How to Clean Your Outdoor Patio Cushions
Have you struggled with how to clean your patio cushions? I have got you covered.
Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner.
That means lots and lots of time on the outdoor patio.
Who wants to sit on a dirty, mildewed patio cushion?
Not me!
And, I don’t want to buy new cushions either.
We have had our outdoor patio furniture for 4 years. I love our patio set. However, it is constantly covered in dirt and grime because we live in a constant construction zone.
One day, in the near future, there will be an end to this construction. But, I will not be buying new patio furniture.
And, right now, on the weekends when the construction equipment is parked, we still love to sit on the patio - in spite of the filth.
But, I still don’t want to sit in the filth.
Here is the method I have found to clean my cushions that I have found to work fabulously! Even on white cushions. My method will also get rid of any pollen and mildew. And, it will help delay mildew build up if your cushions sit directly out in the elements. The best part - I am betting you already have most of the supplies needed on hand.
Supplies
5 gallon bucket
1/2 cup granular Tide
1/2 cup Borax
Water
1/2 cup vinegar
Lint free rag or cloth
water hose with jet spray nozzle
Directions
- Place the Tide, Borax, and vinegar in the 5 gallon bucket.
- Add the vinegar.
- Using your water hose, gently fill the bucket with water. (You do not have to be exact).
- The mixture will foam up so don’t turn the water on full blast.
- Using a lint free rag, sponge the mixture onto your cushions and pillows liberally.
- Use a scrub brush to work on any stains.
- After generously soaking the entire cushion, place them in the sun for 15 minutes.
- After the first 15 minutes, flip them and repeat the process for another 15 minutes.
- Next, turn your hose sprayer to jet and spray the cushions with water until no suds run out.
- Flip the cushions on their side, zipper side down and allow the cushions to dry completely. It should not take more than an hour or two for them to dry on a sunny day.
- You are now ready to enjoy your just like new patio cushions the entire season.
Add Borax and Tide to vinegar in 5 gallon bucket.
Using water hose, fill bucket with water.
Sponge the soap mixture onto the cushions using a lint free cloth or sponge and allow to sit in sun.
Hose the cushions off with clean water and allow to dry.
Here are my cleaned outdoor sofa cushions and throw pillows right after they dried in the sun.
Resources for this project:
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Comments
Join the conversation
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Mr. Clean will strip and bleach fabrics, and is most certainly not safe for “everything”. My cushion cleaner is fabulous and the Borax helps increase the cleaning power of the granular Tide and is what inhibits mildrew. Outdoor cushions are made with a special honeycomb foam that allows them to dry quickly when turned on their sides. Your rug mildewed because water remained within the fibers. It has nothing to do with Mr. Clean. Cheers
- See 1 previous
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Btw your formula would be great for natural fabrics. OUTDOOR fabrics are man made chemicals spun into thread and woven into fabric. All are a form of plastic, which Mr Clean can clean in a wink with no harm
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Hi Karen - I’m so glad you are a fan of Mr. clean. You have made that more than clear. However, i will continue to correct your misinformation. mr Clean is a harsh chemical and I do not recommend using it in any fabric. Please go find something constructive to do with your day besides attempting to hijack my post with your opinions. Or better yet, go create your own post and give your own recommendations over there.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Can you use liquid tide?
I’d like to use this recipe but I’m allergic to any forms of tide, what other detergent could I use?
Two questions and a comment:
1 - In step 10 of your directions, you said, "Flip the cushions on their side, zipper side down......" If they have a zipper, why not simply remove the cushion covers and wash them separately instead of soaking the foam insides?
2 - Have you tried pre-mixing the Tide, Borax, vinegar and a little water, turning it into a slurry and then stirring into the filled bucket of water? I have used this method when adding foaming ingredients to water. Sure beats waiting for a half-filled container of suds to die down, or watch suds flowing all over, until you can finish filling. Also, easier to assure the granulated particles are completely dissolved.
Comment:
From the snippets, your yard and setting look absolutely magnificent! I can only imagine the peaceful atmosphere and ambiance you enjoy...relaxing on your clean cushions. 🙂
Thanks for sharing.