How to Clean Your Outdoor Cushions For a Fresh Start to Garden Season

When it comes to outdoor furniture, cushions are unsung heroes. They’re the most relaxing part, the bits you settle into after a busy day, the place where kids inevitably wipe their ice cream covered hands, and they truly elevate the comfort of your garden furniture.

But, like any part of your outdoor setup, cushions need care and attention if you want to keep them looking fresh and inviting.

How to Clean Your Outdoor Cushions

Whether you’ve just bought all new garden furniture or you’re looking to refresh your existing cushions for another year, here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions so they stay in top condition, nice and cosy.

Removable Cushion Covers: The Easy Clean

If your outdoor furniture cushions feature removable covers, you’re one of the lucky ones! Cleaning them is straightforward and doesn’t take much effort.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the Cushion Covers

Start by unzipping the cushion covers and removing the inner. Be sure to keep the inner cushion safe, this bit is going to be much harder to clean and dry if it gets wet or dirty.

Consider putting them inside and not leaving them on the garden furniture whilst you’re cleaning the covers.

2. Machine Wash the Covers

Once the cushion covers are off, just toss them into the washing machine. Set the machine to a cold wash cycle to avoid any shrinkage or damage; that’s the last thing you want.

If you’re not 100% sure about washing the covers, it’s always a good idea to check the care label for any special washing instructions.

3. Drying Your Covers

Once the cushion covers are done in the washing machine, hang them out on the washing line to dry naturally. A warm, sunny day is perfect for this, and you’re best to avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can shrink or damage the fabric.

It’s important to ensure the covers are completely dry before reassembling the cushions, as any leftover moisture can lead to mildew formation.

Non-removable Cushion Covers: A Little More Effort, But Worth It

If your cushions have non-removable covers, don’t worry—you can still get them nice and clean. You just need to follow a few extra steps to keep them looking good and feeling fresh for the long days of lounging ahead.

Here are two methods you can use, based on how mucky the cushions are to start:

1. Spring Refresh Method (For Light Dirt and Stains)

If you’re just looking to refresh your cushions after taking them out of storage or to get rid of some light marks or stains, then this should do the trick.

You’ll need:

• Soap
• Mild detergent
• Soft cloth
• Towels
• Soft brush

Steps:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix warm water with a little bit of soap and a mild detergent to create a gentle cleaning solution that’ll smell delightful.

2. Scrub the Cushions

Use a soft brush to dry scrub the cushions first to remove any dry dirt, dust, or cobwebs that it might have attracted in storage. Then gently brush it with the soapy mixture.

Make sure to work in small sections so you don’t miss any spots.

3. Wipe Away Residue

Once you’ve scrubbed the cushion, take a clean, damp cloth and wipe away any soapy residue. You want to ensure that no detergent is left behind, as it could actually attract dirt or even cause staining.

4. Dry the Cushions

Press the cushion between towels to remove any excess moisture it might have soaked up. Then leave the cushions to dry fully. Do this either by hanging them outside, preferably in the sun, or by letting them sit on the furniture (especially for larger seat cushions).

If you leave them on the furniture, remember to flip the cushions regularly so all sides get a chance to dry.

2. Tough Stain Removal Method (For Stubborn Dirt or Stains)

Sometimes, your cushions might have tougher stains that need a more intense cleaning. It happens! This method uses a stain-fighting solution that can tackle the most stubborn marks.

You’ll need:

• Washing up liquid
• Vanish Oxi-Action (or a similar fabric stain remover)
• Water
• A garden hose
• A spray bottle

Steps:

1. Make the Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts washing up liquid and Vanish Oxi-Action with a liter of warm water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle to make the cleaning process easier and mean less wasted cleaning product.

2. Apply the Solution

Spray the solution generously over the cushions, focusing especially on any areas with noticeable stains. Let the solution sit on the fabric for up to half an hour.

It’s important to make sure the solution doesn’t dry out before it’s had a chance to work it’s magic so reapply if you need to.

3. Rinse with Water

Once the stains have been soaked away, use a garden hose to rinse the cushions thoroughly. Make sure all the cleaning solution and dirt are washed away.

After the garden hose has drenched the cushions, it’s vital to squeeze out the excess water. Then you can press the cushion between two towels to make sure as much of that water as possible is out.

4. Dry the Cushions

Like with the previous method, you’ll need to let the cushions dry fully. The best way is to hang them outside in the sun, or leave them on the furniture, turning them occasionally for an even dry.

It’s always ideal to plan your cushion refresh for a warm and sunny day and to start the process earlier to give the cushions the best dry time.

General Tips for Keeping Your Cushions in Tip-top Shape

• Regular cleaning: Your outdoor cushions might look clean, but it’s a good idea to give them a light clean every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup anyway. The earlier you catch any stains, the easier they are to remove.
• Storage: If you’re not using your furniture for a while, it’s wise to store the cushions away to protect them from dirt, rain, and harsh UV rays that could damage or fade the fabric.
• Keep them covered: Consider the layout of your garden and whether or not the space would benefit from a pergola that could keep your furniture and cushions from being faded by the sun.

And that’s it! You’re guide to keeping your outdoor cushions clean, comfortable, and looking great season after season. So, next time you sink into your garden furniture after a long day, you’ll know they’re fresh!

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