How to Clean White Outdoor Cushions - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

White outdoor cushions can add a crisp, clean look to your patio, deck, or pool area. However, they do require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best. Outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements, including dirt, pollen, mold, mildew, and everyday wear and tear. Over time, white cushions can start to look dingy and faded. The good news is that with the right cleaning methods and products, you can keep your white outdoor cushions looking like new.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for cleaning white outdoor cushions. We will cover how to remove common stains and deeply clean the cushions to brighten the white fabric. With the proper techniques, supplies, and a little elbow grease, you can restore the crisp whiteness to your cushions. Let’s get started!

Gather the Proper Supplies

Before cleaning your white outdoor cushions, gather the proper supplies. This will make the cleaning process faster and more effective. Here are the recommended supplies:

Mild detergent: Choose a gentle laundry or dish detergent that is bleach-free. Harsh detergents may be too abrasive for the cushion fabric.
All-purpose cleaner: For spot treating stubborn stains, an all-purpose cleaner can help lift discoloration.
Soft brush or sponge: Use a soft brush to gently scrub the cushions. A soft sponge also works for applying cleaners. Avoid abrasive brushes or scouring pads.
Water hose: Use a garden hose with an adjustable nozzle to thoroughly rinse away dirt and cleaning solutions.
Cleaning gloves: Wear waterproof gloves to protect your hands during scrubbing.
Old towels: Have some old towels or rags on hand to blot excess water.
Laundry supplies: If removing covers to wash in the machine, gather mild detergent, bleach alternative (such as oxy clean), and fabric softener.
Plastic bags: To separate and store cushion covers if removing for washing.
Scrub brush: For tougher mildew stains, use a scrub brush or old toothbrush.
Spray bottles: To apply cleaners and stain removers to the cushions.
Baking soda: Helps brighten and deodorize the cushions.
White vinegar: Mixed with water, helps remove stains and odors.

Gather all necessary supplies before getting started washing the outdoor cushions for best results.

Inspect and Pretreat Stains

Before deep cleaning your white outdoor cushions, inspect them closely for any visible stains or discoloration. This will allow you to pretreat any stubborn stains to make them easier to remove during washing.

Here are some common stains and pretreating methods:

Mildew stains: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on mildew stains and allow to sit for 15 minutes before washing. The vinegar will help break down and lift the mildew.
Pollen/leaf stains: These yellowish stains can be pretreated with an all-purpose cleaner or baking soda paste. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to help dissolve the pollen.
Food/drink stains: Spot clean any food and drink stains with an all-purpose cleaner and let sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. This will keep them from setting further.
Sunscreen stains: Gently rub sunscreen stains with baking soda and rinse with water before washing. This helps remove any oily residue.
Rust stains: Make a paste with cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to rust stains and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before washing.

Take the time to fully inspect the cushions and pretreat any set-in stains. This pretreatment makes it much easier to clean the cushions and achieve bright white results.

Remove Cushion Covers for Washing

If your outdoor cushions have removable covers, take them off the cushion inserts to allow for a deeper clean. Here are some tips for removing cushion covers:

Carefully unzip and unbutton any closures on the cushions.
Gently pull the cover free from the cushion insert, taking care not to tear the fabric.
If the cover seems stuck, don’t force it. Carefully work the fabric off the corners of the insert.
Once removed, turn the cover inside out to expose the inner fabric and seams.
Check for signs of mold/mildew under seams and along zippers. Pretreat if needed.
Place each cushion cover into a plastic bag to keep together through washing.

Removing the covers allows you to thoroughly wash both the outer fabric and hidden inner surfaces. Be gentle when removing covers to avoid tearing delicate material.

