HOW TO KEEP YOUR PATIO CUSHIONS FRESH AND CLEAN

HOW TO KEEP YOUR PATIO CUSHIONS FRESH AND CLEAN

Oct 4th 2022

In most locations, we’ve shifted from warm summer sunshine to a chilly autumn breeze. If your outdoor furniture cushions are looking a bit dull or lack-luster, we’re here to assist you in deep-cleaning your pieces to keep them looking fresh and clean. 

Traditions 5-Piece Outdoor Furniture Set

Start by Vacuuming 

When it comes to cushion cleaning, you’ll want to remove any dirt before bringing out the water. If your vacuum has an attachment intended for upholstery, we suggest running your vacuum over your cushions a few times to ensure they’re ready for a deep clean.

Spray Your Cushions with Water 

If you have a deck area, this is the perfect location for cushion cleaning. If not, you’ll want to lay your cushions on a driveway or paved area to avoid any potential stains form grass or mud. Spray down your cushions (a hose is recommended) until damp. 

Creating a Cleaning Mixture

Time for cleaning! Don’t be alarmed – cushion cleaner is quite simple and effective when made at home. With only two ingredients, this process is ideal for beginners. 

Detergent Mixture

In a bucket (3-4 gallons), add two tablespoons of dish-washing detergent and ½ cup of Borax. Fill the rest of the bucket with water. 

With a hard-bristled cleaning brush, scrub your cushions back and forth. Once complete, let your mixture sit on the cushions for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. If you can still see visible stains, add additional cleaning solution. If you have a garden hose, we recommend using a medium-high water pressure when rinsing. 

Vinegar Mixture 

For the vinegar cleaner, mix 8 cups of warm water with ½ cup of vinegar. Add to a bottle and spray your cushions. Let sit for 20 minutes and scrub any existing stains. Rinse as usual, and let air-dry, preferably in a sunny area. 

Leave Out to Dry 

Since the cleaning process requires a large amount of time spent outdoors, you’ll want to ensure that your cushions have enough time to dry in the sun (especially if you live in a rainy area). Once you’ve rinsed your cushions and removed as much water as possible, leave outside until they have air-dried completely. 

You’re good to go! 

Tackling Tough Stains 

If you’re looking for a more intense cleaning method to tackle difficult stains, we have a few recommendations. 

Stains from Oil: Whether you’ve stained your cushions with sunscreen or food, baking soda should do the trick to remove these unwanted marks. If you catch the stain immediately, add baking soda to the existing oil, wait 20 minutes for the baking soda to harden, and scrape away. 

Grass Stains: As a classic stain in the summertime, grass marks can be extremely difficult to remove from furniture. If the homemade mixtures didn’t do the trick, try using a stronger detergent intended for stain removal. Just ensure that the detergent doesn’t bleach your furniture! 

And if you’re in search of all-new furniture to replace your old items, look no further than Hanover’s stunning collection of outdoor pieces. From Lounge Seating Sets and Dining Sets to Fire Pits and Recliners, Hanover cushions are designed with all-weather material to provide you with long-lasting vibrancy and comfort. 

Strathmere Allure 2-Piece Chair Set

We hope you’ve learned some tips on keeping you patio cushions looking brand new. Best of luck in the cleaning process!