How to Clean Outdoor Cushions, According to Experts
Illustration: Ellie Schiltz/Getty Images
Outdoor furniture is some pretty tough stuff. It’s designed to brave the elements, including sunshine, rain, dirt, debris, snow, and temperature fluctuations, but knowing how to clean outdoor cushions is just as important as keeping your indoor furniture clean if you enjoy a nice alfresco dining setup or a lounge seat on a sunny deck. While outdoor cushions are much heartier and more durable than their indoor counterparts, the pillows that grace your outdoor furniture still need some occasional TLC.
yellow pillow on a wooden bench outside in the sunlight
Clean cushions not only look their best, but they will also last longer and will even be safer for you, your friends and family, and your pets to be around; those little black dots and patches of discoloration you sometimes see on outdoor cushions may actually be mildew or mold, which can be harmful if inhaled or brought into contact with skin. Fabrics that live outside your home can harbor bacteria and viruses, and these pathogens thrive on damp patio furniture.
In the name of good furniture upkeep and good health, we reached out to some experts to get cleaning tips on how to clean outdoor cushions.
What not to do when cleaning outdoor cushions
When it comes time to tackle those mold spots, grass stains, beverage spills, animal droppings, and other messes common in any outdoor seating area, a soft-bristle brush and gentle cleaner are good go-to tools; a stiff brush and bleach, not so much—those may damage your furniture.
It’s important not to clean outdoor cushions in a merely cosmetic way. “An important step in your outdoor cushion care routine is not just washing, but sanitizing cushion covers that may harbor illness- and odor-causing bacteria,” says Nicole Lopez, R&D senior associate at Reckitt, which distributes brands like Lysol and Woolite. She recommends Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to kill unseen bacteria lurking in the cushions.
Whenever you won’t be using your outdoor furniture for a while—whether you’re going on vacation or the seasons are changing—consider giving those cushions some time off, too. “If you have the space in your garage or shed, I suggest storing the cushions indoors to protect them from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and other harsh weather conditions when they’re not in use,” says Sharon Garcia, Fabuloso cleaning expert and the co-owner of Next Level Cleaning Services. “When they’re in storage, regularly rotate and flip the cushions to prevent uneven wear and exposure to the light and air. And if you need to stack your cushions, try to use spacers like your used Amazon cardboard boxes for air circulation.”
Spot cleaning outdoor cushions
If your outdoor cushions just have a few soiled areas (as opposed to a bit more grime and build-up that might require a deep clean), then the job ahead of you shouldn’t be too hard. We broke down Garcia’s simple step-by-step approach below.
1. Start by delicately brushing away loose dirt and debris from the surface of the outdoor cushions. Use a soft brush to prevent any potential damage to the fabric.
2. For those persistent stains that have braved the outdoor elements, use a solution blending equal parts water and vinegar, a mild dish soap, or a cleaner like Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner properly diluted in water. Apply the cleaner liberally to the stained area and let it sit briefly.
3. With a soft-bristle brush or a sponge, work the cleaning solution into the fabric using a circular motion.
4. Rinse the cushions thoroughly with clean water (your garden hose works fine) to remove any residual cleaner.
5. Allow the cushions to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading.
6. Once dry, check the cushions for any remaining stains or spots. Repeat the cleaning process if necessary, focusing on specific areas that may need more attention.
Can you clean outdoor cushions in washing the machine?
If your outdoor cushions have removable covers, Lopez says you can usually wash those covers in the washing machine. “Unless the label instructions detail otherwise, and with the exception of silk and wool, you can wash your outdoor couch’s removable cushion covers using a large-capacity washer and laundry detergent.” Follow these basic steps to clean your washer-safe cushion covers.
1. Remove the cushion covers and put them directly in the washing machine.
2. After inserting your detergent where indicated by your machine, add a laundry sanitizer in the fabric softener compartment of your machine, or it put directly into your rinse cycle—either way, the bacteria will be killed. (For standard machines, use two capfuls filled to line one of the dosing cup, and for HE machines, use two capfuls filled to line two of the dosing cup.)
3. Run a regular laundry cycle and be sure to use the extra rinse function, primarily so the machine will be cleaner for your next load of laundry.
4. Run the covers through the dryer on a low heat cycle and let them air dry fully afterward if they are damp. Ensure the inserts of the pillows are completely dry before putting the covers back on.
How to clean outdoor cushions FAQs
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What is the easiest way to clean outdoor cushions?
If your cushions have removable covers that can be safely washed in a washing machine, then that’s the best way. If you need to hand wash the cushions, products like white vinegar, baking soda, Borax, a dish soap like Dawn, or dedicated fabric cleaning products can be used to spot clean the fabric. The cleaning method need not be anything fancy; a soft scrub brush or a sponge should be all you need.
What causes black spots on outdoor cushions?
The black spots on outdoor cushions and other outdoor fabric are likely either mildew of mold. Both mildew and mold are types of fungus that can form on anything from a plant in the forest to a bathroom wall to a cushion in your outdoor living space, and both can trigger mild to severe allergic and respiratory ailments in humans and animals. These fungi can grow when conditions are moist and at least a few degrees above the freezing point, so they can appear in most seasons in most places. To prevent mold and mildew on outdoor cushions, keep the furniture covered or store the cushions in a shed, garage, or inside when you are not using them.
Can I use bleach on outdoor cushions?
While of course bleach is safe to use on white outdoor cushions, it may cause discoloration on cushions with colors or patterns. You can use a color-fast bleach product on outdoor fabrics, but it’s still best to use a spray bottle and test the cleaner on a small portion of the fabric before you use it on an entire cushion, just in case it does cause color issues.
What is the best cleaning solution for outdoor cushion covers?
In most cases, a blend of white vinegar and baking soda is the best cleaning solution for outdoor cushions. This time-tested duo should be able to cut through build-up and get your cushions looking like new again. If you do need to use a more powerful cleaning product, just make sure you try it on a small area of the cushion before applying it to the prominent affected area or over the entire surface of the fabric to avoid permanently discoloring a cushion cover.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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