Outdoor Cushions and Fabrics: Cleaning and Maintenance

The patio furniture industry has come a long way to make your outdoor space feel as comfortable as possible. With more and more options becoming available in outdoor cushions and fabrics you will want to know how to properly take care of them. Refer to these 5 helpful tips on fabric and cushion care.

Tip #1: Clean Spills Promptly

• The life of your fabric can be extended by simply cleaning spills as they happen. They will be easier to remove if they haven’t been baked in by the sun. Most spills and stains can be blotted up with a clean soft rag first. Then use mild soap and water with a soft sponge or soft brush. Rinse with water and let air dry.

Tip #2:  Rinsing down the furniture regularly with water.

• Rinsing can help remove dirt and debris before they create bigger stains. Most fabrics alone do not promote mold and mildew growth, but mildew can grow on dirt and debris. Regular cleaning will help prevent this.

Tip #3: Remove cushions before cleaning.

• Unless you're spot cleaning or simply using mild soap or water, it's best to remove the cushions from the frame before starting the cleaning proces. Not all fabric cleaning solutions are also safe for the frame (i.e. teak, wicker, etc.) This will help protect the frame from any potential damage.

Tip #4: Clean spills with the correct stain remover.

• Check out the fabric content of your cushions to determine the best cleaning solution. Some manufacturers have suggestions for you. Most suggest starting out with a mixture of mild soap and water plus a soft brush to lightly scrub the stain.
• Some fabric manufactures, such as Sunbrella or Outdura, offer cleaning solutions for different types of stains. Sunbrella even suggests a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup dish washing liquid, 1 cup of bleach, and one gallon of water for some stubborn stains. (Do not use bleach on printed acrylic fabrics, only 100% solution dyed.) Refer to Sunbrella's Stain Chart and Outdura's Stain Chart for more information.

Tip # 5: Stand cushions up on end for drying

• Cushions with dry faster if you unzip the cushion zipper (if possible) and stand the cushion on end, zipper side down. Your cushions will dry out quicker and be ready to use in no time.

* Sunbrella's website is also a great resource for cleaning and care instructions for Sunbrella's 100% solution dyed acrylic fabrics. 

**Refer to future blog posts for more cleaning suggestions for: natural and faux stone, teak and faux wood, metal and woven outdoor furniture.

*** Patio Furniture General Cleaning and Maintenance.