Wash Covers in the Washing Machine

With cushion covers removed, you can wash them in the washing machine for a deep clean. Here’s how:

Shake dirt loose: Take covers outdoors and shake them out well to remove loose debris.
Pretreat stains: Inspect again for stains and pretreat as needed.
Wash on gentle cycle: Place covers in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild powder or liquid laundry detergent.
Add bleach alternative: For brightening, add an oxygen-based bleach alternative like OxiClean. Avoid harsh chlorine bleach.
Extra rinse cycle: Be sure to run an extra rinse cycle to remove all detergent residue.
Air dry: Once washed, place covers over a railing or line to air dry in the sun to naturally whiten.
Check for shrinkage: Inspect covers for any shrinkage. Covers may need occasional reshaping after washing.

Washing machine cleaning allows cushion covers to come out fresh, bright white, and sanitized for optimal outdoor use.

Cleaning Cushion Inserts

For cushion inserts that aren’t removable, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the cushions right on your outdoor space. Here are some tips:

Vacuum inserts: Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to remove loose dirt and debris. Get into seams and crevices.
Mix cleaning solution: Make an all-purpose cleaning solution of 2 tablespoons liquid detergent per 1 gallon of warm water.
Scrub inserts: Use a soft scrub brush and cleaning solution to gently scrub the entire surface of the inserts. Focus on stained or soiled areas.
Rinse: Use a garden hose on a light setting to thoroughly rinse away all soap residue. Repeat if needed.
Let air dry: Allow inserts to completely air dry in the sun before replacing covers or placing back on patio furniture.
Fluff inserts: Once dried, fluff inserts to restore loft and shape.

Proper scrubbing and rinsing removes embedded dirt, stains, pollen, and mildew that can dull the appearance of white cushion inserts. Take time to fully air dry.

Cleaning White Cushion Covers

If your cushion covers are not removable, you’ll need to thoroughly clean them right on the patio furniture. Follow these tips:

Pretreat stains: Spray stains with a stain remover or all-purpose cleaner and let sit for 10 minutes.
Mix detergent solution: Use a mild laundry or dish detergent in warm water.
Scrub with soft brush: Use a soft bristle brush and cleaning solution to gently scrub entire surface of covers.
Rinse away soap: Completely rinse cushion covers with garden hose on a light setting. Repeat rinsing as needed.
Air dry thoroughly: Allow covers to dry fully in direct sunlight to naturally bleach and whiten.
Fluff and reshape: Once dried, fluff and reshape cushion covers as needed.

Thorough scrubbing and rinsing is key for cushion covers still on the frame. A soft brush prevents damaging the fabric while cleaning.

Use Baking Soda for Whitening

For extra whitening and brightening of outdoor cushion covers, use baking soda. Here’s how:

Make thick paste: Mix 1 cup baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste.
Apply paste to covers: Use a scrub brush or sponge to spread the paste onto the cushion cover surface.
Let sit: Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the fabric for 2-4 hours. For heavy stains, let sit up to 8 hours.
Rinse clean: Use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the baking soda paste until the water runs clear.
Air dry: Make sure cushions dry fully in direct sunlight after rinsing.

The baking soda works to naturally lift discoloration and whiten the fabric as it sits and oxidizes on the surface. Rinsing thoroughly prevents residue.

Whiten with Lemon Juice

For extra whitening power, you can also use fresh lemon juice. The natural citric acid helps lift stains and brighten the white fabric.

Squeeze lemon juice: Cut lemons in half and squeeze to extract approximately 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice.
Mix lemon solution: Add lemon juice to 1 gallon of warm water.
Apply to cushions: Use a sponge or soft brush to work the lemon solution into the fabric.
Let sit: Allow the lemon solution to penetrate the fabric for 15-30 minutes before rinsing.
Rinse clean: Thoroughly rinse all lemon juice from cushion covers with clean water.
Air dry: lemon juice may lighten some fabrics, so fully dry cushions in sunlight.

The fresh lemon juice adds a natural whitening power to brighten and restore the white outdoor cushions.

