by Jennifer Akre
One unpleasant and unavoidable fact about patio furniture is that it is subject to the elements. It's fun and healthy to spend time outside, but it would certainly be better if the outdoors wasn't so darn full of dirt and weather. The less pleasant aspects of nature seem to wreak havoc on everyone's patio cushions. Before you know it, your cushions have gathered a plethora of stains and marks, as well as their own tiny ecosystem of flora! Thankfully, cleaning stains off of patio cushions is really very simple, once you know how.
How you clean them depends, partly, on what your particular cushions are made of. Most can be maintained and cleaned regularly with a mild mixture of warm water and liquid soap. For the smaller weaves; such as woven cushions, olefin, or marquesa blends; a mild laundry detergent and water can be used. Just spray your soap and water mixture onto the cushions and scrub with a damp sponge. The cushions can then be rinsed off with a garden hose.
For more stubborn stains and for cases of mildew growth, most patio cushions can be treated with a mixture of one cup bleach to a gallon of water. Be sure to check the care labels on your cushions before using bleach, but you will generally find it is safe to use without damaging the fabric or the color. If you no longer have the tags, spot test the bleach mixture on a small section of fabric. Polyester cushions may be faded or damaged by bleach, but others stand up well to this treatment. Spray the mix on with a household spray bottle and scrub lightly with a sponge or brush. Be sure to rinse the cushions thoroughly with clean water after using bleach or any other cleaning solution.
To avoid long term staining and to lengthen the life of your patio cushions, try to avoid getting suntan lotions and oils directly onto the fabric. When you go out to tan, take a towel and use it to cover and protect your cushions. The chemicals and oils in tanning products will shorten the life of your cushions and leave dark, oily stains over time. If you do get suntan lotion or tanning oil on your cushions, clean it quickly with a mix of warm water and mild soap or detergent to avoid letting it soak in. It will only take you a few seconds and will save you a lot of hard scrubbing later on.
To maintain the look and comfort of your cushions, try to give them a good soap and water rinse at least once a month and a thorough rinsing with the hose. During harsh weather and the colder months, when you won't be using your cushions and they are at the most risk for damage, bring your cushions inside or cover them up. You will be glad you did.
Just a little bit of care and maintenance and a touch of prevention are all it takes to assure that your patio cushions stay looking brand new for years to come. Just because your patio furniture is outdoors doesn't mean you have to let the outdoors get to it. Enjoy the comfort of your cushions without worry over unsightly stains or icky mildew.
One unpleasant and unavoidable fact about patio furniture is that it is subject to the elements. It's fun and healthy to spend time outside, but it would certainly be better if the outdoors wasn't so darn full of dirt and weather. The less pleasant aspects of nature seem to wreak havoc on everyone's patio cushions. Before you know it, your cushions have gathered a plethora of stains and marks, as well as their own tiny ecosystem of flora! Thankfully, cleaning stains off of patio cushions is really very simple, once you know how.
How you clean them depends, partly, on what your particular cushions are made of. Most can be maintained and cleaned regularly with a mild mixture of warm water and liquid soap. For the smaller weaves; such as woven cushions, olefin, or marquesa blends; a mild laundry detergent and water can be used. Just spray your soap and water mixture onto the cushions and scrub with a damp sponge. The cushions can then be rinsed off with a garden hose.
For more stubborn stains and for cases of mildew growth, most patio cushions can be treated with a mixture of one cup bleach to a gallon of water. Be sure to check the care labels on your cushions before using bleach, but you will generally find it is safe to use without damaging the fabric or the color. If you no longer have the tags, spot test the bleach mixture on a small section of fabric. Polyester cushions may be faded or damaged by bleach, but others stand up well to this treatment. Spray the mix on with a household spray bottle and scrub lightly with a sponge or brush. Be sure to rinse the cushions thoroughly with clean water after using bleach or any other cleaning solution.
To avoid long term staining and to lengthen the life of your patio cushions, try to avoid getting suntan lotions and oils directly onto the fabric. When you go out to tan, take a towel and use it to cover and protect your cushions. The chemicals and oils in tanning products will shorten the life of your cushions and leave dark, oily stains over time. If you do get suntan lotion or tanning oil on your cushions, clean it quickly with a mix of warm water and mild soap or detergent to avoid letting it soak in. It will only take you a few seconds and will save you a lot of hard scrubbing later on.
To maintain the look and comfort of your cushions, try to give them a good soap and water rinse at least once a month and a thorough rinsing with the hose. During harsh weather and the colder months, when you won't be using your cushions and they are at the most risk for damage, bring your cushions inside or cover them up. You will be glad you did.
Just a little bit of care and maintenance and a touch of prevention are all it takes to assure that your patio cushions stay looking brand new for years to come. Just because your patio furniture is outdoors doesn't mean you have to let the outdoors get to it. Enjoy the comfort of your cushions without worry over unsightly stains or icky mildew.
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