Outdoor cushions are a wonderful addition to any patio or garden, offering comfort and style. However, they are constantly exposed to natural elements like sun, rain, bird droppings, and dirt, which can lead to unsightly stains, mold, and mildew.

Regular and proper cleaning is essential to prevent extensive damage, keep your outdoor space inviting, and significantly extend the lifespan of your cushions.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary supplies:

• Protective gloves
• Soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Spray bottle
• Mild laundry detergent or dish soap
• White distilled vinegar
• Baking soda (optional, for abrasive action)
• Garden hose or bucket of warm water
• Vacuum or hand-held hoover
• Tarp (optional, for protecting your lawn)

Avoid using strong bleaches, rough scourers, or high-pressure washers unless you are absolutely certain your covers can handle them.

2. Preparation Steps

Choose an outdoor area like a patio, lawn, or deck that can get wet. Lay out all your cushions and any upholstered outdoor furniture that cannot have its cushions removed.

• Remove Loose Dirt: Shake or vacuum the cushions thoroughly to remove dust, pollen, crumbs, and any loose debris. This step prevents rubbing grime deeper into the fabric during washing. Pay attention to borders, piping, accent buttons, and the back of seats where mildew and tree spores can collect.
• Remove Covers (if applicable): If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them. This allows for separate cleaning and helps the cushion inserts dry faster.
• Spot Test: Always test your chosen cleaning solution on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the fabric.
• Protect the Area: If using a cleaning solution, lay down a tarp beneath the cushions to protect your lawn or pavement from damage and prevent new stains.

3. General Cleaning Methods

Most outdoor fabrics, such as polyester or acrylic, are designed to withstand some scrubbing. It’s crucial to check the care label on your cushion’s tag first, as some materials may have coatings or padding requiring extra care.

• Mild Detergent Solution:
  • Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap with warm water in a bucket. A common suggestion is 1 teaspoon of Dawn dish soap per gallon of warm water, or 1 tablespoon of powdered Tide laundry soap per gallon of warm water.
  • Dip a soft-bristled brush or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the entire cushion surface, focusing on stains or discolored patches.
  • Avoid oversaturating the fabric, especially if the cushion inserts are still inside.
• White Vinegar Solution:
  • For an eco-friendly option, fill a spray bottle with undiluted distilled white vinegar and spray it all over the cushions.
  • Alternatively, use a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and lukewarm water.
  • Scrub with a bristle brush. For stubborn stains, let the vinegar seep into the fabric for at least 10 minutes before scrubbing.
• OxiClean Solution:
  • For stubborn stains or to brighten white fabrics, mix about 1/4 cup of powdered OxiClean with 1 gallon of hot or very warm tap water, ensuring it dissolves well. OxiClean is biodegradable and generally safe for use around plants and decks. It is also safe for colored and patterned outdoor upholstery.
  • Wash all surfaces of your cushions with a clean dish brush or general purpose brush. For tougher stains, an extra scrubbing with a stiffer bristle brush works well.
  • Let the cushions sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the OxiClean solution to penetrate and brighten the fabric.

4. Cleaning Removable Cushion Covers

If your cushion covers are removable and the care label permits, you may machine wash them.

• Machine Wash: Wash them in the washing machine drum using cold water and mild soap on a delicate, low-spin cycle.
• Zip Covers Shut: Always zip the cushion covers closed before washing to prevent the unfinished edges on the inside from fraying.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Do not use harsh chemicals that can weaken the fabric.
• Air Dry: After washing, air dry the covers instead of using a dryer to prevent shrinkage and to protect the UV protectant that prevents fading.

5. Tackling Stubborn Stains

Addressing stains promptly is crucial to prevent them from setting in.

• Mold and Mildew:
  • Mold and mildew thrive in damp environments and can appear as green, grey, or black patches.
  • Scrape off any surface mold with a blunt edge like a ruler or spoon.
  • Work in a well-ventilated outdoor space.
  • Spray undiluted white vinegar onto the mold and leave it for 10 minutes.
  • Scrub with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with warm water and a drop of detergent.
  • For persistent mold, a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be used carefully, followed by thorough rinsing. Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned for mildew using 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid and 1 cup bleach per gallon of water, with stronger bleach percentages potentially needed for severe mildew.
  • Proper drying is key to stopping mold from returning.
• Algae:
  • Algae often leaves a greenish tint.
  • Use a diluted vinegar mix and apply it to the stain for about 10 minutes.
  • Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water. Rinse and repeat if necessary, monitoring for color fading.
• Bird Droppings:
  • Bird droppings can be acidic and stain fabric if left too long.
  • Gently scrape off any dried residue with a plastic utensil.
  • Scrub with dish soap and water after removing loose bits. You can also mix water with a small amount of ammonia-free detergent and blot the stain.
  • For stubborn stains, a steam cleaner can be used carefully.
• Grass Stains:
  • Apply undiluted detergent directly to the stain.
  • Gently scrub and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly with a hose or clean bucket of water.
• Other Common Stains (Sunbrella-specific guidelines):
  • For stains like ink, nail polish, iron rust, Kool-Aid, tree sap, wax, wine, beer, food color, urine, vomit, berry, blood (dried), butter, grease, oil, paint, salad dressing, shoe polish (liquid), suntan lotion, tomato juice, charcoal pencil marks, chewing gum, and crayon, Sunbrella recommends specific cleaning solutions, often involving dishwashing liquid, white vinegar, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or commercial upholstery cleaners like Resolve® or 303® Spot Cleaner. Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

