Having cushions and pillows in your outdoor furniture means you must frequently ensure their cleanliness. Cleaning outdoor cushions and pillows are way much easier than you may imagine. This guide will teach you the easiest way to clean outdoor cushions and keep them mildew and mold-free.
Table of Contents
How to Hand Wash Outdoor Cushions
Most external cushions and pillows should be hand washed, and luckily, it’s not that difficult to do so, although you could get wet a little bit. Before cleaning them, take off the covers of the pillows and cushions. Then, vacuum them to get rid of the loose debris and dust.
Here are what you need to prepare:
- 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
- Warm water
- ¼ cup of borax
First, add borax and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water. Use a sponge to apply a good amount of soapy mixture to your cushions. Let it soak for about 15 minutes.
Next, use a garden hose to rinse the pillows thoroughly. Avoid using a pressure washer since it might damage the material. Then, use a clean towel to remove excess water from the cushions.
Lastly, wrap the clean towel around the cushions and squeeze them up to blot. Let them thoroughly dry by placing them in direct sunlight before changing the cover.
How to Machine Wash Outdoor Cushions
The easiest way to clean outdoor cushions is by using a washing machine. However, this is only applicable if your cushions come with removable covers. You can do this once a year or whenever you think they visibly require a quick clean.
Here are what you need:
- A vacuum with an attachment for upholstery
- Soft bristle brush
- Laundry detergent, preferably the mild one
First and foremost, vacuum the cushions with the attached cover to eliminate all the dirt and loose dust. Don’t miss out on the decorative bits, zippers, and seams where dust and dirt can accumulate. If you don’t have a vacuum, you may give your cushions a good shake.
Next, spot any stains and clean them before tossing the cushion covers in the washing machine. If there are cleaning instructions on the cushions’ tag, follow them. You will probably be advised to wash them in a cold setting with a mild laundry detergent.
Finally, dry the cushion covers with the machine, but don’t let them entirely dry. Put them back on their inserts and let them air dry. It ensures the coverings won’t shrink and can stretch back into their original shape.
How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions
Before washing your outdoor cushions, you need to first treat stains you found on them to improve the chances of removal. Use the following cleaning hacks for specific types of blots.
1. Bird droppings
It is probably the grossest stain you might have ever found on your outdoor cushions. You can use a microfiber cloth to remove bird droppings. If it’s dried, you can scrape them off with any scraping tool you find. Make sure it won’t damage the fabrics.
Now, let’s move on to the cleaning process. First, make a cleaning solution by combining 2 cups of warm water with 1 teaspoon of the laundry cleaning agent. Transfer them into a spray bottle and spray them over the stain.
Next, gently scrub the cleaning mixture using a clean toothbrush or soft bristle brush. Lastly, rinse well to remove any soap residue with warm, clean water. Let the cushions thoroughly air dry.
2. Oil or grease
Greasy drips from food, sunscreen, and even bug spray always find their way onto your soft, comfortable outdoor cushions. If you leave them untreated, these stains can accumulate even more grime and dirt. Luckily, there is one easiest way to clean outdoor cushions from those oily stains.
You need to use a microfiber cloth to soak up new excess oil. Then, sprinkle baking soda all over the stain. Let the absorbent powder sit for about 10 to 15 minutes, and scrap the powder away using a straight edge.
If you still see any remaining stains, reapply the baking soda as needed. Once you are done, use a clean, damp microfiber cloth to rinse the cushions well. Lastly, let the cushions completely air dry.
3. Mold or mildew
Baking soda is easily one of the most effective home remedies to clean stains from your appliances, including outdoor cushions. This powder works well in removing mold or mildew accumulated on your pillows.
To begin with, you can use a nylon brush to brush off as much mold as possible gently. Next, make a cleaning solution by mixing warm water and baking soda with a 4:1 ratio. Apply the mixture to the stained cushion and blot it using a clean microfiber cloth.
If it’s heavy mold, do not immediately blot it, but let the cleaning agent sit for a few minutes first. Then, use warm water to rinse the cushion. Lastly, let it air dry thoroughly. If this baking soda solution cannot remove the mold, try to clean it with a white vinegar solution.
You must spray undiluted white vinegar onto the stained area and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Scrub it gently with a clean brush, then clean it with a sponge you have dipped in water and a little bit of detergent. Afterward, rinse the cushion in clean, warm water and let it air dry in the sun.
If unsure what stain is on your outdoor cushion, pretreat them with detergent or oxygen bleach. You can apply your preferred cleaning agent to the stained area with a scrub brush. If you use soap, remove the soapy residue with clean water.
Give Your Outdoor Cushions Extra Protection
The easiest way to clean outdoor cushions is not by actually cleaning them but by providing them with protection. To do this, you can apply water sealer, frequently keep your cushions dry, vacuum them often, and even simply rotate them occasionally. All these can help you repel stains or spills and prevent mold or bird droppings from accumulating. Keeping your external cushions clean will make an excellent investment for your outdoor furniture. If you want to upgrade your outdoor units, you may want to consider a teak outdoor sofa, for they are durable and can add elegance to your outdoor space. You can rely on Posteak Furniture to get quality outdoor furniture. No longer need to wait; buy the best Indonesian wood furniture here!
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