Almost everyone loves to sit outdoors at home, enjoying lovely weather and spending quality time with loved ones. Many people use outdoor cushions and pillows to add comfort and style to their furniture, especially in pool house settings. However, problems arise when these cushions get dirty and worn out from stains like bird droppings, sap, mold, and dirt. This leads many to worry about how to clean outdoor cushions.
Remember that regular cleaning of outdoor cushions and pillows is key to maintaining your outdoor furniture’s appearance and extending its lifespan. To keep your outdoor seating area fresh and cozy, it’s essential to clean your cushions and pillows regularly. Today, I’ll share my easy and effective technique on how to clean your outdoor cushions, remove common stains, and prep your cushions for winter storage.
How Often Should I Clean Outdoor Cushions?
Regularly brush off loose dirt and spot clean stains. This is the best option to keep your outdoor cushions neat and clean. You can vacuum frequently used cushions weekly. You can also clean patio cushions before storing them for the season or when stains appear.
Also, give them a refresh before using them each year. Deep cleaning twice a year is also recommended. Heavy use or dirty locations may require more frequent cleaning.
Initial Steps Before Cleaning Couch Cushions
Before moving on to how to clean patio cushions, you’ll need some initial considerations to check. Following manufacturer guidelines will help protect your cushions. Also, check the following before cleaning outdoor cushions.
- Check the care tag for instructions.
- Test cleaning solutions in a hidden area.
- Use mild soaps to avoid damage.
How To Clean Outdoor Cushions With Detergent
If you’re outdoor cushions and pillows have removable covers, just wash them in the machine according to the manufacturer’s instructions and air-dry them completely before replacing them.
In the case of non-removable covers, just mix water and mild detergent for a gentle clean. It is the best way to clean outdoor cushions and pillows.
Materials Required For Cleaning Outdoor Cushions
I use the following materials and tools for easy cleansing of my patio cushions and pillow.
- A bucket
- Dish soap (Anyone)
- A bath towel
- Mild detergent
- Garden hose
- Soft-bristle brush
- A vacuum with a brush attachment/ Dry bristle brush
Step 1: Dust and Dirt Removal
I use a soft-bristled brush to sweep dirt and dust from my patio cushions gently. Dirt mostly hides in tiny gaps and stitches. So I make sure to get into these tiny spaces. This helps make the cleaning process easier. You can use a vacuum cleaner too to remove the dirt.
Step 2: Clean Outdoor Cushions
A good quality detergent is the key to deeply cleaning the pillows and cushions. I use only one ounce of my favorite mild detergent and mix it with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. I use my soft-bristle brush to dip it into the solution and scrub all cushions thoroughly to remove dirt and grime.
Step 3: Rinsing and Removing Excess Water
After scrubbing, the next step is to wash off the cleaning solution with plenty of water. For this purpose, I use my garden hose. After rinsing, I remove excess water by squeezing the cushions and pillows.
Step 4: Air Dry
Now is the time to dry the pillows and cushions. I use a dry towel to wipe and dry them. Airy drying is a must thing to do, so don’t forget to stand cushions against a clean surface in an open atmosphere. After air drying completely, I use my outdoor cushions and pillow on my outdoor furniture.
How to Clean Vinyl Outdoor Cushions With Dish Soap
You can use dish soap solution with water for nonremovable vinyl outdoor cushions. Let me share with you the complete procedure on how do you clean outdoor cushions without removable covers by using soap detergent.
Use your soft-bristle brush or vacuum to brush away dirt or clean the remaining bits then tidy up. Now dip your brush into the cleaning solution of mild soap and water to scrub your vinyl or plastic cushions thoroughly. Now use the garden hose to rinse until no soap remains.
The next step is to squeeze out excess water by pressing cushions and then wipe dry with a towel. You can dry them in a shaded area with good airflow or even by using a fan for faster drying. Just avoid direct sunlight to prevent cracking and peeling as they are a little sensitive compared to the rest. These vinyl outdoor cushions are the best for easy backyard landscaping ideas.
