Home Cleaning How to Clean Outdoor Cushions, According to Cleaning Experts Get your outdoor seating ready for the summer with these simple steps. By Kat Brancato Kat Brancato Kat is an experienced personal finance and lifestyle writer with over ten years of writing experience. She started her career in finance as a Member Service Specialist at Space Coast Credit Union in Melbourne, Florida. She was then promoted to the indirect lending department as a Loan Processor, eventually becoming a backup teller supervisor for PNC Bank. She began writing about personal finance in 2009 and has been with Dotdash Meredith since 2021. She is also the queen of side hustles, with knowledge in flipping for-profit, virtual assisting, and freelance writing. Highlights: * 10 Years Personal Finance Experience * 5 Years Retail Banking Experience * Contributed 16+ articles to Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, and Parents * Featured on Clever Girl Finance, Minority Mindest, The Health Journal, and Thrive Global Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 24, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Considerations Frequency Fabric Vinyl Stain Removal Upkeep FAQs Close Photo: mtreasure/Getty Images Project Overview Working Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 3 hours Skill Level: Beginner Estimated Cost: $10-15 Did you notice that your outdoor cushions need cleaning while sprucing up your porch or patio? These cushions provide comfort and style, but they're prone to getting dirty since they're exposed to harsh weather, pollen, dirt, mildew, and your feathered friends' droppings. If you're preparing your outdoor space for the season, use these expert tips below to learn how to clean outdoor cushions correctly. Whether you have fabric or vinyl outdoor cushions, these simple cleaning steps will get them looking bright and fresh with ease. Karina Toner is the operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, a Washington, D.C.-based cleaning service. Alex Varela is the general manager of Dallas Maids. Justin Carpenter is the owner of Modern Maids, a Houston cleaning service. Considerations Before You Get Started Anytime you take on a cleaning project, you should take precautions to ensure you're using the right methods to avoid ruining your items. More than likely, there's a care tag located on one of your outdoor cushions. “Check the care instructions on the tag or manufacturer's website for specific cleaning recommendations," advises Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. If the tag has been removed or lost, you can contact the manufacturer for recommendations. To avoid discoloring or damaging cushions, make sure you test the cleaning solution or product in a small, inconspicuous area first. Some cleaners may contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage to your cushions. It’s best to use mild soaps and cleaners to avoid any issues. Always check manufacturer tags and spot-test products before you begin cleaning. Following instructions carefully and testing your cleaning solutions will ensure that you protect your cushions and don't cause unnecessary damage. How Often Should You Clean Outdoor Cushions "The frequency of cleaning outdoor cushions can depend on a lot of factors, like how often they're used, weather conditions, and exposure to dirt, debris, or accidental stains," Toner says. "As a general rule of thumb, it's best to give your outdoor cushions a deeper clean at least twice a year. For cushions that are used frequently, light vacuuming should be done at least once a week." "Regular maintenance, such as brushing off loose dirt or debris and spot cleaning as needed, can also help keep the cushions in good condition between deep cleanings," adds Toner. "If the cushions are subjected to heavy use or are located in areas with high levels of dirt or pollution, more frequent cleaning may be needed to maintain their cleanliness and appearance." What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Dry bristle brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment Soft-bristle brush Garden hose Materials Mild detergent 1 Bucket 1 Bath towel Dish soap Instructions How to Clean Fabric Outdoor Cushions With Detergent If your fabric cushion covers are removable and machine washable, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and drying. If not, a mild cleaning solution of water and detergent will work to spruce up your cushions for patio time. Remove Dirt and Debris Start by removing any loose dirt or debris. You can use a dry bristle brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment. Pay special attention to any seams or detailed stitching where dirt could burrow down. Doing this step first will make cleaning your cushions easier. Mix Cleaning Solution Next, make a cleaning solution of ¼ cup of mild detergent per gallon of water in a bucket. Mix the solution until it's soapy before using. Scrub Away Dirt and Grime Dip the soft-bristle brush into the cleaning solution. Scrub all the cushions thoroughly to remove all the dirt and grime. Rinse Cushions Rinse until all of the cleaning solution is washed away. "Make sure you rinse with plenty of water, preferably with a water hose," advises Alex Varela, general manager at Dallas Maids. Squeeze Out Excess Water To help your outdoor cushions dry faster, squeeze out as much water as possible. Then use a dry towel to blot the cushion to absorb any additional water from the cushion. Allow to Air Dry Stand the cushions up against a clean surface to air dry. "Allow them to air dry thoroughly before putting them back on your outdoor furniture," says Justin Carpenter, owner of Modern Maids. How to Clean Vinyl Outdoor Cushions With Dish Soap For vinyl outdoor cushions, removing the covers and machine washing is usually not an option. Using a mixture of dish detergent, water, and a little elbow grease