Stains on patio furniture can be difficult to keep under control, whether from dust-covered children playing outdoors or sweat stains from morning runs. Regular cleaning helps prevent build-up of stains and extend the lifespan of cushions.
Start by vacuuming your cushions and using an upholstery brush attachment on seams and buttons. Next, create a cleaning solution using one tablespoon of Borax and 1 teaspoon of mild dish detergent mixed in four cups of warm water for four cleaning solutions.
1. Vacuum
Maintaining patio furniture cushions requires regular cleaning. Regularly doing this helps to avoid the development of mildew and mold which can erode fabric as well as stain it, as well as dirt accumulation on their surface. A vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment should be used to extract as much loose debris as possible from their surface and help ensure optimal results.
To maximize the performance of your vacuum cleaner, be sure to utilize a dust filter to avoid inducing fine dust particles into your environment. After dirt has been extracted from cushions using your vacuum, a brush or attachment should be used to access any crevices and seams; additionally, regularly shaking them may help flush away any remaining dust or debris from cushions.
Though vacuuming your outdoor cushions regularly is an excellent first step in maintaining their cleanliness, to prevent dirt accumulation and staining you should also regularly vacuum them with an upholstery attachment attached. Spekless Cleaning recommends this technique as it eliminates the need to manually scrub each cushion separately – saving both time and effort!
For added protection from grime and stains on outdoor furniture cushions, Toner suggests spray-on fabric protector. This simple solution can easily be applied via spray bottle and purchased at most home improvement stores.
When dealing with existing stains on cushions, immediate action should be taken to limit their spread and impact on overall quality. Toner recommends mixing 1/4 cup Borax and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid before applying it directly onto stained areas of a cushion and lightly scrubbing using a soft bristled brush before rinsing thoroughly with water afterwards.
Depending on the severity of the stain, bleach may be necessary. Toner recommends conducting a test before proceeding with full cleaning; since some bleaches may damage fabrics, Toner suggests choosing natural options like vinegar and baking soda as safer alternatives than commercial products.
2. Bleach
Although it might be unpleasant, bleach can be an effective solution for ridding outdoor fabrics of mildew and dirt. Before making your decision to use it on any large area of cushions or furniture, test small patches first to make sure that it won’t cause discoloration; also wear old clothing during cleaning procedures as there may be spillage from cleaners!
Begin by taking individual cushion covers apart and washing them separately according to manufacturer-provided cleaning instructions. If fabric is water-resistant, using a garden hose spraying them with soapy water should also help remove soap residue and any dirt particles left behind from cleaning them with detergent. Once done, replace their removable covers and reattach the cushions back onto furniture for easy access and use.
If a bird has left its mark on your patio cushions, spot cleaning may be your solution. Use either commercial cleaners or create your own by mixing together warm water, 1/4 cup of Borax and one tablespoon of dish soap in a bucket, before using a sponge to scrub into trouble spots on stained cushions using this solution. Afterward, rinse them under a garden hose to eliminate any soap residue before leaving them to air dry completely before reattaching to furniture.
Another solution involves mixing equal parts white distilled vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spraying this solution directly on dirty outdoor cushions to clean them with brush or sponge, before rinsing off and leaving to air dry naturally in an enclosed space. However, this method may be too aggressive if your fabric is fragile; alternatively you could try OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover which has been trusted over ten years as safe for most fabrics.
3. Vinegar
Vinegar can provide an effective natural alternative to bleach for cleaning outdoor cushions. Simply create a solution of equal parts of vinegar and water in a bucket, dip your cleaning cloth in it and wring out until damp – but not soggy – before applying directly onto any stains using soft bristle brushing techniques. Scrubbing fabric then followed by rinsing off with cool water from hose or bucket until surface area has been restored, then allow cushions to air dry before storage.
Mildew and a grayish-black dusting known as senna can quickly accumulate on outdoor furniture cushions in warm, humid environments, leaving an unpleasant and unsightly stain with musty odors that is difficult to get rid of and can ruin their aesthetics. You can prevent future incidents by pretreating any spots with oxygen bleach or detergent before following these steps to eliminate all traces of it and keep them looking their best!
As soon as stains or mildew appear on your outdoor furniture, take action right away – as soon as they appear, the less likely they are to spread and become an even greater issue.
If you notice mildew or food or beverage spills on the carpet or floors, try your best to clean up as soon as possible to avoid permanent stains and make cleaning up easier once they occur. Quick action may prevent more permanent marks from setting in.
Spot treating stains with oxygen bleach such as borax or OxiClean may work, or simply using regular household cleanser such as soap and water may do the trick. Please read labels of cleaning products you plan to use on cushions of all types to make sure that they’re suitable – test any potential products first in an inconspicuous area before testing on all cushions at once to prevent damage or discoloration to upholstery materials. If machine washing, always follow manufacturer’s instructions, making sure to rinse out thoroughly afterwards to get rid of cleaning solution residue left from previous washings!
4. Arm and Hammer
If vacuuming and vinegar don’t remove dirt and mildew from your outdoor cushions, a more intensive cleaner might be necessary. Before washing patio furniture cushions or covers, read through their care instructions for specific recommendations and restrictions; if machine-washable fabric can be found then shake before placing in delicate cycle. Otherwise gently squeeze out excess water from cushions (do not wring) then air dry as soon as possible.
For stubborn stains, mix equal parts white distilled vinegar and water into a solution, applying this to the affected area with a sponge or brush and scrubbing before leaving to sit for several minutes before repeating until finished. Rinse thoroughly afterwards – repeat as necessary for tough stains!
Mildew stains on cushions can be removed using a paste of one tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent and one teaspoon of powdered oxygen bleach. Apply this solution directly onto the affected area, allow it to sit for several minutes, and scrub with a clean sponge or brush before rinsing thoroughly and leaving to air dry naturally.
Fabric used to construct patio cushions is usually designed specifically for outdoor use and should resist UV rays, fading, moisture and mildew. However, it’s still advisable to follow the care instructions on its tag carefully and spot-treat any hard-to-clean stains as soon as they appear.
When it comes to cleaning patio furniture cushions, a power washer can be an invaluable asset if used effectively. Start by testing its pressure on a small section of cushions so you know it’s a safe level. After doing that, rinse and rinse your cushions in buckets of clean water before using your power washer to remove solution from them using back-to-front movements while staying at least 1-2 feet from its nozzle to avoid damage to them.