6. Drying Your Cushions Safely

Proper drying is crucial to prevent mildew and mold growth, which can seriously compromise their integrity and appearance.

• Air Dry: After rinsing, use a towel to press out excess moisture.
• Prop Them Up: Stand up cushions or hang covers upright to help water drain and allow air circulation.
• Sunny Spot: Ideally, leave them to air dry outdoors in a sunny spot, which helps kill any remaining mold spores and naturally decomposes bacteria.
• Avoid Prolonged Direct Sunlight: While sunlight helps, avoid leaving cushions in direct sunlight for long periods, as this can cause fading and weakening of the fabric due to UV rays.
• Ensure 100% Dry: Polyester or synthetic covers typically dry within a few hours. However, thick cushions may take an entire day or even several days to fully dry. Make sure each cushion is completely dry before using or storing it. Using a fan can help speed up the drying process.

7. Using Bleach and Pressure Washers (with Caution)

• Bleach:
  • While some sources suggest bleach can be safe for synthetic fabrics like 100% polyester, other advice strongly cautions against chlorine bleach as it can pull color, cause fading, and damage fabric.
  • If considering bleach for tough stains, opt for oxygen bleach if possible.
  • Always perform a spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
  • For Sunbrella fabric, a specific bleach solution for mildew involves dishwashing liquid and bleach.
• Pressure Washers:
  • Pressure washers can be used for a deeper clean, but only on a very low-pressure setting.
  • Never blast directly on cushion inserts.
  • Using too high a pressure can damage threads, fray fabric, and even cause it to rot or tear easily.
  • Many suggest sticking to soft scrubbing with a nylon brush and rinsing with a garden hose.

8. Long-Term Maintenance and Storage

Prevention is key to keeping your cushions cleaner for longer.

• Weekly Habits: Dry brush or vacuum your cushions weekly to stop dirt from building up.
• Flip Cushions: Flip cushions upright after rain to help them dry quicker and prevent moisture from soaking in.
• Act Fast on Spills: Dab fresh stains immediately. For grease, use cornflour or salt to help lift it.
• Protective Measures:
  • Fabric Protection Sprays: Apply a fabric protection spray (like 3M Scotchgard) to create a protective layer that repels water and stains. Reapply periodically, especially after deep cleaning, as most last for a year or two.
  • Protective Covers: Invest in outdoor covers to shield your cushions from rain, sun, dirt, and debris, including tree sap or bird droppings.
• Off-Season Storage:
  • Clean Before Storing: Always clean and thoroughly dry your cushions before storing them.
  • Dry Location: Store cushions in a dry, covered spot away from moisture and humidity, such as a garage, shed, or indoor container.
  • Waterproof Bags/Covers: If indoor storage isn’t available, use zippered plastic bags, large black garbage bags, or waterproof covers/tarps to protect them from the elements.
  • Pest Prevention: For long-term storage, use airtight containers and consider natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests.
  • Maximize Space: You can fold or stack cushions to maximize storage space. For larger sets, labeling or color-coding can simplify reassembly.
  • Specialty Cushions: Store larger sofa cushions in large bags, fold chaise lounge cushions lengthwise, and label dining cushions by their respective chairs. Cushions with built-in padding or unique shapes may require tailored storage to maintain their form.

9. When to Consider Replacement

Sometimes, despite all your efforts, mold stains on patio furniture may be too stubborn to remove completely. If cushions remain soiled or show significant deterioration, it might be time to consider replacing them.

Choosing cushions made from weather-resistant fabrics can offer better durability and resistance to UV rays, moisture, and mildew, extending their lifespan.

By following these comprehensive cleaning and maintenance techniques, you can effectively preserve the comfort and appearance of your outdoor cushions, ensuring they remain in great condition for years to come.