Do you love your outdoor furniture but feel clueless when it comes to how exactly to keep the upholstery and cushions clean?
Cleaning & storing outdoor cushions has been a task that I’ve perfected over the last (6!) years of owning my outdoor couch and chair set. But I still remember that first year, looking at the couch and wondering how on earth I was going to keep the white upholstery clean. Especially with a toddler! And a love of brightly colored popsicles. I honestly though I had made a poor choice. However, here I am 6 years later, still sitting on the same couch eating ice cream bars after dinner, and I can tell you for certain that regular cleaning is of the best things you can do to maintain your outdoor upholstery so that it looks good year after year.
Using simple cleaning supplies that you probably already have around the house, cleaning outdoor cushions is a satisfying home maintenance task that will extend the life of expensive outdoor furniture. Read on as I share my tried and true method for cleaning outdoor cushions and upholstery so that all those summer stains come out and the fabric is protected for winter storage.
How to easily clean outdoor cushions and upholstery
Step 1: Place all cushions on a surface that is OK to get wet
This is NOT an indoor job, so look for a location outside that can handle water. This could be the grass, a cement patio or a deck. Gather all of your outdoor cushions and any upholstered outdoor furniture where the cushions can’t be removed. Lay each item out and inspect for stains or discoloration.
Step 2: Mix up the cleaning solution
To make the cleaning solution, start with about a 1/4 cup of powdered OxiClean in a bucket. Add approximately 1 gallon of hot or very warm tap water and mix well to dissolve.
Note – OxiClean is a hydrogen peroxide derivative and is biodegradable and safe to use around plants and decks. So don’t worry if some splashes on your grass! If you don’t want to use OxiClean, you can use other gentle cleaning solutions (i’ve listed a few others in the frequently asked questions section below)
Step 3: Scrub those cushions!
Using a clean dish brush or general purpose brush, wash all surfaces of your cushions. For stains, I found an extra scrubbing with a stiffer bristle brush worked well at removing the stains. Make sure the entire surface is saturated with the cleaning solution and all dirt and grime has faded,
After scrubbing, let the cushions sit for 5-10 minutes to let the OxiClean solution sink in and help brighten the white fabric. The sun plus the OxiClean is really a miracle for stains and will make your cushions look brand new!
Step 4: Rinse well
Get out the hose and give all those cushions a good rinse! Keep washing until you don’t see any more ‘bubbles’ coming out of the fabric. Don’t worry if your cushions are completely soaked as they will dry out quickly.
Step 5: Dry completely
Stand up the cushions so they lean on each other and can stay mostly vertical. This helps the water drain and allows the sun to warm both sides of the cushion. I find that if I can wash these in the morning on a sunny day, they are 80-90% dry by the evening. I usually try to bring them into my garage at that point and let them have another 2-5 days to FULLY dry before I stuff them into bags for winter storage.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can you use OxiClean on any color of cushion or upholstery?
Yes! OxiClean is safe for colors and will work on colored or patterned outdoor upholstery.
Can you use any other cleaning solutions?
I have used the following solutions in the past:
- 1 Tbsp of powdered Tide laundry soap mixed with 1 gallon of warm water
- 1 Tsp of Dawn dish soap mixed with 1 gallon of warm water
Both cleaning solutions work well for everyday food stains on cushions, but I’ve noticed that over time I’ve needed the cleaning and bleaching power of OxiClean to really get my white cushions white again. I’ve used OxiClean for the last two years and it will be my choice every year going forward!
What about cushions that have removable covers?
Unfortunately most of my cushions don’t have zippers that allow me to remove the cover so I’ve always cleaned my outdoor upholstery with the foam cushion still in place. I’ve found this works perfectly fine as long as you thoroughly dry the cushions before storing.
If your cushions do have removable covers, you can always try a gentle cleaning cycle in your washing machine but consider air drying the covers as you don’t want them to shrink in the dryer.
When should I clean my outdoor cushions?
In my four season climate, I like to clean my cushions in September before the rain starts. After a long summer full of use (and stains) I find they are in need of a good clean. Once I’ve cleaned and fully dried the cushions, I place them in bags to store in my shed for fall, winter and early spring. If you live in a warmer climate, you may not need to put your cushions in storage so in that case, you can really clean them anytime you feel they need it.
How do you store your outdoor cushions during the winter?
After cleaning and drying the cushions, place in zippered plastic bags or large black garbage bags. Store in a dry location, away from moisture or humidity. Sheds, garages, and attics are perfect places to store these items when not in use. I have found that routinely cleaning, drying and storing my cushions during the cold and rainy months prolongs the life of my cushions so that they last for years.
Hopefully I’ve shown you it’s easy to clean your outdoor cushions using simple cleaning supplies you already have around your home. This is one of my favorite seasonal cleaning tasks because while it takes some effort, the results are stunning! Seeing clean outdoor cushions that look brand new makes me so excited for next summer and relaxing on the outdoor sofa with a glass of wine.
If you are looking for more winterizing tasks to help maintain your home, be sure to download The September List to help you stay organized this season.
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