How to Clean Outdoor Cushions So They Look Brand New
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Photo: Courtesy of IKEA
Last spring, when we began undressing our garden furniture, I found myself googling how to clean outdoor cushions with the zeal of Martha Stewart herself. After the long, cold Colorado winter, we had discovered something unsettling: a squirrel had been squatting for months under the cloaked cushion covers of our Room & Board outdoor sofa.
Thanks to my rodent friend’s droppings, our patio cushions looked like they were coated in a layer of mildew and grime buildup… and it seemed like nothing I tried, from warm water to carpet cleaner, would cut it.
In my frantic attempts, I may or may not have searched “Can outdoor cushions be saved after wildlife infestation?” Spoiler: They can, but not without some serious elbow grease and the right know-how, which I sorely lacked at the time. Allow me to help you learn from my mistakes. I reached out to Annie Thornton, Houzz outdoor living expert, to find out the cleaning methods and lesser-known cleaning tips that can assist when your outdoor furniture is not looking its best. Below, we break down step-by-step DIY instructions on how to clean outdoor cushions and upholstery like a pro. High-pressure optional, but a scrub brush is absolutely recommended for those facing the squirrelliest cushion disasters.
1. Begin with a clean sweep
It might sound silly to do alfresco, but it’s wise to begin by getting that vaccuum ready. “When it’s time for a deeper clean, take out any insets and brush or vacuum the covers both inside and out,” Thornton says. Doing so assists in removing any droppings, discoloration, and loose dirt from your removable covers. Trust me, you want to get rid of as much surface grime as possible before introducing moisture—or you risk turning minor dirt into a muddy mess.
Many outdoor cushions are designed with removable covers that can be unzipped and sent through the washing machine, which can leave them looking brand new. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions—some covers prefer a gentle cycle with cold water while others may need to be hand-washed. Can’t unzip a thing? Fret not. “If you can’t remove the insets, just clean the outside,” she says.
Pro tip: Before vacuuming, give cushions a good shake or whack them with a broom handle to loosen embedded debris. You may not see that on the manufacturer’s instructions, but it works.
2. Start spot-cleaning
Even if you didn’t invest in Scotchgard (no judgment), you can often get rid of nasty buildup on your patio cushions. For the best spot-cleaning solution, Thornton recommends a deep-cleaning solution that’s simple and gentle—no Borax or complex formulas from Amazon needed. “Mix a 1:2 solution of a non-detergent dish soap and warm water and apply it to the cushions,” she says. “Let it soak in for a few minutes for regular cleaning and up to 15 minutes or so for stained areas. Then scrub thoroughly with a brush or cloth. Repeat as needed, letting extremely set-in stains sit for up to two hours.”
When choosing a brush, aim for something with medium-stiff bristles. Too soft and it won’t lift the grime (oil stains are particularly noxious), too stiff and you could damage the fabric. If your cushion material is particularly delicate, try a microfiber cloth.
3. Tackle tough stains
If that first deep-cleaning solution isn’t working for unsightly bird droppings and similar woes, it’s time to break out the bigger, badder cleaning solution for outdoor fabrics. “Another option is applying a 1:3 solution of vinegar and water and letting it sit for an hour or more before scrubbing,” Thornton says. Vinegar is not only a natural disinfectant, but it also helps neutralize musty odors caused by mildew or long-forgotten spills.
Always test in an inconspicuous spot first to be sure it won’t remove the color. (While some fabrics are colorfast, others are decidedly not). Once the stain is gone, rinse the area thoroughly and let it dry. You don’t want to leave any cleaning residue behind—it can attract dirt or cause discoloration.
This probably goes without saying, but you may want to wait to clean your cushions until it’s a warm, sunny day for a quick air-dry. Overcast skies and humidity can leave your cushions languishing in excess water for far too long. “Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse off the item with a garden hose or a bucket of water,” Thornton says. “Let it air-dry completely to prevent mold and mildew. Wait about a day before putting the piece back in place.”
