How to clean outdoor furniture cushions?

The weather is getting warmer. Before starting your outdoor living, cleaning and decluttering your patio yard is the crucial first mission. One part of outdoor living we are easily forget to clean: deep seat outdoor chair cushions.

You should clean outdoor lounge chair cushions and patio furniture covers regularly to make your outdoor space more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips about how to clean chair cushions.

Frequency:

Regular Maintenance:

Vacuum your cushions at least once a week to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. This step helps prevent dirt from going deep into the fabric and keeps your outdoor rocking chair cushions looking fresh.

Spot Cleaning:

Remove spills and stains as soon as they occur to prevent them from becoming permanent. Whether you need spot cleaning depends on usage and visible dirt or stains.

Deep Cleaning:

Perform a thorough deep cleaning of your living space outdoor furniture every 6-12 months. You can check environmental factors to determine whether to deep clean your cushion.

Detailed Steps to Clean Cushions:

Materials Needed:

Vacuum cleaner with upholstery attachment

• Clean Cloths: Use lint-free cloths or microfiber cloths for cleaning cushions. These materials are gentle on fabric and soak up liquids effectively. They are ideal for cleaning spills or wiping surfaces without leaving any lint behind.
• Paper Towels: Choose strong, absorbent paper towels for blotting spills. They help in soaking up liquid quickly before it seeps into the cushion fabric.

Mild detergent or upholstery cleaner

• Mild Detergent: Opt for a gentle, pH-balanced detergent suitable for clean outdoor cushions. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach, as they can damage or discolor the fabric.

Warm water

• Use lukewarm water for mixing with detergent or upholstery cleaner. Avoid using hot water, as it can set stains or shrink certain fabrics.

Soft-bristled brush or sponge

• Soft-Bristled Brush: Choose a brush with soft bristles to gently scrub cushions during deep cleaning. Avoid stiff brushes or scrubbing pads that can damage outdoor fabric.
• Sponge: Use a clean, soft sponge for applying soapy water or cleaner to the cushions. A sponge helps in gently lifting dirt and stains without causing excessive friction.

Bucket

• Use a clean bucket to mix warm water with a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner. Choose a bucket size suitable for the amount of cleaning solution needed for your cushions.

Optional: Fabric protector spray (for stain resistance)

Steps:

Prepare the Area:

• Start by removing the cushions from the furniture if possible. Place them on a clean, flat surface in a well-ventilated area to ensure comfortable work.

Vacuuming:

• Attach the upholstery brush or crevice tool to your vacuum cleaner.
• Use the vacuum to thoroughly clean both sides of the cushions, including seams and crevices.

Spot Cleaning:

• Blot spills immediately with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb excess liquid.
• Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket.
• Dampen a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently dab the stained area.
• Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric or spread the stain.
• Rinse the cloth or sponge with clean water and blot the area again to remove the soap residue.
• Allow the cushion to air dry completely before using or placing it back on the furniture.

Deep Cleaning:

For removable cushion covers:

• Follow the care label instructions for machine washing if the covers are machine washable. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
• Air dry the covers or tumble dry on low heat to avoid shrinkage.

For non-removable cushions:

• Use mix mild detergent with warm water in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Wet a soft brush or sponge in soapy water and gently scrub the cushion in circles.
• Rinse the brush or sponge with clean water and continue scrubbing until you've cleaned the entire cushion.
• Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any excess soap residue.
• Allow the cushion to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Optional: Fabric Protector:

• After cleaning and drying the cushions, consider applying a fabric protector spray specifically designed for upholstery. Follow the product instructions for application and drying times.

Reassemble and Maintain:

• Once the cushions are completely dry, reassemble them or put the covers back on the cushions.
• Fluff and rotate your cushions regularly to maintain their shape and even wear.

Follow these steps to clean your cushions regularly. By doing so, you can keep them clean, fresh, and in good shape for a long time. Adjust the frequency of deep cleaning based on usage and weather conditions to ensure optimal cleanliness and durability.