Learn how to clean outdoor upholstery with our helpful guide.
Don’t wait until the end of the summer to care for your outdoor patio cushions. Don’t let stains on cushions settle in.
Fabric cushions look great and are so comfortable. Designed to withstand regular use and weather, do not be shocked by a residual stain from suntan lotion, mildew spots, or accidental spills.
Preventative Care for Outdoor Cushions
Throughout the warmer months, your outdoor furniture (and outdoor umbrellas) is exposed regularly to sunlight, heavy rainfall, insects, food, drink spills, etc.
Depending on your cushion fabric and stain, you may choose to spot clean or clean the entire cushion. Some cushions come with a removable cover that may be washing machine friendly. Before tossing in, be sure to read the care instructions.
If your item has not been cleaned all season, your items may be in the need of an extensive cleaning. Deep cleanings are the best way to truly ensure that you won’t have surprises the upcoming spring season.
How to Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions
Let’s dive into how to clean outdoor cushions.
- Start with reviewing the care label and cushion fabric.
- Gather your cleaning supplies including mild detergent, soft bristle brush, etc.
- Move cushions to a clean area ahead of the actual cleaning
- Remove any loose dirt by vacuuming each cushion cover. Don’t skip this step – and use your upholstery vacuum attachment.
Stain Removal
When it comes to stain removal or spot cleaning, we always advise people to be cautious. Follow your cushion’s care label instructions for the type of detergent, clean water temperature, etc. While some outdoor fabric may respond to pressure washer, others may require a gentler touch.
General Cleaning Techniques
Again, we do advise you to follow your care label instructions or turn to a professional. (Hallak Cleaners does offer this service.)
- Soapy Water Solution: Use a mild soap or detergent mixed with warm water.
- Scrubbing the Outdoor Cushions: Gently scrub with a sponge or soft bristle brush (depending on fabric!). (Certain set-in stains may require a professional‘s touch.*)
- Rinsing Thoroughly: Be sure to remove all dirt and soap residue with clean water.
- Dealing with Mildew: When it comes to mildew, you may need to see a professional’s care or attempt to remove with a solution of solution of water and white vinegar.
*Please note that stains that have settled in are not always possible to lift 100%. It is always better to treat stains as soon as possible.
Drying Clean Patio Cushions
Once cleaned, revisit your cushion’s care label instructions on the proper drying method. Most likely, you will have to air dry. Confirm if they should be drying in the sunlight or in the shade. Reshaping and fluffing may also be needed. Prior to storage, make sure the outdoor cushions are completely dried.
Seasonal Outdoor Cushion Care
Before storing away, it is important to clean your patio furniture and outdoor cushions. Even if you have been providing them regular cleaning, it is important that you clean all the items prior to storage.
If you don’t clean your patio cushions before storing them away for the winter, you risk causing long-term damage. Dirt, debris, and moisture left behind can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. As you may already know, these easily cause unpleasant odors, stains, discoloration, and fabric deterioration. Additionally, an uncleaned patio cushion may also attact pests.
When you take them out for the next season, you may find your outdoor cushions unusable. You’ve invested in them so avoid replacing them with the proper care.
Once your items are cleaned, the last step is properly storing away your items. Be sure to choose a space that is climate-controlled, low humidity, and out of direct sunlight.
Professional Care for Your Outdoor Cushions
Before storing, we encourage you to clean outdoor cushions and your umbrella. Hallak’s team uses the most innovative cleaning solutions.
Outdoor cushion fabrics vary and are different from your garments . Therefore, your tried and true cleaning methods may not help with outdoor patio furniture cushions. Or worse, you can do more damage than good.
Hallak offers both on-site cleaning and the pick-up for your outdoor furniture cushions. (We can also help with commercial properties’ outdoor cushions as well!) We service the New York Metro area. For larger projects, we will travel.
Scheduling a pick-up is easy. And if you have questions, feel free to give us a call or email.
