Getting your outdoor area ready for summer? Follow these easy steps to clean your outdoor cushions.
Have you noticed your outdoor cushions looking a bit dirty? Outdoor cushions can easily get dirty because they’re outside and exposed to things like bad weather, pollen, dirt, mold, and even bird droppings.
Whether you’re getting ready for a party or just want to freshen up your outdoor area, here are some tips to clean your cushions properly. These steps work for both fabric and vinyl cushions and will help them look clean and new again.
Things to Think About Before You Start
Before you start cleaning, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right so you don’t damage your cushions. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Check the Care Tag
Most outdoor cushions have a care tag with cleaning instructions. Always check the care instructions on the tag or the manufacturer’s website for the best way to clean them.
If you don’t have the tag anymore, you can contact the manufacturer to ask for cleaning advice.
Test the Cleaning Product
Before you use any cleaning product on your cushions, test it on a small, hidden spot first. This way, you can make sure it won’t change the color or damage the fabric.
Stick to mild soaps and cleaners to be on the safe side. Some strong cleaners can harm your cushions, so it’s best to be cautious.
How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Cushions?
How often you clean your outdoor cushions depends on a few things like how much you use them, the weather, and if they get dirty or stained easily.
Generally, it’s good to give them a thorough clean at least twice a year. If you use them a lot, it’s a good idea to lightly vacuum them once a week.
Doing regular upkeep like brushing off dirt or cleaning spots when they appear will help keep the cushions looking good between deep cleans.
If your cushions get used a lot or are in a dirty area, you might need to clean them more often to keep them looking nice.
How to Clean Fabric Outdoor Cushions
1. Remove Dirt and Debris
Start by getting rid of any loose dirt or debris from the cushions. You can use a dry brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to do this. This step helps make the cleaning process easier.
2. Make the Cleaning Solution
Mix ¼ cup of mild detergent with a gallon of water in a bucket. Stir it well until it becomes soapy.
3. Scrub the Cushions
Dip a soft-bristle brush into the soapy water. Use it to scrub the cushions thoroughly, getting rid of all the dirt and grime.
4. Rinse the Cushions
Rinse the cushions thoroughly to wash away all the cleaning solution. Use plenty of water, preferably from a hose.
5. Remove Excess Water
To speed up drying, squeeze out as much water from the cushions as you can. Then, use a dry towel to soak up any remaining water.
6. Let Them Air Dry
Place the cushions upright against a clean surface to dry. Make sure they’re completely dry before you put them back on your outdoor furniture.
How to Clean Vinyl Outdoor Cushions
1. Remove Dirt and Debris
Start by shaking off the cushions to get rid of loose dirt. Then, use a bristle brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean off any remaining dirt and debris.
2. Make the Cleaning Solution
For vinyl or plastic cushions, you can use a mix of mild soap and water. Mix about a tablespoon of mild dish soap, like Dawn, with a gallon of water in a bucket.
3. Scrub the Cushions
Dip a bristle brush into the soapy water and scrub the cushions well to clean them.
4. Rinse Off the Soap and Grime
Use a garden hose to rinse the cushions well until there are no more suds.
5. Get Rid of Extra Water
Try to squeeze out as much water as you can from the cushions. If squeezing isn’t easy, press down on the cushions to help the water come out. Then, use a towel to soak up the remaining water.
6. Let Them Dry in the Shade
Vinyl cushions can get damaged by direct sunlight, causing them to crack or peel. After rinsing, let the cushions dry in a shaded area with good air circulation. If you want them to dry faster, you can use a fan.
How to Remove Stains from Outdoor Cushions
Outdoor cushions can get stains from mildew, grass, or food and drinks. If you find stains after cleaning, here are some expert tips to help you get rid of them:
1. Use White Vinegar
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray this mixture onto the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then, rinse it off and let the cushion air dry. Vinegar is safe and works well on many types of stains.
2. Use Dish Liquid on Grease Stains
For grease or oil stains, apply dishwashing liquid directly to the stain. Dishwashing soap is good at removing grease. Scrub the stain with a brush, rinse off the soap, blot out the water with a towel, and let the cushion air dry.
3. Try a Commercial Cleaner
If you prefer using a commercial cleaner, choose an oxygen-based bleach like OxiClean instead of chlorine bleach. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the solution correctly. For OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, mix one scoop with 16 ounces of water in a spray bottle. Spray this onto the stains, wait 5-10 minutes, then rinse it off. Remove excess water and let the cushion dry.
Tips for Clean Outdoor Cushions
Keep your outdoor cushions looking good with these expert tips:
1. Brush Off Debris Regularly
Brushing off loose dirt and debris helps prevent stains. If you see dirt on your cushions, give them a good brush. Aim to vacuum or brush them every week to keep them clean.
2. Clean Spills and Stains Right Away
If you spill something on your cushions, clean it up quickly to prevent stains. This goes for food, drinks, bird droppings, or mildew. act quickly for easier removal.
3. Store Cushions Indoors
To keep cushions looking good, store them inside when you’re not using them. This protects them from sun damage, mold, and dirt. Storing them indoors helps them last longer and reduces the need for frequent cleaning.
4. Use a Protector Spray
All our experts recommend using a fabric or vinyl protector spray on your outdoor cushions. This helps repel stains and makes cleaning easier.
It also protects against sun damage and keeps the colors bright. Always check the care tag before using any product and do a spot test first to make sure it won’t damage the cushions.