Enjoying your day in your backyard is mostly the result of clean, comfortable furniture. One excellent detail your outdoor lounge can have is cushions. They can make almost anything beautiful.

However, they are the accessories most prone to staining and damaging. Dirt and debris often collect in cushions. Mostly if you leave them unprotected, it can be an eyesore to see them all dirty and disgusting.

Lucky for you, we are here to help! Here’s how to clean outdoor furniture cushions.

How to clean outdoor furniture cushions by hand washing:

1. Follow the instructions their tags offer

Most pillows come with labels that provide insight into what materials the cushions are made of. The fabrics they come in often include types of vinyl, polyester coated in PVC, or acrylics. Modern pillows come with their pillowcase that can be removed. Take guidance from the manufacturer.

2. Dry clean the cushions

Before you start with the cleaning process, make sure to remove debris. By that, we mean removing leaves, dust, and dirt visible. For this, try using a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush. If that doesn’t work, try using a damp rag.

3. Wet spray the cushions

First, place them on solid ground. Avoid putting them on a grass lawn as it can stain them green. Damp the cushions with warm water.

4. Create your cleaning product

To make your solution, combine a small amount of dish soap with a full water container. One teaspoon of the soap should be sufficient. If the cushions are molded, add borax to the mixture. One-fourth of a cup is enough.

5. Scrub with the solution

For this, you will need a stiff bristle brush. Start scrubbing until thick foam forms on the cushions. If there are more prominent spots, do this process a couple more times.

6. Rinse thoroughly

Before you wash away the concoction, make sure to leave it rest for several minutes. Then with high-pressure water, the hose sprays the residue away.

7. Dry the cushions

If the weather is good, leave them to dry on their own. You can also place them in a dry machine to speed up the process. Ensure the cushions are completely dry. If they are still not drained, mold can creep into them again.

8. Add a fabric protector

Spritz a generous amount of fabric protector on the cushions. It will help prevent dirt from accumulating. It is also stain-resistant. You will save money on pillows if you regularly apply this.

Wash your removable pillowcases in a washing machine

It is important to know how to clean outdoor furniture cushions and their pillowcases. Pillowcases are easier to clean as they can be put in a washing machine.

  • Like before, clean them of any visible dirt and debris. Then apply stain remover and let it soak in the case. Use mild detergent with cold water to treat the stains.
  • The covers should dry completely before using them. You can also stretch the sheets when they are damp to resize them. Often machine washing can cause materials to shrink.

How to clean outdoor furniture cushions that have mold and mildew

If you notice anything like mold and mildew, you should apply treatment immediately. These organisms can cause a foul smell and can be harmful to the touch. They can even cause respiratory problems. Food stains are the main reason for their growth.

Fortunately, the problem can be solved.

All you need to do is make your solution. Add a cup of bleach, water, and two cups of laundry detergent. With a sponge, scrub the stains and run it underwater.

If you don’t like using bleach, you can always use borax. It is less harsh with less harmful fumes.

How to clean outdoor furniture cushions that have oil stains

Oil stains can be hard to remove. To remove them, you’ll have to put in absorbing powder. Cornstarch is excellent for this. Let it rest for several minutes. Then scrape it away. If the stain still isn’t removed, repeat the process. Apply laundry detergent and softener and then wash it. Air-dry the pillow.

Tips for taking care of outdoor cushions

  • Spot clean the cushions regularly. Wipe them down and treat stains immediately.
  • If the stain is new and still wet, apply cleaning products instantly.
  • Switch the position of the cushions to ensure equal sun exposure. That way, you won’t have pillows that are exposed to the sun from one side only.
  • It is time for the colder seasons to clean the pillows before packing them away. Untreated stains can be attractive to bugs.
  • Zip them in ventilated bags. It will allow air to get into them and keep moisture to the material. Access to air can also prevent mold.

Getting your outdoor space ready for the season can be a lot of work. But, it’s well worth the hard effort. Once you’re finished, you can sit back and relax with friends and family. Different types of outdoor fabric require different cleaning approaches. Before you begin, it’s essential to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions. You can usually find this information on the product’s tag or the company’s website.

Regularly spot-cleaning and wiping down your outdoor fabric, and jumping right on stains as they can extend its life by many years. This article hopefully is helpful to you. Now, after you know how to clean outdoor furniture cushions, you can peacefully enjoy your summer evenings there. You can invite your friends and family and have no worries whether your cushions are dirty anymore!

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