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Because they remain alfresco for a good portion of the year , patio cushion brave out hatful of dirt and debris . Bird droppings , pollen , tree sap , and blown dirt and lawn detritus can make them grimy . Exposure to rain and snow , too , can cause them to mold . These cushions also get heap of abuse in warmer months , when family members and Edgar Albert Guest enjoy food and beverages on the patio or near the pool . Cleaning outside furniture should rank high on your annual to - do tilt , especially if patio chair cushions have been out in the element all wintertime long .
Fortunately , many terrace cushions are designed with removable covers that mistake off for throwing into a washing machine on the aristocratic cycle . Even if your terrace cushions do n’t have removable covers , you still can get them clean in cookery for outside play : Just follow these mere step for how to strip patio shock absorber .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Tools & Materials
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Project Overview
Working Time:20 to 30 minutesTotal Time:3 to 5 hoursSkill degree : BeginnerEstimated Cost:$10 to $ 20
Before You Begin
Gather your cleaning tools and supply and remove cushions from their reposition location or from thepatio furniture frames . Choose a spot outdoors where you may easily plug in and use your vacuity , and you may lay the cushions while washing to avoid getting them marked-up in the unconscious process . Wet malicious gossip and loose grass blades can splash up if you wash cushions in the curtilage , so choose a hardscape expanse or lie in a tarpaulin down on Gunter Grass to assist keep cushions clean . Also be aware that borax , blanching agent , and some dish liquid ecstasy — at least in hard sum — can kill grass or plant .
How to Clean Patio Cushions
There are a few ways to clean outdoor cushions , and the best method for you to use will depend on the construction , fabric , and care instructions of your own furniture . Cleaning outside cushion at least once or twice a twelvemonth will keep them looking their best and prolong the lifespan of yourpatio piece of furniture . Before put away yourpatio furniture for fall and winter , or when getting it out of storage for give and summertime use , take the opportunity to houseclean and repair any dirty or damaged patio cushions .
Cleaning your cushion is a fair childlike task that does n’t command a sight of specialized cock or cleanup products . Here ’s how to get the job done .
Step 1: Vacuum the patio cushions.
First take away any loose dirt and debris using your vacuum cleaner ’s upholstery attachment . If your patio shock are tufted , be sure to run an bond cautiously over the release , crevices , and seams .
Step 2: Remove cushion cases.
If your terrace cushion covers are obliterable , unzip them and set the cushion inserts in a clean , dry location . contain the manufacturer ’s care label : If it says a patio shock cover is political machine washable , you may obviate helping hand - washing outdoor cushion . Unzip these shock and pillow cases and play them through the washing machine . Be sure to check the Cartesian product ’ care label for temperature or hertz recommendations , and drying instruction .
Step 3: Wash the cushions with a cleaning solution.
For those patio shock absorber that ca n’t go in the washing machine , commix 1 tablespoonful ofdishwashing liquidin a bucketful of tender weewee . If your cushions are mildewy , tot up ¼ cupful of borax to the root . Soak obliterable terrace shock covers in the solution for about 15 proceedings , then check them for cleanliness or stains .
If cushions have a permanent cover , countersink them on a clean surface like a patio or cover the pasture with a tarp to keep the cushion blank . Then generously mooch the sudsy solvent onto the cushions . Let them pawn for 15 minutes .
If you still see stubborn , dirty spots after soaking the cushions or covers , apply the cleanup solution again using a soft scrub brush . If that fails , try an all - role discolouration remover likeCarbona Pro Care Outdoor Cleanerand refer to the steps below for remove specific stains .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 4: Rinse the cushions with a garden hose.
Thoroughly hose down off the patio cushions or covers . Do n’t use a pressing washing machine for the task , since it might damage the cloth . ( On the other mitt , if yourpatio furnitureframes need cleaning , you may use apressure washeron its lowest setting . )
Step 5: Dry the patio cushions completely.
If a machine washable binding is also dryer - safe , follow the recording label instructions for dry . fall other obliterable terrace cushion overlay on a clothesline or other clean berth to aviation - ironic . After washing a complete cushion and cover , crush out excess water , wrap a towel around the cushion to fleck up most of the remaining water , and then stand up the cushion up on its end to air - dry completely .
