In previous articles I discussed cleaning outdoor furniture including teak and wicker. This article discusses cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions. Today's patio cushions are made of a variety of materials, but most are treated in some way to resist the elements. Here are eight tips to follow when cleaning and caring for your outdoor furniture cushions.
Tip #1: Identify your outdoor furniture cushion material
When cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions you should first determine what type of material you have. Check the tags. This will often tell you the material and give you cleaning instructions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. You can also check the manufacturer's website if you have additional questions.
Most new outdoor cushions are coated or treated in some way to protect against sun and other elements. Common materials are acrylics that feel like canvas (i.e. Sunbrella®), woven polyesters coated with PVC, or vinyl. Fillings are often polyesters that don't hold water. Other cushion filling may be urethane foam that is not completely waterproof. Knowing the materials of your cushion can guide you in caring for them.
Tip#2: General care of outdoor furniture cushions
If your cushions are not treated with a rain repellant or have a core that is not water proof, you should cover them in inclement weather and avoid exposing to water. Water resistant cushions can be exposed to rain, but you may find standing them up on their sides after a heavy rain will help them dry faster.
Many outdoor furniture cushions are susceptible to suntan oils and lotions, so it is always best to cover with a towel when you have suntan products on your body. Suntan lotions can stain many fabrics, and it can weaken PVC coated fabrics as well as vinyl. If you get suntan lotion on your outdoor furniture it is best to clean immediately to avoid work later on. Tip #6 gives more information on cleaning set-in suntan product stains.
Tip #3: Regular cleaning of your outdoor furniture cushions
Regularly cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions will help preserve their life and prevent larger problems. If you have treated acrylic fabric, (such as Sunbrella®), spray your cushions down with a hose at least once a month during the summer season to loosen and remove dirt that can get trapped in the cushions. You can also use mild dish soap to spot clean stains with a sponge. Sunbrella recommends Dawn Dish soap for most stains. A complete stain chart for Sunbrella fabrics can be found here.
PVC Polyesters and vinyl can be washed with soap and water. A mild dish detergent is good for regular monthly cleaning. A quarter cup in a gallon of water makes a good solution. Stains can be scrubbed with a plastic-bristled brush. Tough stains can often be scrubbed with a cleaner similar to SoftScrub. Rinse thoroughly with a hose after cleaning.
Remember, always follow your own manufacturer's cleaning recommendations. Don't put cushions or cushion covers in the washing machine, unless specifically recommended by your manufacturer. Same rules apply to using a dryer.
Tip# 4: Deep cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions
You may wish to give your cushions a deep cleaning at the end of the season before storing away for the winter. One method recommended by some manufacturers is to flood your cushions with 1 cup bleach and 1 cup laundry detergent diluted in three gallons warm water and let them soak for thirty minutes. Follow up with a good rinse with a garden hose.
If you deep clean acrylic fabrics coated with a water-resistant treatment (such as Sunbrella), you may need to reapply a water repellant. See tip # 7 for re-applying a repellant.
Tip# 5: Cleaning mildew on outdoor furniture cushions
Mildew can be cleaned with a solution of 1 C. water in a gallon of bleach. Always check instructions to see if bleach is allowed. If unsure, spot test. Don't use straight bleach, always dilute in water. Spray solution on mildew and allow to soak in for 10 minutes or so. Rinse thoroughly and dry in sun.
Mildew and mold can be prevented by regular washing and/or hosing of cushions. Mildew most often forms where dirt is allowed to build up.
Tip #6: Cleaning suntan products from outdoor furniture cushions
As noted earlier, suntan products can stain outdoor cushions. Clean stains when they happen if possible. For tougher stains, some manufacturers recommend a fabric stain remover. Spray on, let set, scrub and spray off with hose. Sunbrella recommends using a pine oil product on suntan stains. Pine Sol is one such cleaner.
Tip #7: Protecting your outdoor furniture cushions
If your fabric is treated with a water repellant, you may occasionally have to reapply, especially when you clean your outdoor furniture cushions with detergents or bleach. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard is a good product recommended by many manufacturers.
Use only on newly cleaned, dry fabric. Lightly spray on without saturating the fabric. Two light coats can be applied, but let dry thoroughly between coats. Re-treating your fabric is a good idea before storing away for the season.
Tip #8: Storing your outdoor furniture cushions
When summer is over, thoroughly clean your cushions and ensure they are completely dry before storing away in a dry place with good air circulation. Don't enclose your furniture cushions in plastic as this can trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew.
Following these eight tips for cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions will ensure you can enjoy your patio furniture for a long time to come.
Sources:, Michigan State University Extension, Sunbrella website, 303 products website
source : Teak Patio Furniture Los Angeles
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