How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Learn how to clean outdoor cushions and keep them looking like new with these simple tips and tricks! 

Our spring weather has arrived and I’ve been doing some work outside for this month’s Household Organization Diet. After power washing the deck, the first thing I start with is cleaning our patio furniture and cushions.  It feels so nice to have a place to sit outside again and I can’t wait until we can start eating out there again regularly.

What is the Best Way to Clean Outdoor Cushions

How to clean outdoor cushions will depend on what type of stain you’re cleaning, what type of fabric you’re dealing with, and what cleaning supplies/equipment you have access to. Most patio fabrics have been treated with special coatings to protect from UV rays and/or water so it’s important to first check any cleaning guidelines on the cushion tags for specific cleaning instructions and restrictions.

How to hand wash outdoor cushions.

If cleaning instructions aren’t specified, most cushions will do well with a cleaning solution of 1 tsp. mild dish soap {such as Dawn}, 1 tsp Borax, and 1 quart of warm water.  Place the solution in a spray bottle and generously saturate both sides of the cushions making sure get into all of the grooves and crevices.  Let the solution sit for approximately 15 minutes but do not allow to dry completely.  Spray down with a garden hose and stand the cushions on edge to dry.

How to machine wash outdoor cushions.

If you happen to have removeable cushion covers, machine washing is nice, easy option. Be sure to read all care instructions listed {or check the manufacturer’s website if they are not attached} and follow any specific recommendations for your pillows. Before washing, give the pillow covers a good shake to remove any loose debris {or vacuum with the upholstery attachment}. Pre-treat any stains and wash the covers as recommended.  Allow the covers to air dry and place them back on the cushions while still slightly damp to stretch the material back into shape.  If you do place your cushion covers in the dryer, be sure to pull them out before they are completely dry.  Place them back over the inserts for the final drying so they don’t shrink or lose their shape.

 Can you power-wash outdoor cushions?

Many manufacturers recommend AGAINST power washing cushions as it can damage the fabric or break the seams. Although I don’t use this method for regular cleaning, I do power-wash our cushions once or twice per season as it’s definitely the quickest method of cleaning and does a fabulous job.  If you do choose to power-wash, use a lower-flow water setting and don’t get too close to the pillows – especially along the seams.  Once washed, turn the cushions on their side to dry and flip to allow completely drying on all sides.

 

Specific Stain Treatments for Patio Cushions

Bird Droppings

Remove as much of the droppings as possible with a microfiber cloth.  Prepare a cleaning solution of 1 tsp. mild dish soap {such as Dawn}, 1 tsp Borax, and 1 quart of warm water.  Place it in a spray bottle and spray on the stain. Use a soft bristle brush to clean allowing the solution to soak into the fabric.  Rinse well with clean water to remove all soap residue and air-dry. Fels Naptha soap is another great cleaning alternative to remove bird droppings and other stains if the above solution does not remove everything.

Mold and Mildew Stains

Brush away as much of the mildew as possible using a nylon brush.  Create a cleaning solution of 1 part Borox and 4 parts warm water.  Generously apply the cleaning solution to the cushion fabric and use a microfiber cloth to blot out the stain.  For tougher stains, allow the cleaning solution to sit for a longer period of time {just make sure it doesn’t completely dry} before blotting.  Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry completely.

If the Borox solution still doesn’t completely work, something like Oxiclean or a 1:1 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water will be a little stronger and usually does the trick.  Alternatively, you can try a mild bleach solution of 1 tbsp. of bleach to a pint of warm water.  Not all outdoor materials can handle bleach, however, so be sure to test for color fastness first and read all labels.

Oil Stains

Oils from sunscreen and bug spray as well as food can often get onto patio cushions.  To clean, first soak up any excess oil with a cloth and then apply an absorbent powder such as cornstarch to the stain.  Allow the powder to sit for 10-15 minutes and then scrape it away with a straight edge.  Repeat this if needed.  Blot the stain with the regular cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly with a clean, damp microfiber cloth.  Allow to air dry.

And if you really just can’t get those cushions cleaned, consider making new outdoor cushion covers before giving up on your outdoor set.

Tips to Keep Your Patio Cushions Looking Like New

Dry brush them regularly

Use a whisk broom or vacuum with the upholstery attachment to brush off dirt, insects, plant debris etc.  Focus on the seams and any little grooves such as tufting.  This will help to cut down on stains, mold and mildew, and help maintain the integrity of the fabric.

Minimize prolonged moisture

Chances are your patio cushions will get caught in a rain shower at least a few times {especially if you live in the Pacific Northwest!}.  If they do get wet, turn them on their edge {seam side down} as soon as possible to speed up drying time.  If the cushion covers are zippered, unzip them to allow better drainage.

Clean up spills as soon as possible.

For liquid spills, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth and BLOT {don’t rub} as much of the liquid up as possible.  If there is still a stain left, add a couple of drops of dish washing liquid to a spray bottle of water and spray it on.  Blot and rinse with clean water.  It’s generally best to clean the full side of the cushion {rather than just the stain spot} to avoid any water stains.  For specific stain treatments, see above.

Rotate your pillows around.

If you have certain pillows that are always in the sun and others that are always in the shade, try rotating them around regularly to equalize the exposure to the sun.

Clean your patio cushions before you store them.

When it’s time to pack up your cushions for the colder months, be sure to check them for any stains or food spills. These will be harder to remove if they’re left all winter and can attract bugs.  Also ensure that the pillows are thoroughly dry before you send them off to storage to prevent any mold or mildew.  Waterproof storage bags are available if you don’t have a completely weather-proof area to store them.

Protect cushions with a water sealant.

Lastly, you can seal your cushions and other outdoor fabrics with a water seal fabric seal such as Thompson’s WaterSeal. This will help to prevent water damage, resist color fading, and repel spills and stains. Just spray a couple of coats at the beginning of the season and you’re good to go!

Be sure to join in this month’s Household Organization Diet to get all of your outdoor spaces cleaned, organized and ready for summer!

For more outdoor cleaning tips, check out these posts…

Tips for How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture

How to Clean the BBQ

How to Care for Hanging Baskets and Outdoor Planters