Keeping outdoor furniture always clean is next to impossible, due to the beating it takes from elements. Among the main concerns with patio cushion is the issue of mold and mildew caused by the frequent humidity and warmth in different climatic seasons.
However, this is not a reason enough to have your patio cushion dirty. The patio, being an integral part of the home, it can define who you are, depending on the condition it is in. you have to keep it clean for eventual outdoor fun, meetings.
Contrary to what many people think, cleaning your cushions is a simple task that takes only a few minutes of your time, provided you have the willpower. But even before we think of cleaning the cushion, let us first understand where cushion dirt comes from.
What Makes Patio Cushions Dirty
Unlike indoor cushions like those found in living rooms, patio cushions take a lot of beating from the elements.
Because of heavy moisture presence in cold winter months, mildew can develop and when it is not dealt with in time, it may result in mold in which damage of the fabric will be at the highest levels.
During the warm summer and spring months, the cushions are more likely to get dirty from the winds carrying all sorts of dust. Our good furry friends also contribute to the dirt found on patio cushions. This happens when they loiter in the dirt around the property then curl up on patio furniture with their dirty paws.
Patio cushion dirt could also be as a result of the droppings birds leave when they perch on the patio. At times, you could also spill drinks and food when enjoying that pudding or salad at the patio.
How to clean patio cushions – Steps
Cleaning patio cushions is a really simple task if you have idea of what you are doing. This is what to do:
1. Read cushion label instructions
Just like indoor cushions, patio cushion comes with label instructions on how to clean them and how to do it. If yours do not have them, then you can search them online from the manufacturer’s website.
These instructions are put there to be followed, and failure to do so would leave you with damaged cushion fabric or incompletely cleaned cushions. They come in simple, clear, and understandable language for everyone so there is no reason for you not to read them.
You cannot just use any kind of fabric cleaning solution or device because some are too tough and could cause more harm than good. Others could be very weak and that means ineffective results, something you do not want.
2. Remove the cushion slipcovers
Most cushions, including patio cushions, come with slipcovers that have zippers on top. If yours are like this, then you just slip them out and put them in the washing machine, provided the label instructions allow it. And because the cushions cannot fit in the washing machine, you have to clean them manually.
Fortunately, you do not have to worry about tough stains on the slipcovers because the washing machine thoroughly cleans all types of stains, including the toughest ones. All you have to do is feed the washing machine with a cleaning solution of your choice and you are good to go.
3. Prepare the cleaner solution
When it comes to the issue of patio cushion cleaners, you have a wide array of choices to go with. For mild dirt and stains from foods and drinks, you can use dishwashing soap and water. To make this solution, put a ¼ cup of dishwashing liquid soap, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a bucket and fill it with water.
Some stains such as those caused by pen inks or paint splashes require something tougher to come off. In that regard, you can go with vinegar or lemon juice. To make the solution, put a ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of borax, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bucket and fill it with water.
4. Apply the cleaning solution
Put the cushions on the ground and ensure not to place them on the lawn grass because doing so would only make the stains even worse. Concrete driveway or sidewalks are the best places to do the cleaning from.
Using a bristle scrub brush, apply the cleaner solution all over the surface of the cushions. All you have to do is to dip the brush in the cleaning solution and spread it all over the cushion in circular motions.
Keep the coating thin to avoid soaking the cushion because it may take forever to dry. Then let the cleaner penetrate the fabric for about 7-5 minutes before you start scrubbing.
Alternatively, you can use a pressure washer to do this. All you have to do is feed the pressure washer with the already mixed cleaner and use some little pressure to apply the solution. I insist on low pressure because high pressure would only soak the fabric or even damage it.
5. Scrub the cushions
Likewise, when it comes to the actual cleaning of dirt, you have two options to go by. One, you can use a bristle scrub brush to do the job. Use a controlled amount of force while moving the brush in a circular motion.
When dealing with tough stains or if the cushions are infested with mold and mildew, you can increase the force. At the same time, you can keep dipping the brush in the solution and letting the cleaner settle for a few minutes.
If you are using a pressure washer, just feed it with a ready-made cleaning solution and use it to complement the one applied in the previous step. As you do this, remember to keep the nozzle of the pressure washer 1 ½ inch from the surface of the cushion and use a controlled pressure setting, then watch the stains come off before your eyes.
Using too much pressure or letting the nozzle too close to the cushion might damage the fabric. Remember to turn the cushion upside down and working on the sides so that you do not leave any part untended.
6. Rinse the cushions
Having made sure all the stains and dirt is washed off, now it is time to get rid of the grime off the patio cushion. Use a garden hose pipe to rinse the cushions until all the grime and the cleaning solution is washed away. If you are using a pressure washer, you will just empty the cleaner in the reservoir and replace it with clean water.
A pressure washer is the best for this project because it does a great job with little effort. Most important, it releases water in high-pressure streams and this means you do not have to worry about soaking the cushion. This in turn translates to faster and effortless drying.
7. Let the cushions dry
To completely dry the patio cushion, put the vertically along the edge of the patio furniture and use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe off most of the water. Having done that, leave the cushions to air dry and if they are soaked, use a dry cleaner if you have to.
Leaving cushions wet could take you back to the same problem you are trying to deal with; the growth of mold and mildew.
The Bottom Line
Instead of focusing on how you will always be cleaning your patio cushions, you should focus on how to keep them clean or prevent dirt in the first place. The main secret is cleaning food spills when they happen. To do this, use a wet paper towel or a soft cloth.
Also, keeping pets and birds off patio furniture goes a long way in keeping pet’s dander, dirt and poop, and birds droppings off the cushion. Besides, light cleaning patio cushions more often leaves you with less dirt to deal with when deep cleaning them later.