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with Vinegar
To clean outdoor cushions and pillows with vinegar, you’ll need some warm water and distilled white vinegar. Start with vacuuming the cushion surface or simply brush away the loose dirt. Pour the solution of slightly above then 1 ounce of distilled white vinegar and 4 ounces of warm water into a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the cushions and let them stand for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, scrub the stained areas with a soft brush, rinse them with water, and let them air dry.
How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
Outdoor cushions can get stained easily from oil, mildew, grass, or spills. Here are the expert tips to get rid of stains on outdoor cushions and pillows.
How To Clean Patio Cushions With Mildew
You can easily remove mildew or mold from outdoor cushions and pillows. Take the patio cushions outside and start by brushing away loose mildew or mold. Use undiluted white vinegar spray on stains and wait for 10 to 15 minutes.
For tough stains, cover the spot with a vinegar-soaked cloth and scrub with a brush. Now, simply clean with a damp sponge and mild detergent. After that, just rinse the cushions and air-dry them in sunlight.
How To Remove Grass stains On Outdoor Cushions
You can use the solution of distilled white vinegar and warm water to spray on the grass stains to remove them too. However, if it doesn’t work, use a good quality liquid detergent with powerful cleaning agents. Gently rub detergent using your soft brush into the stain and then simply rinse with clean water.
How To Remove Tree Saps On Outdoor Cushions
The tough stains of tree sap on outdoor cushions can be removed easily by using a powerful stain remover. You can easily buy it from the local market or online. Just apply it to the stain and mix powdered detergent to create a thick mixture. Now gently scrub with a soft brush and rinse the cushions with hot water. If somehow still the stain remains, you can use oxygen bleach.
How To Remove Oil Stains On Outdoor Cushions With Baking Soda
You can use baking soda or cornstarch on the food and oil stains on outdoor cushions to remove these stains. Simply apply the baking soda to the stain to absorb the oil and wait 10 to 15 minutes. Now, use a flat tool like a credit card to gently remove the powder. Repeat until the stain disappears.
How to Keep Outdoor Pillows Fresh
You can maintain your outdoor pillows and keep them fresh by following multiple expert tips written below.
- Try to regularly sweep away loose dirt and debris by using a brush. You can also vacuum your outdoor cushions once a week.
- You can apply a protective fabric spray to protect new or uncovered fabrics, or even to restore water and stain-resistant coating. It also prevents fading from sunlight. Just clean cushions and pillows thoroughly before applying the fabric spray. Also, ensure complete coverage for optimal protection. Try to test the protector spray on a hidden area first.
- You can also store the outdoor cushion indoors when not in use. Remember that indoor storage keeps cushions looking great. This will reduce dirt accumulation, mold, and UV damage. It will also extend the cushion lifespan as well as minimize cleaning.
Summary
Cleaning patio cushions and pillows is not a big deal if you know the right steps to do it. I hope that my techniques will help you with how to wash outdoor cushions. However, if you still need any help regarding how to clean outdoor cushions and pillows, I am here to answer your queries.
You can find more amazing information from painting pool deck and diy mirror frame for your boho dining room and boho kitchen ideas to how to plant aloe in your home on styleofhome.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Easiest Way To Clean Outdoor Cushions?
The best and easiest way to clean outdoor cushions is to spray the solution of distilled white water and warm water on the stain. Wait 5 to 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly and air dry the cushions.
How Can I Make My Outdoor Cushions Look New Again?
To give a fresh new look to outdoor cushions and pillows, apply a solution of the same quantity of white vinegar and water with 1 to 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the stained area. Wait for 20 to 30 minutes, after that rinse thoroughly and air dry the cushions.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Fabric Cushions?
You can use club soda or a baby wipe to clean fabric cushions. Baking soda helps to eliminate the smells. Just sprinkle it and wait 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum. You can also use fabric protector spray after cleaning to keep cushions looking new.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Outdoor Cushions?
Mix mild soap and water, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, and rinse thoroughly.
Can I Use A Pressure Washer To Clean Outdoor Cushions?
No, pressure washers can damage the fabric. So use a gentle spray nozzle instead.