Outdoor furniture looks great, making your space feel like a dream decor that takes you to wonderland. And when you add cushions and pillows to your outdoor furniture, they make your space even more welcoming and cozier. But to keep them looking like brand new forever, you need to refresh outdoor cushions by cleaning & maintaining them.
If you live in Dubai, you already know the regional heat, moisture and shamal, that make cushion cleaning a must. That’s why Outdoor Upholstery Dubai has brought an outdoor cushion cleaning guide to help you do the best cushion cover care and cleaning. So let’s get started!
How To Clean Outdoor Cushions – A Detailed Guide
Even the best outdoor furniture cushions need proper and timely cleaning, plus care to stay fresh. Because when you are inside, you have no idea what your outdoor chair cushions have to go through. Plus, timely cleaning is also super important for a hygienic outdoor environment.
So, here’s a step by step DIY cushion cleaning guide that would make every maintenance easy for you.
Check the Fabric Care Label Guide
Most of the outdoor cushion fabrics come with a care guide or label that tells you how to clean them. Some of the cushion fabrics can not be washed, so you can only clean them using natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar etc. Whereas some fabrics can bear chemical cleaning such as bleaching for stain removal. So the best way to clean outdoor cushions is to follow the care labels as to which type of cleaners you should go for.
Cleaning the Covers
After checking the fabric label, next comes the cleaning part. But right here, you need to pause and see what kind of outdoor cushion covers do you have? Because most outdoor patio cushions covers have two types: one that can be removed and the second, those that cannot be removed. Here’s how to clean them both:
Removable Covers
You have checked your fabric label and it allows you to wash outdoor cushions covers. If you have removable Patio cushion covers (which are generally washable), here are the washing tips that you can follow and get perfectly clean patio cushions.
- Take off the cushion covers and put them in the washing machine.
- Use cold water only and a gentle cycle to prevent your cushion covers from getting damaged.
- Make sure to use a chemical-free and mild detergent to prevent any color fading.
- Let the covers air dry and do not use a tumbler as it can cause the covers to shrink.
- As soon as they get dry, lightly iron them to get rid of any creases.
- Put them back on your cushions and your cushions are ready to shine again.
Bonus Tip: If your cushion covers are removable and washable, you will also need to consider the frequency of cleaning them. You can wash them once or twice every season to keep them hygienic and fresh.
Non-Removable Covers
If your outdoor cushion covers can not be removed, that means you need to clean them as they are. Such cushions cannot be generally washed, so you can only use a vacuum to clean them. But if they get any kind of stain, then you must give them a stain removing treatment. Here‘s how you can remove cushion stains:
- First of all, use a vacuum on the cushion to remove loose dirt or debris or else it will make the cleaning process messy.
- Use outdoor fabric cleaning liquids or a solution of mild detergent and water, based on the fabric label and spray/apply it on the stain gently in a circular motion.
- Leave it on the cushion cover for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rub it again with a clean cloth gently. Never do harsh scrubbing to keep all fabric damages at bay.
- Let it air dry completely and your outdoor cushions cover will be clean like brand new.
For Mold & Tough Stains
If you have cushions in your garden, there is a 100% possibility that they will get mold or tough stains. It’s because they are always exposed to rain, tree sap or even bird poops that may cause tough stains or mildew.
If you’re someone who’s looking for a guide on how to clean moldy outdoor cushions, you’re in the right spot. We have mentioned an effective method for cleaning outdoor cushions covers and removing any mold stains.
- For tougher stains like mold on the cushion, you can check the fabric label to choose between a natural or chemical cleaner.
- Use a 1 by 2 ratio of water and white vinegar for a natural cleaner and a cup of bleach into 1 gallon of water for chemical cleaners.
- Generously spray the solution directly on the stained area and let it sit for 15 minutes to half an hour.
- After this, start cleaning the area using a soft bristled brush with gentle scrubs. Avoid harsh scrubbing as it will press the stains further into the fabric.
- Clean the area with a soft and clean microfibre cloth and you’ll get super clean garden cushions.
Bonus Tip: To avoid harsh stains and mold/mildew, you must be conscious about your outdoor cushions and store them in a safe place if they’re not in use. Plus, checking them regularly would also help you clean them on time — before the stains get any tougher.
Storage & Aftercare In the Dubai Climate
Cleaning the cushions is one thing, but you should also consider storing them in a safe place to protect them when they are not in use. Here are a few patio cushion maintenance tips:
- Cover your outdoor furniture with a UV-protectant, weather-proof cloth to save it from Dubai’s harsh sunlight, along with all unpredictable rains & sandstorms
- If you don’t usually use them, store your outdoor cushions in a safe and moisture free space, like in a closet, to protect them from the elements.
- If the cushions are slightly moist, there is a chance that they might get moldy, stained or smelly when you next take them out to use. So, make sure they are completely clean and dry when you are storing them.
Signs Your Outdoor Cushions Need Deep Cleaning
Regular cleaning, maintenance and storing the outdoor cushions at a safe space are great measures. But at the same time, deep cleaning is also important to keep your outdoor cushions hygienic. Here are a few signs that your exterior cushions are in need of a deep clean:
- There are visible stains like food or spill stains, tree sap or bird droppings etc.
- You might see black, grey or green stains that show your cushions have gotten mold & mildew.
- If there are no visible stains but you can smell a musty odor, there is a 99% chance that there is some mold.
- If there are no stains or odors, but your cushions are still looking dim and dirty. This also highlights that they need a deep cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Just like you take a bath every day to stay fresh and healthy, your cushions also need to be cleaned once in a while to stay fresh and hygienic. And maintaining them is easier than you can imagine. It will only take an hour or so to clean them, even with tough stains. In addition, to keep them attractive like new, always keep looking for signs that indicate the need for deep cleaning. When you deep clean cushions, you don’t just clean their fabric for a fresh look, but also save yourself from allergies and health risks.
