How to Clean Patio Cushions: and Remove Mold

Patio cushions endure a lot. Between rain storms, heavy pollen, and the occasional barbecue spill, they get grimy fast.

Cleaning them might feel intimidating, especially if the care labels are faded or confusing.

We can help. Our guide on how to clean patio cushions breaks down simple, effective methods. Whether you need a quick spot clean or a deep wash, these steps will make your outdoor oasis look brand new.

Are Patio Cushions Machine Washable?

The foam insert is almost never machine washable, but the covers might be. Check the care label first. It will explicitly state if the item is machine washable or provide a symbol.

The wash symbol looks like a bucket of water. It may have dots indicating the maximum temperature.

If the symbol has an “X” through it or shows a hand in water, do not put the covers in the machine. Hand washing is your only safe option.

How to Clean Patio Cushions

While the washing machine is convenient for removable covers, hand-washing is often necessary for the entire cushion. These methods work for both removable and non-removable styles. You can use Borax, vinegar, or a pressure washer depending on the severity of the dirt.

• Time: 35 minutes (plus drying time).
• Difficulty: Easy.

Method 1: Borax

Borax is excellent for removing mildew and stubborn grime. Keep the cover on the cushion for this method.

1. Vacuum: Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to remove loose dust, pollen, and debris.
2. Mix solution: Combine warm water and 1/4 cup of Borax in a bucket. For extra cleaning power, add one tablespoon of dish soap. Stir well.
3. Scrub: Dip a stiff-bristled brush into the mixture. Scrub the cushion vigorously, focusing on stained areas. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse: Use a garden hose to rinse the cushions thoroughly. Ensure all soap residue is gone to prevent stiffness.
5. Dry: Squeeze the cushion to push out excess water. Blot with a towel. Stand the cushions vertically in direct sunlight until they are completely dry to prevent mold growth.

Method 2: Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a non-toxic powerhouse. It kills odors and fights light mildew.

1. Vacuum: Remove surface dirt and debris with a vacuum cleaner.
2. Mix solution: In a spray bottle, combine one cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water. Shake well.
3. Spray: Saturate the entire cushion with the vinegar solution. Let it soak for 15 minutes.
4. Scrub: Use a bristled brush to scrub the fabric. If stains persist, repeat the spraying and scrubbing steps.
5. Rinse: Spray the cushion down with a garden hose.
6. Dry: Squeeze out as much water as possible. Blot with a clean towel. Place the cushions upright in a sunny spot to air dry.

Method 3: Pressure Washer

This method is controversial. Some experts advise against it because high pressure can damage fabric or blow out seams. However, for durable, non-removable cushions, it is a fast way to deep clean.

Use a low PSI setting and a 40-degree nozzle (usually white). This wide spray pattern is gentler.

1. Safety first: Wear protective gear, including closed-toe shoes or boots. Pressure washers can cause injury.
2. Set up: Place cushions on a clean, flat concrete surface like a driveway. Avoid washing them on grass (mud splashback) or wood decks (potential wood damage).
3. Add detergent (optional): If your machine has a soap tank, add a compatible detergent for greasy stains. Otherwise, plain water usually works fine.
4. Spray: Stand back to test the pressure. Start at the top and work your way down in sweeping motions. Keep the nozzle moving to avoid tearing the fabric.
5. Rinse: If you used detergent, switch to plain water and rinse thoroughly.
6. Dry: Squeeze out excess water and blot with a towel. Stand cushions vertically in the sun until fully dry.

How to Spot Clean Patio Cushions

Sometimes you don’t need to wash the whole cushion. If you catch a spill immediately, spot cleaning saves time and water.

• Time: 15 minutes.
• Difficulty: Easy.

What You’ll Need

• Warm water.
• Spray bottle.
• Dish soap.
• Soft-bristled brush.
• Garden hose or wet cloth.

1. Prepare the Solution

Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with lukewarm water in a spray bottle. Shake it up.

2. Treat the Stain

Spray the stained area generously. Treating a spill while it is fresh significantly increases your chances of total removal.

3. Soak and Scrub

Let the soapy water sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the soap into the fibers gently.

