How to Clean Outdoor Cushions We can’t expect anything to stay clean when it spends the majority of its useful life outdoors. It needs regular maintenance and cleaning to stay in top shape. One of the questions we get over and over again is how to clean outdoor cushions. Here’s what we’ve found useful: Know your fabric. The first thing to do when cleaning your outdoor cushions is look at the tags and find what they are made of. Most outdoor cushions will have cleaning instructions right on them. It’s always best to follow the written instructions for your cushions. Get them ready for the outdoors. Even though outdoor cushions are made to withstand some of Mother Nature’s elements, getting them ready each spring is the best way to ensure they continue to look great. You should always store your cushions in a dry place during those months they aren’t being used. When it is time to take them out for the spring, rinse them down with the hose to get rid of any dust that may have settled on its surface. Rinse them down regularly. At Renew Crew, we believe to key to outdoor surface cleaning is regular maintenance. As opposed to patio, siding or deck cleaning that only needs to be done once a year or so, your outdoor cushions need to be cleaned regularly during the season to keep the fabrics in good condition. Take the hose to them once a week to get rid of any dirt, grime or pollen. Get rid of stains as they occur. With barbecues and outdoor parties, it’s hard for anything to stay spotless for too long. The key to getting the most out of your outdoor cushions is to clean as the messes happen. Most outdoor fabrics (make sure to check and follow the guidelines for your particular material) can be cleaned with a mild dish soap and water followed by a rinse with the hose. Just like any other fabric, the longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. Know their limits. Most cushions for outdoor furniture have a water repellent on the surface which means it holds up to rain quite well, but it may need to be reapplied from time to time. If you see that water isn’t beading up on the fabric like it used to, cover the cushions when it is raining or move them indoors until you have the water repellent reapplied. Store. When summer has left and the weather turns cooler, move your outdoor cushions inside. Leaving them outside all year round will lead to fading and stains that you may not be able to get rid of. March 01, 2013 · Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces, outdoor maintenane, Renew Crew, and Uncategorized