Washing outdoor pillows regularly is key to keeping them looking fresh and extending their life. Outdoor pillows endure more wear and tear from sun, rain, dirt, and debris. With the right washing techniques, you can easily clean outdoor pillows at home. Follow these steps for cleaning outdoor pillows and bringing back their vibrancy.
Gather Your Supplies
Before washing, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:
- Mild detergent or gentle soap – Avoid harsh chemicals that could fade or damage outdoor fabric. Baby shampoo or woolite work well.
- Soft-bristle scrub brush – For spot treating stubborn stains. Avoid hard bristles that could snag fabric.
- Large bucket or basin – For diluting detergent and soaking pillows.
- Garden hose – For rinsing pillows thoroughly after washing.
- Old towels – For drying pillows. Avoid metal or plastic drying racks which could rust or snag fabric.
Check Pillow Labels
Before washing, always check the pillow’s tag or label for the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. This will provide guidance on whether the pillows are machine washable, need dry cleaned, or can be hand washed.
If there’s no tag, look for these symbols with cleaning instructions:
- W – Okay to wash by machine
- S – Suitable for dry cleaning only
- H – Hand wash recommended
When in doubt, go the gentlest route and hand wash to prevent damage.
Hand Washing Outdoor Pillows
For most outdoor pillows, hand washing is the safest, most effective method. Here are the steps:
1. Shake Off Debris
Before washing, shake pillows vigorously to remove any loose dirt, leaves or debris. This prevents it from grinding into the fabric during washing.
2. Mix Soap Solution
Fill your bucket with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of mild detergent or soap, like a teaspoon per gallon of water. Swish the solution gently to mix.
3. Spot Treat Stains
Inspect pillows for any visible stains or discoloration. Use a soft bristle brush and concentrated soap solution to gently scrub stains before washing. This pre-treats and loosens set-in dirt.
4. Submerge and Soak
Fully submerge pillows in the soapy solution. Allow them to soak for 15-20 minutes so the detergent can penetrate the fabric.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the dirty wash water and refill your basin with clean water. Rinse pillows until the water runs clear.
6. Air Dry
Gently press or roll pillows in towels to soak up excess moisture. Lay flat and allow to fully air dry before using or storing.
Deep Cleaning Outdoor Fabrics
For pillows that need revitalizing after seasons of use, give them a deep clean using these steps:
Make a Baking Soda Paste
Create a paste with 1 part baking soda and 1 part warm water. Spread paste over stained or discolored areas of the pillow. Let set for 15 minutes. The baking soda will help lift engrained dirt and brighten colors.
Try Lemon Juice
The natural acidity in lemon juice helps remove tough stains and whitens pillows. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over stained areas and let sit in the sun for 1 hour before washing.
Kill Mildew with Vinegar
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist pillows and let soak for 30 minutes before washing to kill mildew and bacteria.
Scour with Salt
For extra scrubbing power, dampen a soft brush with soapy water. Sprinkle on a tablespoon of salt and gently scour stains. Rinse thoroughly. The salt acts as a natural fabric softener too.
Drying Outdoor Pillows
Proper drying is key to ensuring pillows retain their fluff and vibrancy after washing.
- Allow pillows to air dry fully before using or storing. Never place wet pillows into storage bins or furniture covers.
- Dry pillows in the shade to avoid sun damage to damp fabric.
- Fluff pillows periodically as they dry to prevent uneven clumping or matting.
- Use a fan to accelerate drying time – just ensure it’s not pointed directly on the pillows which could cause moisture damage.
Storing Cleaned Outdoor Pillows
Once fully dry, store freshly washed outdoor pillows properly to maintain their revived look:
- Place pillows in breathable cotton cases or covers to prevent dust and dirt buildup between uses.
- Store pillows in a clean, dry area like a closet or bedroom. Avoid damp basements, garages or patios.
- If storing pillows outside, invest in waterproof outdoor furniture covers and wash those regularly as well.
- Fluff pillows before placing into storage to retain their loft and shape.
- Wash protective covers at least monthly during outdoor pillow season.
Hand Washing vs Machine Washing Outdoor Pillows
While hand washing is the safest method, some outdoor pillows specifically state they are machine washable. If machine washing, take these extra precautions:
- Use the gentle or delicate cycle to prevent damage from agitation.
- Wash pillows separately from other laundry to avoid picking up dirt or residue.
- Skip the dryer, which can damage outdoor fabrics, and allow pillows to air dry.
- Place pillows in a lingerie bag if washing with other delicate items to prevent snagging.
No matter which washing method you choose, inspecting and cleaning outdoor pillows regularly will keep them looking fresh and bright for seasons to come. Proper maintenance is key to enjoying outdoor living spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Washing Outdoor Pillows
How often should you wash outdoor pillows?
- Wash outdoor pillows at least 2-3 times per season or every 2 months for heavy use. Wash more frequently if pillows are stained or soiled.
What’s the best way to dry outdoor pillows?
- Air drying in the shade is best. Lay pillows flat or line dry to prevent damaging the shape. Avoid direct sunlight which could fade colors.
Can you put outdoor pillows in the washing machine?
- Check manufacturer instructions. Some state machine washable on gentle cycle. others recommend only hand washing. When in doubt, hand wash.
How do you clean mildew off outdoor fabric?
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray on mildew spots. Let soak 30 mins before washing. The acetic acid in vinegar kills mildew and brightens colors.
What do you do if outdoor pillows get moldy?
- Discard pillows with extensive mold, which can be difficult to remove fully. For small spots, treat with lemon juice and sunlight to kill mold then hand wash thoroughly.
How do you keep outdoor pillows from getting musty?
- Allow pillows to fully dry after washing before storing. Use breathable cotton covers and wash frequently. Store in clean, dry areas. Adding cedar chips can help absorb moisture.
Conclusion
Outdoor pillows require more frequent washing than indoor pillows to keep them fresh and extend their lifespan. By hand washing with mild soap and water, spot treating stains, and properly drying and storing pillows, you can easily clean outdoor pillows at home. Washing every 2-3 months and before storage will remove dirt, allergens and debris that accrue from outdoor use. With proper care, your outdoor pillows will provide comfort and vibrancy for seasons to come.