Steam Clean for a Deep Refresh

For a deep, steam clean to restore dingy outdoor cushion covers, use a handheld steam cleaner. Here are some tips:

Vacuum first: Use vacuum attachments to remove loose dirt.
Fill steamer reservoir: Fill steam cleaner reservoir with distilled water and heat according to directions.
Work in sections: Hold nozzle 6-8 inches above cushion and steam clean in slow, overlapping motions.
Focus on stains: Use narrow nozzle attachment to target stubborn stains.
Let dry: Flip cushion and allow to fully dry before replacing cover.
Fluff and reshape: Once dried, fluff and smooth out the cushion cover or insert.

The super-heated steam helps release embedded dirt, odors, and discoloration without using harsh detergents. Finish by allowing to fully dry.

Deodorize with Vinegar

For outdoor cushions that need deodorizing from mildew smells, use white vinegar.

Mix vinegar solution: Add 1 cup white vinegar to 1 gallon water in a spray bottle.
Spray onto cushions: Lightly mist the vinegar solution all over the cushion cover surface.
Allow to dry: Let the cushions air dry fully in the sun to naturally deodorize.
Repeat if needed: Reapply another light mist of vinegar if odors persist.

The vinegar solution helps neutralize tough mildew odors that can linger on outdoor cushions after cleaning. Thorough drying prevents any vinegar scent.

Cleaning and Stain Removal Tips

Follow these helpful cleaning and stain removal tips for your white outdoor cushions:

Inspect cushions before and after winter storage for mildew.
Allow 24-48 hours of dry time before placing newly cleaned cushions back outside.
Rotate and fluff cushions daily to allow even wear and sun exposure.
Rinse away spills immediately before they have a chance to set and stain.
Use a tsp of mild laundry detergent to pretreat grease stains. Gently blot area.
Avoid pressure washing or abrasive scrub brushes which can damage fabrics.
For mildew stains in seams, use a toothbrush and baking soda paste.
Use equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water to pretreat berry or wine stains.
Brighten cushions mid-season with a diluted 1:1 bleach and water solution. Rinse thoroughly.

Regular inspection, prompt stain treatment, and proper cleaning techniques will keep your white outdoor cushions looking fresh all season long!

How to Clean White Outdoor Cushions – FAQs

Still have questions about cleaning and caring for your white outdoor cushions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Should I use bleach on my outdoor cushion covers?

It’s best to avoid harsh chlorine bleach which can damage fabrics over time. For occasional brightening, you can dilute 1 part bleach to 1 part water for spot treatment. However, oxygen-based bleach alternatives are gentler and safer for regular use.

How can I get mildew off my outdoor cushions?

Mildew and mold can be common on outdoor cushions. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to spray on mildew stains. Also use a scrub brush with baking soda paste on stubborn mildew spots. Allow cushions to dry fully in the sun regularly.

What is the best way to clean the cushion inserts?

It’s best to thoroughly vacuum both sides of cushion inserts to remove loose debris. Mix an all-purpose cleaning solution and use a soft brush to scrub the inserts. Rinse off all soap residue and allow inserts to completely air dry before replacing the covers.

Should I use the washing machine to clean outdoor cushions?

Yes, if your cushion covers are removable, the washing machine can provide a deep clean. Use cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Allow covers to air dry fully before putting back on cushions, as the inserts take longer to dry.

How can I whiten dingy outdoor cushions?

To naturally brighten dingy white cushion covers, apply a paste of baking soda and water. Allow it to sit for several hours before rinsing clean. Lemon juice is also a natural whitener. Just don’t leave it on for more than 30 minutes before rinsing.

How often should outdoor cushions be cleaned?

It’s ideal to deep clean outdoor cushion covers at least twice a season – at the start and end of summer. Spot clean stains immediately as they occur. Also do a mid-season refresh by using baking soda or diluted bleach for whitening on faded areas.

Conclusion

Regular cleaning and stain removal is key to maintaining the fresh white look of outdoor cushions. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your cushions looking crisp and clean all season long. Be sure to pretreat stains, wash removable covers thoroughly, scrub inserts, and use natural whiteners like baking soda and lemon juice for brightening. With proper care and storage, your white outdoor cushions will stay fresh and vibrant for many seasons of patio and deck enjoyment.