How to Wash Outdoor Chair Cushions - Outdoor Cabinets

Introduction

Outdoor chair cushions are a great way to add comfort and style to your patio, deck or pool area. However, being outside means they are exposed to dirt, pollen, food spills, rain, sun and more. Learning how to properly wash outdoor cushions will extend their life and keep them looking fresh.

Washing outdoor cushions can seem daunting, but it’s easier than you think if you follow a few simple steps. With the right washing techniques and care, your outdoor chair cushions will stay clean and vibrant for many seasons. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to wash outdoor chair cushions and keep them in tip-top shape.

Assessing if Your Outdoor Cushions Need Washing

The first step is to determine if your outdoor cushions actually require washing. Here are some signs it’s time to clean them:

Visible dirt, debris, stains, mold or mildew
Dingy or faded appearance
Musty or damp smell
Been outside for a season or more without washing

Outdoor cushions that are used often should ideally be washed 2-3 times per year. If the cushions show no signs of dirt and have held up well, you may only need to wash them once a year before storing for winter.

Preparing Outdoor Cushions for Washing

Before washing, you’ll need to properly prepare the outdoor cushions:

Check care label – Refer to the manufacturer’s care label for any washing guidelines or restrictions.
Brush off loose debris – Use a soft bristle brush to gently remove any loose dirt, leaves or debris.
Vacuum – Use the brush attachment on your vacuum to suck up any remaining dust and dirt.
Spot treat stains – Apply a small amount of upholstery cleaner or detergent directly on any visible stains. Let sit for 5 minutes before washing.
Zip and button – Secure any zippers, hooks, ties or buttons on the cushions so they don’t get damaged or tangled in the machine.
Remove covers – For cushions with removable covers, remove them from the foam fillings to wash separately.

Once prepped, it’s time to decide how to wash your outdoor cushions.

Hand Washing Outdoor Chair Cushions

For light cleaning of outdoor cushions that aren’t overly dirty, hand washing is a quick and easy option.

Supplies Needed

Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
Soft bristle scrub brush
Access to water via hose or tub
Clean cloths or sponges

Steps

Mix detergent and warm water in a bucket or tub. Use a small amount of mild detergent – about 1-2 tbsp per gallon of water.
Submerge cushion in the soapy water. For large cushions, wet thoroughly using a hose or faucet.
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the entire surface, paying extra attention to any stains or dirty areas.
Rinse cushion thoroughly with clean water to remove all suds and detergent.
Allow cushion to air dry completely before placing back on furniture. Lay flat in sunlight or use a fan to speed drying.
For removable covers, use the same method then replace on cushion fillings once fully dry.

Hand washing works great for occasional gentle cleansing. For a deeper clean, machine washing is recommended.

Washing Outdoor Cushions in a Machine

Machine washing is the most thorough way to clean outdoor cushions and recommended at least once or twice a season.

Supplies Needed

Mild liquid laundry detergent
Access to a washing machine
Clean towels or cloths

Steps

Check the care label first and confirm the cushion is machine washable. Look for details on wash cycles or temperatures.
Pretreat any tough stains by rubbing an upholstery cleaner or detergent directly into the spot.
For removable cushion covers, unzip and remove them from the fillings before washing. Keep covers right side out.
Load the cushion or cushion cover separately into the washing machine. Do not wash with other items.
Use cold water on a gentle or delicate cycle. Skip the spin cycle to avoid damage.
Use only a small amount (1-2 tbsp) of mild liquid laundry detergent. Powder detergent may leave residue.
After washing, air dry the cushions thoroughly before placing back outside. Lay flat and allow the interior and exterior to completely dry.
Once dry, replace any cushion covers back onto the foam fillings before putting back on your outdoor furniture.

The machine washing method provides a deep clean for outdoor cushions. Be sure to follow any specific guidelines on your cushions’ care labels when machine washing.

Cleaning Outdoor Cushion Covers

Many outdoor cushions have removable covers that can be taken off and washed separately from the foam fillings. Here are tips for cleaning outdoor cushion covers:

Inspect zippers and seams for damage before washing. Mend any loose stitches to avoid tearing.
Wash using the gentle cycle with cold water. Air dry thoroughly.
For stubborn stains on white cushion covers, add 1⁄2 cup baking soda to the wash cycle to help whiten.
Use a disinfectant laundry detergent or bleach alternative to help sanitize cushion covers after heavy use.
Wash any embellishments like tassels, trim or ties separately by hand to avoid damage.

Keeping the cushion covers clean is key to extending the life of your entire outdoor cushion. Be sure to launder them regularly.

Alternative Washing Methods for Outdoor Cushions

If your outdoor cushions are too large for your washing machine or labeled dry clean only, consider these alternate washing options:

Professional wet cleaning – Specialty dry cleaners offer professional wet cleaning for delicate items like outdoor cushions. This thorough deep cleaning extends the life of fabrics.
Steam cleaning – Use a handheld steam cleaner or upholstery cleaning machine to steam clean cushions. The hot steam helps sanitize and lift stains from fabric.
Power washer – An outdoor power washer on a low pressure setting can be used to spray away dirt and debris. Do not point directly at cushions to avoid damage.
On-cushion foam cleaners – Specialty foam cleaners designed for outdoor cushions can pull out dirt without having to soak or scrub the entire cushion. Simply spray on and rinse off.

