How to Clean Outdoor Patio Cushions

4 Materials
$1
10 Minutes
Easy

Since it is summertime, we are sharing some commonly asked questions over the next month for you. All things relating to outdoor spaces! Today, we are sharing with you how to clean outdoor fabric the easy way!


You probably see my little outdoor space all the time on instagram stories. Amelia and I are ALWAYS outside swinging I have various types of outdoor fabric.


Outdoor fabric can be anything from patio cushions to outdoor pillows. Whatever you have on your patio that needs to be cleaned, these “how to” methods will help you.

I have noticed almost EVERY single DIY cushion cleaner online adds borax. I use borax for many things, but I prefer this method for cleaning dirt from cushions.


This DIY below is a great way to freshen up everything if you plan to have company or just need to spruce up your patio.


Ingredients:

  • 4 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon washing soda
  • 1 tsp dish washing liquid (I always use blue Dawn)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (optional)
  • Scrub Brush
  • Hose with spray nozzle


icon icon For the other two methods on cleaning patio cushions with an all-purpose spray OR cushions with mold/mildew, please click the post link here.


Directions:

  1. First, shake out your cushions and beat out dust and debris. This step is very important!
  2. Add the warm water to a bowl, sprinkle in the washing soda, then add in the dish washing liquid. I always use blue Dawn because it works best (visit icon chemistrycachet.com for articles on why blue dawn is our preferred dish soap!). You can also add the solution to a spray bottle! It is your preference. I prefer spray bottles if I just want to quickly clean, but will use the bowl for deep cleaning.
  3. If you have very stained cushions, now is the time to spray some hydrogen peroxide on them. Oxygenated bleach like peroxide doesn’t remove coloring from fabric, but TEST a spot first. If you don’t have stains, you can skip the peroxide.
  4. Dip your scrub brush into the warm water solution, scrub in a small circular motion all around the cushions. If you sprayed the peroxide, really scrub that area!
  5. Allow solution to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Rinse with a hose.

Remember, we have two other methods for cleaning cushions in our blog post link, but this homemade solution is the most common one! It is very easy to use and will work on all fabrics! Remember, always test a small area on your cushions before use!

Suggested materials:
  • Washing soda   (store)
  • Dishwashing liquid   (store)
  • Hydrogen peroxide   (store)
See all materials
Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet
Want more details about this and other DIY projects? Check out my blog post!
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