Warm weather brings back all the best backyard pastimes, from gardening and grilling to relaxing by the fire pit. But before you can get on with the good stuff, a few outdoor chores come first, including pulling your outdoor cushions and pillows out of storage and freshening them up for use.
Outdoor cushions and pillows make your favorite patio furniture feel extra cozy—but all that time spent outside means they can get pretty dirty. Whether you're dealing with dust, pollen, or surprise stains, it's important to know the right way to clean them without causing damage. Here, an expert weighs in on exactly how to clean outdoor cushions and pillows so they stay comfortable, clean, and ready for the season.
From the proper way to clean cushions with non-removable covers, to the correct use of natural cleansers like vinegar, you’ll find the answers to your cushion cleaning questions below. That way, you can get on to the rest of your backyard to-do list, like cleaning your grill grates and fixing up that fence.
What You'll Need
- Vacuum with upholstery attachment
- Soft-bristle brush
- Garden hose
- Bucket
- Dish detergent, baking soda or vinegar
- Towel
Though it depends on how dirty they are, Jeniffer Smith, a professional organizer, cleaning specialist, and appliance expert with the home improvement blog Urban Home Corner says that hand washing is the gentlest option, but for cushions that have been stained with substances like tree sap or bird droppings, you should utilize a pressure washer instead. Just be sure to check the manufacturer's care instructions first—you might even be able to launder the covers in the washing machine.
Either way, Smith says, "It's important to first remove any debris or dirt that has accumulated on them. This will help ensure that the cleaning process is more effective and that your cushions will look their best when finished."
How to Clean Outdoor Cushions
- Remove the cushion covers and lay them down on a flat surface. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently sweep away any loose dirt or debris, paying attention to crevices or seams where dirt can accumulate.
- Check the fabric for stains, which should be pre-treated before washing to ensure that they don't set in. You can use a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, but test it first to make sure it doesn't damage the fabric. If all looks good, spritz the solution on the stain and let it sit for about 20 minutes before blotting it with a clean cloth.
- Fill a large bucket with warm water, add a mild detergent, and place the cushion covers in the bucket.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the cushions.
- Rinse the cushions thoroughly with a hose or clean water until all soap suds are gone.
- Hang the cushions up to air dry in a shaded area.
If you decide to use a pressure washer instead, do not under any circumstances use a high pressure nozzle, which could damage the fabric. Instead, place a low pressure nozzle on the washer, filling the dispenser with the detergent recommended by the manufacturer. Then, work in small sections, starting at one end of the cushion. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub any particularly dirty or stained areas. Rinse the cushions thoroughly with the pressure washer, ensuring all soap suds are gone and hang the cushions up to air dry in a shaded area.
How to Clean Cushions with Non-Removable Covers
If you can't take the covers off of your cushions, don't worry! "You can still clean them effectively," Smith says, "Start by vacuuming the cushion to remove any loose dirt and debris, next filling a bucket with a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the mixture and scrub the cushions gently in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the cushion. Rinse the cushions thoroughly with a hose to remove all the soap residue, and allow the cushions to air dry completely before using them again."
Ideally, you should dry the cushions in a well-ventilated area, flipping them every few hours. (To help the cushions dry faster, you can first remove excess water by pressing a clean towel firmly against them.) It should take them about one or two days to dry completely, depending on the weather conditions, according to Smith.
How to Clean Cushions with Baking Soda or Vinegar
Both baking soda and white vinegar are effective, natural cleansers that can be used to kill even mold and mildew. Baking soda should be mixed with enough water to form a paste, which you spread over your covers. Let it sit 15 minutes or so and then rinse. Or, spray equal parts white vinegar and water over your cushion covers, scrubbing gently with a soft-bristle brush before rinsing. You may also use a mild detergent such as Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid combined with water, or a cleaning formula specifically made for outdoor cushions, such as Carbona ProCare Outdoor Furniture Cleaner.
Tip: It's always a good idea to check the care instructions on the label before cleaning your outdoor cushions. You should also test out any cleaning product on a hidden piece of the cover to make sure it doesn't fade or otherwise damage the fabric.
How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions and Pillows
If you notice stains on your outdoor cushions or pillows, don't panic—there are several effective methods you can try. First, identify the type of stain you're dealing with. For general dirt or minor spills, pre-treat the area with a mild solution of dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub using a soft-bristled brush and let it sit for about 15–20 minutes before rinsing.
For tougher stains like tree sap or bird droppings, Smith recommends using a pressure washer (on a low-pressure setting) after spot-treating. "Just be sure to check the manufacturer's care instructions first," she says.
How to Remove Mold, Mildew and Bacteria
Brush off debris, then spray the affected areas with a mixture of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a sponge or soft bristle brush, then rinse thoroughly. Be sure to let the cushions dry completely in direct sunlight to help prevent mildew from returning.
How to Remove Grass Stains
Start with a simple mix of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Combine a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste, then spread it over the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes, scrub gently with a brush, wait another 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and allow the pillows to air dry.
How to Remove Oil Stains
You’ll want to treat these stains quickly to avoid giving them time to set. Cover the spot with baking soda or cornstarch and let it sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the residue. Then use an old toothbrush dipped in warm water and dish soap to gently scrub the area. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry completely.
How to Remove Tree Sap Stains
Scrape away as much of the sap as you can with a spoon or blunt butter knife. Then spray the area with a mix of warm water and liquid dish soap, let it sit for a few minutes, and lightly scrub with a sponge or soft-bristle brush before rinsing well.
If needed, follow with a spray of equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit briefly, then wipe and rinse. For tougher sap, dab the area with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, rinse, and let it dry.
How to Remove Bird Dropping Stains
Remove any dried residue first, then spray the area with a solution of water and dish soap or vinegar. Gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush, allow it to sit for 5 to 15 minutes, and rinse well with a hose.
Tip: Always test any cleaning solution on a hidden spot first to make sure it won't damage the fabric
How to Maintain Outdoor Pillows and Cushions
There's no real hard and fast rule about how often you should clean your outdoor cushions. You probably want to give them a good washing both before you put them away at the end of the season and after you bring them out of storage at the beginning of it. Otherwise, clean them when they look grungy, which may happen more frequently if you have pets, children or use them very often. Also, Smith notes, "If you live in an area with a lot of rain, humidity, or other types of moisture, you may need to clean your outdoor cushions more frequently to prevent mold and mildew growth."
While careful cleaning as needed is one of the best ways to lengthen the lifespan of your plush accents, there are a few dos and don'ts Smith suggests keeping in mind:
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on your cushions. This can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric.
- Avoid using hot water when cleaning your cushions. Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric.
- Avoid using fabric softener when washing your cushions. This can leave a residue on the fabric and attract dirt and grime.
- Brush off any dirt or debris from your cushions regularly with a soft-bristled brush.
- Store your cushions in a dry, ventilated area when not in use to prevent mold and mildew.
- Use cushion covers to protect your cushions from the elements and make cleaning easier.
- Consider using a fabric protector spray to help repel water and stains.
Jill Gleeson is a travel journalist and memoirist based in the Appalachian Mountains of western Pennsylvania who has written for websites and publications including Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Country Living, Washingtonian, Gothamist, Canadian Traveller, and EDGE Media Network. Jill is the travel editor for Enchanted Living. Learn more about her journey at gleesonreboots.com.
