I’ve spent the last six years honing the art of cleaning and storing outdoor cushions since I bought my outdoor couch and chair set.
However, I still recall that first year, staring at the couch and wondering how in the world I was going to maintain the cleanliness of the white fabric. more so when a toddler is involved! and a fondness for popsicles in vibrant colors.
To be honest, I felt like I had made a bad decision. But after six years, sitting here on the same couch with supper and ice cream bars, I can assure you that one of the best ways to keep your outdoor furniture looking nice all year round is to give it a regular cleaning.
Cleaning outdoor cushions is a fun home maintenance project that will prolong the life of pricey outdoor furniture. All you need is some basic cleaning materials, which you probably already have around the house.
Continue reading to learn my tried-and-true technique for outdoor cleaning upholstery and cushions to get rid of summer stains and preserve the fabric for winter storage.
Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Cushion Stains and Upholstery
Not every stain can be prevented on your patio seats and pillows. It takes all year to clean patio cushions, from grime to mildew and tree sap.
Here are a few homemade stain removers that you can use to treat different kinds of stains on upholstery, cushions, and other items.
In order to keep your patio furniture looking great and lasting through several seasons, take care of the stains as soon as you can.
· Eliminate Mildew from the Fabric
Pillows and cushions may develop mold or mildew due to precipitation and humidity. To prepare a homemade cleaner, combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar to address these stains.
After that, use a cloth dipped in the cleaning upholstery solution to blot the area. After a few minutes of soaking, gently brush to remove the stain. Wash with water once more, then let dry naturally.
· Methods for Removing Grass Stains
There will be grass stains if there are children and pets playing about. But with just two ingredients—baking soda and hydrogen peroxide—they are easily treated.
To form a thick paste, combine a spoonful of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. On the area that is stained, apply the paste. Give it a half hour to sit. After that, scrape it off with a brush and give it another ten minutes to set.
After rinsing, let air dry.
· Methods for Removing Oil Stains
Grease spots can be eliminated by using baking soda, letting it settle, and then brushing it away.
After that, use a cloth dipped in a mixture of dish soap and warm water to wipe the stain. Water-rinse, then let air dry. In order to prevent fabric stains, it is advisable to respond promptly to oil spills.
· How to Get Rid of Tree Sap
Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and dab the sap with it. Using a spoon or butter knife, scrape it off when it solidifies.
Using a cloth coated in rubbing alcohol, remove any remaining discoloration. Water-rinse, then let air dry.
Pressure Washing for Cleaning Upholstery and Outdoor Cushions
First, incorporate the cleaning solution
Start by spreading out the cushions on a sidewalk, driveway, or deck. To prevent leaving mud or grass stains, do not clean them on the grass.
The cleaning solution should then be added to the pressure washer reservoir or the pressure washer’s cleaning solution line should be inserted into the solution bottle. Verify that the spray hose is securely fastened.
Then, connect the hose and examine the water
Turn on the high water setting of the pressure washer and connect a garden hose to it. Make sure the water is running through the entire machine by pulling the trigger on the spray gun before you turn on the pressure washer.
You can turn on the pressure washer as soon as water is freely shooting from the spigot to the end of the spray cannon.
Next, make the cushions clean
Fit the pressure washer hose with the cleaning/soap spray tip, then give every outside cushion a thorough spray.
A pressure washer can harm fabric surfaces, so be careful not to spray too close to the cushion fabric. Remember to wash the cushion sides as well!
Also, use the brush to scrub
When washing stains that are difficult to remove, use a brush with firm bristles to help the cleaning solution seep deeper into the cushion’s fibers.
Use the brush to scrape any trouble spots after applying the solution. After letting the mixture sit for three to five minutes, switch the rinse spray tip for the soap spray tip.
Then, rinse
Once your cushions have settled, use the spray tip to completely remove all of the cleaning upholstery solution from each cushion. Shift the spray tip back and forth between the cushion’s two edges.
Watch how the stains and filth disappear from the fabric in front of your eyes!
To prevent harm to your cushions, always remember to keep the spray tip approximately 1-1/2 feet away from them.
Lastly, take out the wetness
Using your hands, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from your cushions, then place them upright against a sunny wall to dry completely.
Enjoy your newly cleaned cushions by replacing them on your outdoor furniture once they have dried.
Why not save yourself from all this hassle and get help from professionals in Toronto for pressure washing and steam clean upholstery!
During the winter, how do you store your outdoor cushions?
Cushions should be cleaned and dried before being placed in large black rubbish bags or plastic bags with zippers. Keep out of the dampness and humidity and store somewhere dry.
When not in use, sheds, garages, and attics are ideal locations to keep these things. My cushions stay longer and last longer when I clean, dry, and store them on a regular basis during the cold, wet, and winter months.