4. Rinse and Dry

Rinse the spot with a hose or blot it repeatedly with a wet cloth until the soap is gone. Squeeze out the water and let it air dry in the sun.

Cleaning Different Types of Outdoor Cushions

Fabric types vary, and so do their cleaning needs. Here is how to handle common materials.

• Delicate fabric: Fabrics with embellishments or wool blends must be hand-washed gently. Avoid the hose and never use a pressure washer.
• Memory foam: Avoid saturating memory foam. It acts like a sponge and takes forever to dry, promoting mold growth inside the cushion. Spot clean the cover only if possible.
• Woven acrylics: These are durable and resist fading. You can safely use the Borax, vinegar, or dish soap methods listed above.
• Synthetic fabrics: Polyester and olefin are tough. They resist staining and can usually handle a pressure wash if done carefully.
• Sunbrella: Sunbrella is the gold standard for outdoor fabric. It is designed to be easy to clean. Use mild soap and water, rinse well, and air dry. Bleach can be used on stubborn stains, but check the manufacturer’s specific guide first.

How to Remove Specific Stains

Different messes require different chemical reactions. Here is your cheat sheet for tough outdoor stains.

• Mildew: The Borax or vinegar methods (listed above) are your best defense here.
• Bird poop: Let it dry, then scrape off the excess. Spray with warm water and laundry detergent. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse.
• Grass: Apply liquid laundry detergent directly to the stain. Scrub with the grain of the fabric. Rinse with warm water. If the green remains, soak with an oxygen bleach like OxiClean.
• Mold: If the fabric allows, a diluted bleach solution is most effective. Mix one tablespoon of bleach per pint of water. Scrub, wait 15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
• Food and Grease: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the fresh grease to absorb the oil. Scrape it off, then scrub with dish soap and hot water.
• Blood: Mix 1/2 tablespoon dish soap, 1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide, and one cup cool water. Blot the stain (do not rub) and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Tree sap: Use an enzyme-based cleaner like Rocco & Roxie. Apply, let sit for 15 minutes, and scrub. A paste of baking soda and water can also help lift the stickiness.
• Wine: Blot fresh spills immediately with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt or baking soda. Rinse, then treat with a mixture of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.

Tips For Keeping Your Cushions Clean

Maintenance is easier than deep cleaning. Follow these tips to keep your patio looking sharp with less effort.

• Dry brush regularly: Dust and pollen settle daily. Brush them off once a week so they don’t get wet and turn into sludge.
• Clean spills immediately: The longer a stain sits in the sun, the harder it is to remove.
• Store them: If you aren’t using the furniture, store the cushions. If that is too much work, invest in waterproof furniture covers.
• Re-apply protection: Factory coatings wear off. Use a spray like Bayes Fabric Protectant annually to restore water and stain resistance.
• Install shade: An umbrella or awning protects fabric from bird droppings, tree sap, and UV fading.

FAQs

Can You Dry Clean Outdoor Cushions?

You can, but it is rarely necessary. Most dry cleaners accept cushion covers, which is helpful for delicate fabrics. However, for standard durable outdoor fabric, the cost of dry cleaning usually outweighs the effort of a simple hand wash at home.

Can You Steam Clean Patio Cushions?

Yes, but proceed with caution. Steam is great for killing bacteria and removing odors. However, high heat can damage certain synthetic fibers or melt waterproof coatings. Always check the care label and test a small area first.

How Do You Clean Patio Cushions That Are Fixed to Furniture?

Use the hand-wash method with a bucket and brush. Focus on scrubbing the top and sides. Because you cannot squeeze these out easily, use a wet-dry vac to suck out excess moisture, then place the furniture in direct sunlight to dry completely.

How Do You Get the Musty Smell Out of Outdoor Cushions?

Vinegar is your best friend for odors. Spray the cushions with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water. As it dries, the vinegar smell evaporates and takes the musty odor with it. For a fresh scent, add 10 drops of lemon essential oil to the mix.

How Often Should I Clean Patio Cushions?

You should do a light spot clean or brush-off weekly during the peak season. A deep clean with soap and water is recommended once at the start of spring and once before storing them for winter.