Sundale Outdoors’ stylish and high-quality outdoor furniture, including patio umbrellas, chairs, hammocks, and garden tools, is specifically engineered to endure even the toughest conditions that you and the environment can present.
However, from time to time, your patio furniture is likely to require cleaning due to oily sunscreen smudges on your outdoor loungers or spilled food and drink on the cushions of your outdoor dining chairs. Furthermore, when you take into account the impact of regular usage, along with potential damage caused by environmental factors such as wind, rain, trees, birds, and bugs, it's not difficult to comprehend how even the most meticulously kept furnishings can appear dingy or soiled.
Knowing how to clean patio furniture and maintaining a regular cleaning routine is an easy and effective way to ensure that it is well-maintained and can help extend its lifespan for generations to come. If you're curious about how to clean outdoor cushions and keep your furniture looking its best, look no further than this guide to the most effective methods for cleaning outdoor cushions.
Methods to Clean Patio Cushions
While it is crucial to check the manufacturer's recommendations before using any cleaner on outdoor furniture or cushions, there are some tried-and-true methods that can be applied regardless of the design. These general guidelines can help you learn how to clean outdoor cushions effectively.
Outdoor Cushion Cleaning Essentials: What You Should Have
It is highly likely that you already possess all the necessary materials required to clean your cushions in your own household. The supplies you will require include:
- A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
- A soft bristle laundry brush
- Dishwashing detergent
- Borax or baking soda
- Water
- Garden Hose
- Towels/Cotton Cloths
With these supplies in hand, you are ready to start.
How to Clean Patio Cushions: Step-By-Step
Cleaning your patio cushions can often be done easily in just a few steps. Here are some simple steps to effectively clean your outdoor cushions:
- The first step involves using a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to remove loose grime from the cushions. It's important to be extra careful around decorative elements like buttons, and to pay close attention to crevices to ensure that all hidden dirt is cleared away. Any dirt left behind could become wet and stuck in the cracks when moving on to the subsequent steps.
- The second step involves cleaning the outdoor furniture cushions by creating a mixture of a mild dish detergent and a quarter cup of borax or baking soda in a 5-gallon bucket of water. The resulting solution can be sprayed directly onto the cushions or applied with a soft-bristled laundry brush for a gentle scrubbing of the outdoor fabric.
- For those who prefer to avoid using chemicals, an alternative cleaning solution can be used as a natural option. This approach is also environmentally friendly. To make the solution, combine a quarter cup of distilled vinegar with four cups of lukewarm water. Apply the solution generously onto the cushions, allowing it to soak through for at least 15 minutes. Then, use a soft bristle brush to scrub the stained area.
- Once the scrubbing is complete, rinse the patio furniture cushions thoroughly using a garden hose. Be sure to use plenty of water to ensure all the cleaning solution is removed. To avoid damaging the outdoor fabric and the loft of the cushions, it is recommended to use medium water pressure instead of high pressure.
- Once the cushions have been rinsed and cleaned, it's time to dry them. Start by squeezing the cushions tightly to remove any excess water. Then, use towels or cotton cloths to blot the cushions and soak up as much water as possible. Repeat this process until the cushions are as dry as you can get them. To air-dry the cushions, place them in an upright position and leave them until they are completely dry. If you want to speed up the process, choose a sunny spot to place the cushions.
If you're wondering about the process for cleaning Sunbrella cushions, you can follow the steps mentioned above, but make sure to either use a sponge or a brush with extremely gentle bristles.
Cleaning Deep, Stubborn Stains on Outdoor Cushions
In case you come across a persistent stain that didn't vanish after the first attempt, try giving it a second round of scrubbing. If this doesn't work, like in the case of obstinate grass stains, you can utilize an enzyme-based stain remover. Apply dish detergent on the stain and use the brush to scrub it, then rinse thoroughly.
What is the recommended frequency for cleaning outdoor furniture?
The frequency of cleaning your outdoor furniture will be determined by various factors such as your local climate and the furniture's location. For instance, if you place it under a tree that constantly sheds leaves and twigs, you'll need to clean it more often compared to if it's in a covered porch or sunroom. Nonetheless, a general guideline is to begin with cleaning once a month during the seasons when you use the furniture most, and then adjust the cleaning frequency accordingly. It's essential to clean up any spills immediately to avoid deep stains.
Find Your Favorites with Sundale Outdoor
If you're someone who loves to enjoy the outdoors at the first glimpse of sunshine, you'll want to make sure your cushions are clean and fresh. This guide will help you with that. Additionally, you'll want to invest in outdoor furniture that is built to last. This is where Sundale Outdoor comes in. Our brand promise includes quality, beauty, durability, and affordability. Take a look at our collections today and find inspiration to create your ideal outdoor space.