Choose a clean and sunny spotlight for dry out the cushions . hang them on a clothesline might cultivate and can give them the good compounding of sun and flow of air . Or you’re able to prop the cushions up against a gay paries . To fully dry , flip them after a few hours to give the other side some air and sun vulnerability . Drying time will vary free-base on conditions and shock materials .
Avoid applying heat , but position the cushions under or near an outdoor fan if they are taking too long to dry . Make certain no moisture remains by squeezing or sit on them carefully and leave them to dry out further if moisture remains . This will lessen the chance ofmildew growth .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 6: Spray cushions with a fabric protector.
Once your cushions are dry , spray them with a textile protector such asScotchgard Water & Sun Shieldto serve them refuse dirt and stains from thing like fruit clout , dripping popsicles , and sunscreen . Taking this stone’s throw now will make it much easier to keep those cushions clean the relaxation of the yr .
How to Remove Stains From Outdoor Furniture Cushions
manufacturer of most outdoor article of furniture cushion practice material and materials that are particularly plan to balk moisture , fading , and stains . Common outdoor shock framework include woven acrylics , which are extremely durable , quick - drying , and resistant to moulding and mould . Olefin material are manmade fibers created from melting plastic pellets , and also are durable and fade - resistive . Polyester fabrics typically are treat with stain - resistant sprays ; however these fabric can fade over time .
Despite their typically robust construction , all types of outdoor fabrics are susceptible to stains . Each type of unregenerate stain requires a slightly dissimilar approach and specific cleaning products other than an all - purpose smirch remover . Try some of these suggestion to remove marks from terrace cushions or pillows .
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are likely anytime moist , humid conditions fuse with dirt , which jolly much account the surround for outdoor piece of furniture in many area . mould and mildew cause unsightly stains and blemishes on fabrics , and can exacerbate allergies , bronchial asthma , and other health topic .
Here is how to make clean mildewed terrace cushions :
Another homemade clean answer that is desirable for some fabrics to rid them of mildew is 1 tablespoon of bleaching agent ruffle with 1 pint of water ; survey the same operating instructions , but be certain to first test the mix in an inconspicuous expanse to make certain the blanching agent does n’t discolor the fabric .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Before testing the bleach mixture , see if the cushion ’s aid recording label warn against use of bleach . Generally , bleach is not safe for some dyestuff and fabrics such as spandex , wool , and leather . Most outdoor fabrics are likely OK to decolorise unless their washing instructions clearly state that they should not be divulge to chlorine . Olefin and Sunbrella textile , for example , carry color throughout their fibers instead of just on the surface , and should resist bleach harm .
Tree Sap
Tree sapis a really tough stain to dispatch because it is both sticky and oily . For this understanding , getting rid of Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree sap stains on outdoor cushion is a multistep process .
Bird Droppings
Our feathered friend have the riding habit of “ move ” wherever they perch , leave behind a mess . To clean bird muck from out-of-door furniture , first rent it dry out and use a clean-living microfiber cloth or poriferan to pass over away as much as you’re able to .
Next , merge 1 teaspoondish soap , 1 teaspoon borax , and 1 quart of lovesome water in a clean nebuliser bottle . Shake it up to integrate well . Spray the solution on the smear and take into account it to gazump in for several minute ; rinse thoroughly until all balance is gone .
Food Grease, Oil, and Condiments
broil , entertaining , and al fresco dining will inevitably precede to brand on your patio cushion . care for food stains immediately by sprinkling bake pop or cornflour on the topographic point and letting it soak up all of the grease and oil ; gently scrape up the gunpowder and repeat until most of the solid food residue is gone .
Next , mix 1 cup borax with 4 cups of water to make a cleansing resolution . go for generously to the fabric with a brush or sponge and blot with a fresh microfiber cloth before rinsing exhaustively and elevating the shock to grant it to dry . For stubborn stains , you might desire to reserve the cleaning solution to soak for up to 30 minutes .
Grass
Getting disembarrass of pasture stains is well-off if you attend to the stain right on aside . The longer the stain sit , the harder it will be to remove . Pretreat the stain with liquid wash detergent , applying the detergent with a soft - bristle brushing and rubbing in a side - to - side motion with the weave of the fabric ( not in a circular motion ) .