4. Keep up with regular maintenance
By definition, an outdoor space deals with things your indoor living space doesn’t: incoming leaves, loose dirt, and gifts from your neighboring birds and other critters. If you’re a fan of indoor/outdoor living, you’ll want to do spot-cleaning—if not power-washing—on occasion. “Outdoor cushions and pillows need periodic attention to keep them fresh and inviting, even if you’re not doing a deep clean,” Thornton says. “Brush or vacuum them on a regular basis to keep surface dirt and debris from accumulating.” Covering your cushions when not in use can also help cut down on grime, especially during pollen season or if you live in a high-traffic wildlife area. Storage bins or deck boxes work wonders; IKEA sells some beauties, and at such reasonable price points you won’t mind leaving out in the cold.
Can I wash outdoor cushions in the washing machine?
Maybe—depending on which outdoor cushions you have. Some (like IKEA’s removable, fade-resistant Gullbergsö pillow covers) can be unzipped and tossed in with glee, but others command a handwash. Always check the care tag—and follow these basic steps to clean your washer-safe cushion covers.
1. Remove the cushion covers and put them directly in the washing machine.
2. After inserting your detergent where indicated by your machine, add a laundry sanitizer in the fabric softener compartment of your machine, or it put directly into your rinse cycle—either way, the bacteria will be killed. (For standard machines, use two capfuls filled to line one of the dosing cup, and for HE machines, use two capfuls filled to line two of the dosing cup.)
3. Run a regular laundry cycle and be sure to use the extra rinse function, primarily so the machine will be cleaner for your next load of laundry.
4. Run the covers through the dryer on a low heat cycle and let them air dry fully afterward if they are damp. Ensure the inserts of the pillows are completely dry before putting the covers back on.
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How often should I clean outdoor cushions?
At a bare minimum, a couple of times a season. Ideally, do a quick clean at the start and end of the outdoor season, plus spot cleans in between. (If you’re hosting a garden party or cocktail hour, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’ve cleaned your outdoor cushions in advance of a guest’s arrival. Nobody wants to take a seat on mystery stains!)
Can I pressure-wash outdoor cushions?
Yes and no. Some outdoor cushion upholstery is strong enough to withstand pressure-washing, but others may experience a hurricane’s worth of damage…with torn seams, fabric pilling, or even foam ejection. Proceed with caution. If you go this route, use the lowest pressure setting and a wide spray tip and keep a safe distance.
How do I clean Sunbrella outdoor cushions?
We turned to Blake Collins, director of Sunbrella Care, for insights. “To clean outdoor cushions, I recommend mixing 1/4 cup of dish soap with a gallon of water and use a sponge or soft-bristle brush to gently agitate and thoroughly clean fabric seam-to-seam, then rinse and position cushions upright to air-dry and prevent water rings,” Collins says. “For added protection, consider using a fabric treatment like Sunbrella Restore to help repel water and extend the life of the cushions.”
What is the easiest way to clean outdoor cushions?
If your cushions have removable covers that can be safely washed in a washing machine, then that’s the best way. If you need to hand wash the cushions, products like white vinegar, baking soda, Borax, a dish soap like Dawn, or dedicated fabric cleaning products can be used to spot clean the fabric. The cleaning method need not be anything fancy; a soft scrub brush or a sponge should be all you need.
What causes black spots on outdoor cushions?
The black spots on outdoor cushions and other outdoor fabric are likely either mildew of mold. Both mildew and mold are types of fungus that can form on anything from a plant in the forest to a bathroom wall to a cushion in your outdoor living space, and both can trigger mild to severe allergic and respiratory ailments in humans and animals. These fungi can grow when conditions are moist and at least a few degrees above the freezing point, so they can appear in most seasons in most places. To prevent mold and mildew on outdoor cushions, keep the furniture covered or store the cushions in a shed, garage, or inside when you are not using them.
Can I use bleach on outdoor cushions?
While of course bleach is safe to use on white outdoor cushions, it may cause discoloration on cushions with colors or patterns. You can use a color-fast bleach product on outdoor fabrics, but it’s still best to use a spray bottle and test the cleaner on a small portion of the fabric before you use it on an entire cushion, just in case it does cause color issues.
What is the best cleaning solution for outdoor cushion covers?
In most cases, a blend of white vinegar and baking soda is the best cleaning solution for outdoor cushions. This time-tested duo should be able to cut through build-up and get your cushions looking like new again. If you do need to use a more powerful cleaning product, just make sure you try it on a small area of the cushion before applying it to the prominent affected area or over the entire surface of the fabric to avoid permanently discoloring a cushion cover.
Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest
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