Did the cushions of the chairs in your outdoor dining room get stained at your last dinner with friends? Do not worry! Thanks to our practical advice guide you will learn the best tricks to clean outdoor cushions and protect them from the sun, rain and dirt.
Carrying out good maintenance of the textiles on your terrace is essential for maximum comfort and cleanliness in your outdoor space. So, if you want to fully enjoy your oasis of peace and relaxation outdoors, we recommend that you read very carefully the basic guidelines so that your outdoor cushions look like the first day.
In this article we are going to explain what are the best tips for washing the fabrics of your outer cushions, whether they are removable or not. Take note of the cleaning tools and products you will need, as well as the step by step to be taken to achieve a good result. Started!
Practical guide to cleaning outdoor cushions
Before you begin, it’s important to recognize the type of fabric your outdoor cushions have been made from and identify whether or not their covers can be removed for separate washing. Outdoor terrace cushions are usually made from weather-resistant fabrics, but each one requires specific care to extend its lifespan.
How to wash chair cushions?
Chair cushions are usually designed with waterproof materials and most of them have a cover. Here is a practical and quick method for cleaning!
- First of all, use a vacuum cleaner to dry clean furniture and remove dust and debris.
- Remove all the covers from the filling and wash them on a short, cold cycle in the washing machine
- If you choose to wash the chair cushion by hand, prepare a soapy solution by mixing warm water with neutral soap. Rub gently in circles and then remove excess product with the help of a damp cloth
- Finally, let them air dry before using them again as usual
How to clean removable sofa covers?
If your cushions are removable… You’re in luck! These textiles are much easier to clean when separated from the filling. So, you will only have to follow these simple steps:
- Check the manufacturer’s washing recommendations to avoid damaging the fabric
- As directed, place the covers in the washing machine, using a gentle cycle with cold water
- If you want to remove stains embedded in the fabric, choose to clean the covers by hand with the help of a mild detergent or an anti-stain cleaning product
- Let it air dry, preferably in a shady place to prevent the sun from eating the color of the fabric, and avoid using the dryer
How to clean canvas loungers?
On the other hand, sun loungers and hammocks require some special care due to the type of material with which they are made. Therefore, here is the step-by-step guide to clean canvas loungers without spoiling them:
- Brush the tarp with a soft brush to remove dust and stubborn dirt
- Wash the fabric with warm water and mild detergent, rubbing into the dirtiest areas
- Rinse the fabric thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue
- Dry in the sun completely and do not use the piece until it is completely aerated to avoid the appearance of unpleasant odors
How to remove specific stains from outdoor fabrics
Food, drink, or mold stains can be stubborn. To eliminate them, there are several home remedies that, mixed with water, work true miracles. This is the case of cleaning vinegar, lemon or baking soda. Although, if you don’t want to take a risk with these traditional ‘grandma tricks’, you can choose to buy a stain remover specific to the type of fabric of your outdoor cushions.
Tools and products for cleaning outdoor cushions
Before you get down to work, make sure you have these tools on hand for 100% effective cleaning:
Vacuum cleaner for dry cleaning:
Ideal for removing dust and residue before cleaning thoroughly.
Mild detergents:
PH neutral soaps are the star products for delicate fabrics of this type.
Soft bristle brushes:
Perfect for cleaning non-removable outdoor cushions without damaging the fabric.
Water Sprinklers:
They facilitate outdoor rinsing.
Extra protection for good maintenance of your outdoor textiles
When autumn or winter arrives, cold and rainy seasons, it is best to store all the textiles on your terrace to avoid wear and tear. For this, outdoor trunks will become your best allies, as they offer a dry and safe space to store these textiles. In addition to becoming another piece or outdoor furniture to match the style of your outdoor dining room.
Another extra protection tip for outdoor cushions that are not removable is to have a protective cover capable of protecting the cushions from dirt. But, also, to protect them from direct exposure to the sun and/or rain, and thus avoid the wear of the colors and quality of the fabric.
We hope that, by following these latest recommendations, and dedicating a little more attention to your outdoor cushions, you can guarantee their durability over many seasons. Start protecting your textiles today and enjoy them as if they were new!
White
Anthracite
Beige