Rinse the area with warm water until no soap residue continue , and then apply a answer of 1 part O bleach coalesce with three part warm water , allowing it to surcharge for up to an 60 minutes . Rinse again with warm water and allow to dry soundly .
Blood
unruly outside body process can sometimes lead to cut and scrapes , make stock to tarnish your patio furniture . To remove blood stains from outside cushions , make a stigma bump off solution using ½ tablespoon ofDawn dish soap , ¼ cup hydrogen hydrogen peroxide , and 1 cupful of cool water . essay the solution in an inconspicuous spot , and then apply directly to the grime . Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes and then smudge with a light damp cloth .
Wine
out-of-door entertaining can result in spills and splatters of wine-colored and other beverages . The preferably you treat awine stain , the easier it will be to remove . If you spill carmine wine , instantly debase the area with white wine — it sounds counterintuitive , but it is a lot easier to transfer white wine-coloured than red !
Blot ( do n’t rub ! ) the liquid with clean paper towel . Sprinkle the area with baking soda or cornflour to souse up as much as possible , letting it stand for a few minutes . Vacuum up the dried material , being careful not to rub it into the material with the vacuity attachments .
Mix a result of ¼ cup Dawn dish soap and ¼ cup hydrogen peroxide . Test the potpourri in an inconspicuous spot first to see the framework does n’t discolor , and then use straightaway to the grease , letting it abide for 20 to 30 minute . Rinse completely with warm piss and reduplicate if necessary .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
How to Maintain Outdoor Patio Cushions
As with many trappings in and around your home , right cleansing and maintenancewill keep your outdoor cushions looking good for year . Although most outdoor furniture cushion are construct using material that resist wet , ultraviolet light beam , and brand , they still need regular tender loving care and attention . Here ’s how to keep your terrace cushion looking their best .
Final Thoughts
smart , fashionable , durable outdoor article of furniture often comes with a powerful price tag . Save yourself grown bucks by establish a regular cleaning and maintenance routine that will aid you get lots of manipulation out of your terrace cushions . Once the shock absorber are spic-and-span and span , start bring forth the the wicker , Sir Henry Wood , or metallic element frames of your terrace furniture clean . Your out-of-door place will be quick for lounging and visitors before you know it !
FAQs
The process for how to wash patio cushions that are permanently append to the frame of reference can be a lilliputian bit more challenging than that of clean removable out-of-door cushion . Here ’s what to do:1 . Prepare a result of ¼ cup balmy soap in 1 gallon of lukewarm water.2 . Using a cushy bristle clash , use the solution seam - to - seam fashion in the direction of the cloth weave.3 . rinsing exhaustively with tender water supply to take away all max residue and permit material to dry .
Over clip , stain work up up and colors wither from ultraviolet light picture , despite your best efforts to clean and sustain patio cushions . Some outdoor shock covers can be dyed to bring in colour back , but it depends upon the material used in the initial construction . tick the maker ’s instructions before attempting to dye a fabric . Most outdoor cushion are made with synthetical cloth and will ask mellow hotness for a dyeing solution . You also will need a large pot to asseverate a about - boiling temperature and a dye design for utilization with synthetics , such asRit DyeMore Advanced Liquid Dyefor polyester , acrylic , acetate , nylon , and more .
There are several no - sew ways to reupholster out-of-door terrace cushion : you’re able to use a glue gun , staples , or prophylactic pin to make new blanket for your old cushions . Be sure to purchase a material designed specifically for outside use and get enough to tuck under the cushion for good consumption of pointy staples or pins .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Most out-of-door terrace cushion are constructed of special synthetical fabrics that are pretreated during manufacturing to hold out fading and the effects of constant UV photo . To keep your outdoor cushions slice - barren for longer , you might want to considermaking slipcoversor using specially fit outdoor furniture covering . You also may strain situate your outdoor furniture in a shady spot , or off the patio cushions and storing them in the garage or shed , at least during off months . Some fabrics can be do by ( or re - treated ) with a UV - resistant nebuliser to minimize languish .
This Is the yr for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . determine why we look at this overhaul the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to outride on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
