You use your patio when the weather seems jolly, and you want to spend your time outside with a book, a tall glass of lemonade, and some snacks. Amidst all the activities, when you notice spots and marks on the furniture cushions, the first thing that strikes the mind is “how to wash patio furniture cushions?”
Basic cleaning of bedding seems easy, but washing cushions might seem like a challenging task. Whether the reason for the dirty cushion is stains or potential damage done by the weather elements, the cushions need to be washed and cleaned properly. Cleaning and maintaining your furniture cushions ensures that your outdoor space looks presentable and hygienic.
This blog discusses all the necessary tips so that you can learn how to wash the patio furniture cushions!
Step-By-Step Patio Furniture Cushions Cleaning Tips
The outdoor furniture experiences a lot of wear and tear due to the weather elements and constant use. So, when you are cleaning the cushions, especially the ones without a removable cover, it is important to understand the right way to do it.
Materials Needed
To clean the cushions, here are some items that you will need:
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- Soft bristled laundry brush
- Stain remover
- White vinegar
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Dry and wet rag (as needed)
- Spray bottle
- Bucket
The Steps Involved
Once you have all the items handy, here are a few simple steps you need to follow to keep your cushions clean:
- Clean the cushions using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment. This removes the dirt, soil, and debris.
- If you find any crusted stuff even after vacuuming, consider softening it with a moist rag and a bowl of clean water. If the cushion is already wet due to rain or drizzle, use a dry rag. However, make sure not to smear it.
- Next, prepare a cleaning solution using 1/2 cup of dish soap, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1 gallon of warm water.
- For darker stains, pretreat the area with a 50/50 solution of warm water and white vinegar. Mix the solution in a spray bottle and spray it all over the stain. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly using a garden hose.
- Dip a soft-bristled brush into the mixture of dish soap, white vinegar, and warm water, and then gently scrub off the cushion. Start from the top and slowly clean the entire cushion.
- Once the cushions are clean and there are no spots left, rinse them with a water hose. Use a soft towel to blot the surface and put them under the sun to keep them in the sun, which kills the bacteria and prevents germs from growing. However, it is advised to keep an eye on the cushions, as prolonged exposure can cause the fabric to fade.
- When the cushions dry up completely, treat them with a fabric protectant to prevent stains.
How to Clean Removable Cover Patio Furniture Cushions?
For a removable cushion cover, cleaning becomes very easy. Most of the covers are machine washables, while some require handwashing. So, before you clean them, read their labels and instructions, and pick the method accordingly.
In case of stubborn stains, consider using a good-quality stain remover. Once the cushions are properly cleaned, keep them out in the sun to dry as long as required, before putting them back into the storage.
How to Clean Stubborn Stains on Patio Cushions?
Cushions that are used on the patio are prone to more dirt marks and stains. The first and most important rule is not to wait for too long. Wash the cushion as early as possible. If the stain does not go away in the first wash, scrub it again. If the stain is still there, then try an enzyme stain remover. Use the soft-bristled brush to scrub the dish detergent on the stain and then rinse it with a hose.
Here are a few major types of stains that leave long-lasting impressions, along with the methods to remove them -
Oil Stains
Oil stains can come from food, sunscreen, body oil, etc. To remove them, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and wait for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the baking soda to absorb the oil. Get a scraper or a credit card to scrape off the residual powder. If the stain does not completely come off, repeat the process.
Mildew Stains
If you have mildew stains on the cushion, scrape off as much as possible. However, avoid spreading the spores, as they are dangerous and harmful to human health and pets. After scraping off, spray distilled white vinegar directly on the surface.
You can also soak a clean cloth in the vinegar and place it on the stain. Allow the cloth or spray to sit for at least 10 minutes. Then apply a small amount of dishwashing soap on the sponge and scrub the area gently. Rinse the cushion properly and allow it to sun dry.
Tree Sap
Removing tree sap may seem a little challenging, but there are certain effective ways you can get the stains out. Here are some of them -
Warm Water and Liquid Dish Soap
First, scrape off as much sap as possible, using a butter knife or a spoon. Then make a mixture of warm water and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle, and spray directly on the stained surface. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and use a soft-bristled brush or a sponge to wipe off the remaining stain.
Water and White Vinegar
If that does not work, make a solution of equal amounts of water and vinegar. Spray the solution and allow it to rest for a few minutes, then gently wipe or rinse it off. If the sap stain is stubborn and does not go away at all, soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently rub it on the stain. Then, rinse the area and allow it to dry.
Ice Cube Packs
Another method to remove sap is to rub an ice cube on the stain. Do not directly apply the ice cubes; instead, put all the ice in a plastic bag and place it over the stain. This hardens the sap, which can be scraped off using a blunt butter knife. For any residue, dip the cloth in rubbing alcohol, rinse it with water, and allow it to dry.
Grass Stains
If you have kids and pets, you’ll surely have grass stains on the patio furniture and cushions. But they can easily be treated with just two ingredients - hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of baking soda to make a paste. Apply all over the stain and leave it for at least half an hour. Ensure the paste is not too runny, because it won’t sit on the surface. Next, scrub it off with the help of a brush and allow it to sit for another ten minutes. Finally, rinse and leave it to dry properly.
How to Maintain Outdoor Patio Cushions?
Maintaining your patio cushions reduces the need to wash them frequently. Here are some maintenance tips you need to follow to keep them clean and stain-free:
- When not in use, cover the cushion and other furniture. You can also purchase outdoor furniture covers that come in various sizes, fabrics, and patterns. You can also opt for custom options that can be tailored as per your furniture type and size.
- If you have any spills and stains, treat them immediately. This is because, if you leave the stains for too long, taking them out can be a difficult job, as the liquid and food stains get soaked deep into the fabric.
- Keep the cushions away from the elements. If you’re expecting rain, drizzle, snow, etc., take them inside or store them in a dry place, such as a deck box.
- Do not keep the furniture in the sun for a long period of time. It can ruin the material and cause the color to fade away.
How Often Do You Need to Clean Outdoor Furniture?
The decision on when to clean the outdoor furniture depends on the climate and environment of the region. It also depends on how frequently you use the furniture. A good rule of thumb is to consider cleaning them once every month. However, if you have spill stains or grass stains, it is important to wash them immediately. The frequency can be adjusted as needed, depending on the intensity of the dirt and stains.
Conclusion
Dirty patio cushions are home to bacteria, germs, fungus, and even molds, and all these can cause health issues and look so unpleasant to the eyes. It becomes important to keep them clean by washing and maintaining them regularly. Items as simple as dishwash soap, white vinegar, and baking soda will do the job easily. After cleaning, ensure to dry them properly in the sun.
