June gloom, step aside—the time has finally come to soak up some sunshine! But before lounging outside and hosting a summer BBQ, a patio refresh might be in order.
Want to give your exterior pieces some TLC? After such a rainy spring, there’s one area worth focusing on: seating—especially those pillows and cushions.
We’ve been researching top summer laundry tips, so keep reading to learn how to clean outdoor cushions.
Top Summer Laundry Tips: How to Clean Outdoor Cushions
Materials and Tools for Cleaning Outdoor Cushions
Unlike indoor pillows, outdoor cushions are exposed to the elements. This makes the cleaning process a bit more intense than cleaning indoor ones, but odds are you already have what you need at home.
To get started, gather:
A clean bucket
A handheld vacuum (or a classic vacuum with extension cable)
Gloves
A hose (ideally with an adjustable nozzle)
Soft-bristled brushes
Waterproof tarps
Dish detergent or white vinegar
Borax
How to Clean Smaller Outdoor Cushions
In most cases, smaller outdoor cushions and pillows can be cleaned at home. Once you have your materials, wait for a sunny day and follow these steps:
Lay out one tarp and place the cushions on top.
Grab your hand vacuum and remove excess dirt from the surface of the cushions.
Make your cleaning solution. For the dish soap method, mix 2 tablespoons into a full bucket of warm water. For the white vinegar method, mix one cup into one gallon of warm water. Instead of dish detergent or vinegar, you can also use a pre-made spray—summer laundry tips experts recommend this one.
If your cushions are suffering from mildew and mold, add ¼ cup of borax to your homemade solution.
Using a high-pressure spray option, hose down the dirty cushions.
Dip your scrub brush into your homemade cleaning solution and vigorously rub down the pillows. For a store-bought cleaner, spray the solution, then scrub well with water. Don’t forget to scrub the sides and seams!
Allow the cleaner to soak for about 10 minutes.
Hose down the cushions until no suds remain. To remove excess water, use your hands to press down on the material.
Position a dry tarp near a wall, and move your cushions over from the wet one.
Lean the cushions against the wall to drain water while drying.
Cleaning Stained and Large Outdoor Cushions
Wondering how to clean outdoor cushions with tricky stains or bulky shapes?
For general stains, try a mix of powdered laundry detergent and water as a 15-minute spot cleaner. For rust, apply white vinegar for 30 minutes, or try our salt paste trick. For mold and mildew stains, try one part borax and four parts water for 5-10 minutes—more on these stains here!
When it comes to larger outdoor cushions and covers, professional launderers have your back. More material means more opportunities for stains and mold to set in, so don’t hesitate to contact your local Denver Metro laundry service.
Ready for the ultimate patio reset this summer? Reach WaveMAX’s Denver Metro laundry service experts at 303-632-7348 between 7 AM and 9 PM, or head to www.denverwashandfold.com to schedule a laundry pick-up.
