How to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

Our outdoor cushions and pillows are great accents to any outdoor space. They’re made with durable, fade-resistant, UV stabilized, stain resistant, and mold and mildew resistant fabrics. So they can withstand most weather and won’t immediately fade when left in direct sunlight. Cleaning your outdoor cushions and pillows is a key aspect to keeping them looking beautiful. Luckily, it’s super easy to do and we’ve made it even easier by outlining the steps for general cleaning and stain removal all in one convenient post!

Before cleaning any of our outdoor fabrics you should brush away any dirt and debris. We recommend brushing away dirt and debris semi-regularly so that it doesn’t become embedded in the fabric.

General Cleaning:

For Removable Fabric: To hand wash, first prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Then soak the fabric in this solution for about 10-15 minutes. After it has soaked, use a sponge or soft bristle brush to lightly agitate any stains. Lastly, rinse the fabric thoroughly and then let it air dry. To machine wash, first check that the casing can be removed from the cushion as cushion construction can vary. Next, close all the zippers. Before starting your washer, make sure it’s set to cold water and delicate cycle and use a mild laundry detergent. Once it’s done washing, remove the fabric from the washer and allow it to air dry.

For Non-Removable Fabric: First, do the same as you would for the removable fabric, and prepare a solution of 1/4 cup mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Then use a soft bristle brush to clean it and allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric. Lastly, rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove the soap residue and then let it air dry. To achieve the best results, it’s recommended to clean the entire surface area of the fabric, from seam to seam. You may also want to use a water extractor to avoid water rings left on the fabric. When it’s possible, a helpful trick is to place a clean towel between the fabric and cushion/pillow insert prior to applying the cleaning solution to soak up any excess moisture.

Cleaning Stains:

When cleaning stains on your outdoor cushions and pillows, it is best to address the spill or mess soon after it occurs. The sooner you clean the spill, the easier the stain can be removed.

For Liquid Stains:

1. First, blot (do NOT rub) liquid spills with a clean, dry cloth.
2. Next, spray a mild cleaning solution of soap and water on the stain.
3. Then, agitate the stain with a sponge or soft bristle brush.
4. Rinse the fabric thoroughly to remove the soap residue.
5. Lastly, allow the fabric to air dry.

For Oil Based Stains:

• First, apply an absorbent, like corn starch, to soak it up before removing it with a straight edge.
• Then continue to treat the stain like you would a liquid stain and follow steps 2-5 listed above.
• If you have a stubborn oil stain that stays after following these steps, try treating the fabric with a strong de-greaser and rinse it thoroughly afterward.

Cleaning Mold and Mildew:

Our fabrics do not promote mildew growth, but mildew can grow on any dirt or debris that’s left on the cushion or pillow.

To clean mold and mildew, prepare a solution with a small amount of bleach, mild soap, and water. Then spray the affected area and allow the solution to soak into the fabric for roughly 15 minutes. Use a sponge, clean towel, or soft bristle brush to clean the surface area. Rinse the fabric thoroughly and allow to air dry.

Cleaning and caring for your outdoor cushions should be easy, the fabrics we use on our cushions and pillows keep it simple. With a little maintenance you can have style and comfort for years!

Tip: If you don’t want to make your own cleaning solution, you can check out Berlin Gardens Heavy Duty Fabric Cleaner and Berlin Gardens Mildew Stain Remover.

Resources:

• “Cleaning Instructions.” Revolution Performance Fabrics, https://revolutionfabrics.com/pages/cleaning-instructions. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
• “Clean Sunbrella® Upholstery.” Sunbrella, 2023, https://www.sunbrella.com/clean-sunbrella-upholstery. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.