Check your manufacturer’s guidance before using any alternative cleaning methods to ensure they are safe for the material and construction of your specific outdoor cushions.

Drying Outdoor Chair Cushions Thoroughly

No matter which washing method you use, it’s critical to completely dry outdoor cushions before placing them back outside. Wet or damp cushions can quickly develop mold, mildew and discoloration when stored.

Here are tips for properly drying cleaned outdoor cushions:

Allow 48-72 hours for air drying in direct sunlight. Turn frequently.
Use a fan or dehumidifier to speed drying if needed.
Remove covers and fillings and dry separately.
Check that the inner cushion is fully dry, not just the fabric cover.
Consider professionally steam cleaning outdoor cushions to sanitize and dry simultaneously.

Only put completely dry cushions back on patio furniture. Also ensure furniture frames, seats and tables are fully dry before placing newly cleaned cushions on them.

Storing Outdoor Cushions in the Off-Season

Caring for outdoor cushions doesn’t stop after washing. Proper storage between seasons is also essential. Here are tips for storing outdoor chair cushions:

Store cushions only when fully dry. Use fans, sunlight or steamers to fully dry before storage.
Vacuum dust and debris before storing. Spot clean any stains.
Store in a clean, dry place like a shed, basement or garage. Avoid humidity and moisture.
Use breathable storage containers like cotton or mesh bags. Avoid sealing in plastic bags.
For compression storage, do not over-compress. Deflate gently and smoothly.
Place acid-free tissue paper between stacked cushions to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Wash removable covers and foam fillings separately before seasonal storage for cleanest condition.

Proper off-season storage will keep your outdoor cushions protected and help extend their usable life over multiple years.

Troubleshooting Common Outdoor Cushion Washing Problems

Washing outdoor cushions is usually simple but occasionally issues pop up. Here are some common problems and fixes:

Dingy or faded appearance:

Use more detergent, a longer wash cycle or washing booster to get a deeper clean.
Add borax or baking soda to the wash to help whiten.
Replace worn out cushion covers if needed.

Musty smells:

Rinse with vinegar in the wash cycle to disinfect.
Air dry thoroughly in direct sunlight to eliminate dampness.
Consider replacing old foam fillings harboring odors.

Mold or mildew:

Use bleach alternative cleaners to kill mold and disinfect.
Allow more thorough drying before storage or re-use.
Discard cushions with extensive mold or mildew issues.

Fabric damage:

Hand wash delicates like silk, fringe or embellished fabrics.
Mend any loose threads immediately to avoid tears.
Replace worn cushion covers as needed.

With some targeted troubleshooting, you can keep your outdoor chair cushions looking fresh and clean all season long.

FAQs About Washing Outdoor Chair Cushions

How often should outdoor cushions be washed?

Outdoor cushions should ideally be washed 2-3 times per season. Wash at least once in spring before using and once before storing for winter. Wash more frequently if cushions get heavily used or dirty.

What is the best way to wash outdoor cushions?

Machine washing with cold water on a gentle cycle is the most effective cleaning method. Be sure to check manufacturer guidelines first. Hand washing also works well for light cleaning.

How do you sanitize outdoor cushions?

Add bleach alternative or disinfectant laundry detergent to the wash cycle. Allowing cushions to air dry fully in sunlight also helps sanitize. Steam cleaning is another thorough sanitizing method.

Can you put outdoor cushions in the washing machine?

Most outdoor cushions can be machine washed, but always check the tag first. Use cold water on a gentle, delicate cycle. Do not machine dry. Remove covers first and wash separately if possible.

How do you clean mold off outdoor cushions?

Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray onto mold spots. Scrub with a brush and rinse clean. Also wash with bleach alternative detergent. Allow extra drying time to prevent further mold growth.

What do you wash outdoor cushions with?

Use mild laundry detergent or dish soap, about 1-2 tbsp per gallon of cold water. Hand wash or machine wash on delicate cycle. Avoid harsh detergents that could damage fabrics. OxiClean or other boosters can help remove tough stains.

How do you clean outdoor cushions without washing them?

Spot clean stains with a small upholstery brush and mild detergent. Use a handheld steamer to refresh and sanitize. Alternatively, spray an outdoor cushion foam cleaner and simply hose off.

How do you clean outdoor cushions that cannot be removed?

Use a steam cleaner to sanitize and clean in place. Alternatively, spot treat stains and debris with a brush and mild cleaner. Power wash from a distance or use a specialty outdoor cushion foam cleaner that can be applied directly on fabric.

Conclusion

Regular washing is essential for keeping outdoor chair cushions looking fresh and extending their lifespan. By following these cleaning tips, you can easily wash outdoor cushions at home without damage. Be sure to check product care labels, fully prep cushions before washing, select the right method for the level of dirtiness, and properly dry cushions before re-using or storing. With the proper care, your outdoor chair cushions can stay vibrant and comfortable for many seasons of use.