will have your cushions looking brand new. Dust Off Dirt and Debris Shake off cushions, then sweep away residual dirt and debris with a bristle brush or gently vacuum with a brush attachment. Mix Cleaning Solution "For vinyl or plastic cushions, a solution of mild soap and water can be used for cleaning," says Toner. Mix about a tablespoon of mild dish soap, such as Dawn, per gallon of water into a bucket. Clean Cushions with Bristle Brush Once you have your sudsy cleaning solution, dip your brush into the solution and give your cushions a good scrubbing. Rinse Away Suds and Grime Use a garden hose and rinse the cushions thoroughly until no suds are forming. Remove Excess Water Try to remove as much excess water as you can from the cushions. If you can't squeeze them, apply pressure to the cushions so the water comes out, then use a towel to blot the remaining water from them. Air Dry in Shaded Area "Vinyl cushions are sensitive to direct sunlight, and they crack and peel often. After washing with soapy water, rinse thoroughly and let dry, but preferably not with direct sunlight," advises Varela. Put cushions in a clean area with proper airflow. You may want to use a fan to speed up the drying process. How to Clean Outdoor Cushion Stains Outdoor cushions are susceptible to various types of stains, such as mildew, grass, and food and drink stains. If you notice your cushions still have stains after cleaning, then try these tips from the experts to remove them. White vinegar. "A simple, efficient solution that I like is mixing equal parts white vinegar and water," Varela says. "Vinegar is safe for many materials and textures." Mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the stain. Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes, rinse it off, and air dry the cushion afterward. Dish soap. Varela advises trying to use dishwashing liquid directly on grease and oil stains. "Because dishwashing liquids are surfactants, they are effective at removing grease from surfaces," she says. So instead of using a diluted solution, apply the soap directly to the stain and scrub it with a bristled brush. Rinse the soap off, blot out excess water with a towel, and air dry. Absorbing agent. Stains from oils that come from foods, sunscreen, or even bug spray can be tricky to get out. Using an absorbent powder such as baking soda or cornstarch can help to soak up the excess oil. Just sprinkle some on, wait 15 minutes, and scrape off with a straight-edged tool like a pastry scraper or credit card. If the stain is stubborn, repeat this process until it lifts. Commercial cleaner. "If you prefer commercial cleaners, use oxygen-based bleach [like OxiClean] instead of chlorine-based bleach, even if you have white cushions," says Varela. Always read the manufacturer's directions to mix solutions correctly. If using OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, mix one scoop per 16 ounces of water into a spray bottle. Spray solution onto stains and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse off the solution, remove excess water, and allow the cushions to air dry. Toner advises cleaning spills up promptly to prevent stains from setting in and making them more difficult to remove later. If you spill food or drink on your cushions, then make sure to wipe them up immediately. Keep an eye out for other types of stains, too, such as bird droppings or mildew. Seasonal Upkeep Now that you have your outdoor cushions looking fresh and new, use these expert tips to keep them clean longer. Frequently brush off debris. Toner says that regularly brushing off loose dirt and debris from the cushions prevents staining. If you notice that your cushions have a bit of dirt buildup, give them a good brushing. Vacuum or brush them weekly to keep them dirt-free.Store cushions indoors. "To keep your outdoor cushions looking great, store them inside when they are not in use. This will keep them safe from UV rays, mold, and dirt," says Carpenter. Storing your cushions inside will make them last much longer and can reduce the amount of cleaning you have to do.Use a fabric or vinyl protector spray. All of our experts suggest using a protector spray for your outdoor cushions. Applying a fabric or vinyl protector or sealant will help repel stains and make cleaning them easier. It can also protect your cushions from fading due to sunlight and will keep them looking bright and fresh. Remember to always check the care tag before using any type of product or cleaning technique. Also, be sure to spot-test before applying any solution to your outdoor cushions to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor them. Frequently Asked Questions Can you pressure wash outdoor cushions? You can pressure wash outdoor cushions, but use caution and only pressure wash if you feel comfortable. A pressure washer can damage the fabric if you use it too close or on too high of a setting. When washing, a good rule of thumb is to keep the washer 1 to 1 1/2 feet away from the cushion. Make sure to always attach a gentle cleaning tip before you begin. Can you use carpet cleaner on outdoor cushions? A carpet cleaner is formulated specifically for carpet fibers and should not be used on any type of upholstery. If you want to use a store-bought cleaner, stick to an upholstery cleaner formulated for your cushion's material. Checking the manufacturer's instructions and website can help you decide what solution to choose; otherwise, stick to mild dish soap or detergent. Can outdoor cushions be steam cleaned? You can steam clean outdoor cushions, but always check your manufacturer's tags first in case they warn against doing so. Steam cleaning is also an effective way to sanitize surfaces. Just be sure to treat any stains with the methods listed above before you steam your cushions; otherwise, you could lock in the stain. How to Clean Outdoor Furniture So It Lasts for Years