn fabric.
- Protect with weather-resistant covers during rainy seasons and winter.
- Replace damaged or broken fasteners like zippers, ties, or velcro to keep covers securely closed.
- Replace compromised foam inserts that are excessively misshapen.
- Have cushions professionally cleaned at least every other season for optimal results.
Avoid These Common Outdoor Cushion Cleaning Mistakes
Some common cleaning mistakes can result in damage. Be sure to avoid:
- Machine washing delicate covers not intended for home laundering.
- Using harsh chemicals like bleach that degrade outdoor fabric.
- Over-wetting cushions and replacing covers before thoroughly dried.
- Storing cushions wet. Always fully dry before placing covers back on.
- Using overly abrasive brushes that could snag or pull fabric.
- Mixing cushion covers with items that could bleed dye in the wash.
- Exposing cushions to intense direct sunlight which fades fabric over time.
- Allowing mold and mildew growth to persist without treatment.
- Stacking cushions for storage long-term instead of standing upright.
Outdoor Cushion Cleaning FAQs
Still have questions about keeping patio and porch cushions clean? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How often should outdoor cushions be cleaned?
- Wash removable covers at least every 2-3 weeks during high use seasons.
- Deep clean cushions still on frames at least once a month.
- Clean at the start and end of each season.
What is the easiest way to clean outdoor cushions?
- Vacuum weekly and blot spills immediately to keep cleaning easy between washes.
- Use a pressurized nozzle on your hose to easily rinse debris and suds off cushions outside.
What is the best way to clean mold from outdoor cushions?
- Mix oxygen bleach powder with hot water and apply to mold stains. Allow 10 minutes contact before rinsing.
- Or spray diluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub gently before washing as usual.
How do you clean outdoor cushions without removing them?
- Vacuum debris then spray on a detergent solution. Allow to soak 5 minutes before scrubbing stains. Rinse thoroughly. Let air dry completely.
What do you do with outdoor cushions in the winter?
- Fully clean cushions at the end of each season in fall. Allow to dry completely.
- Store upright in a protected area like a garage, never stacked or outside.
How do I make my own outdoor cushion cleaner?
- Mix a gentle soap like dish liquid or detergent with warm water and baking soda. Apply with a soft brush and rinse well with clean water.
Conclusion
Cleaning outdoor furniture cushions doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By using the right methods and cleaning products, you can keep your outdoor cushions looking vibrant and fresh all year long. Frequent vacuuming and immediate stain removal go a long way towards lightening the cleaning load. Additionally, washing or deep cleaning cushions thoroughly at least monthly during peak season will maintain their beauty over many years. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the tips, tricks, and techniques needed to effectively clean outdoor cushions and extend their lifespan.