Spring is here, and it is time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. This time of year, outdoor spaces likely need a good sprucing up, which includes cleaning your furniture and cushions. Here are our recommendations for cleaning your outdoor fabrics.
Most of the fabrics we sell for outdoor applications are solution-dyed acrylics, which are very durable and relatively easy to clean.
Some small cushion covers, like throw pillows, can be removed and machine washed with a mild detergent. Close any zippers, launder on the gentle cycle, then hang pillow covers to air dry. Do not put them in the clothes dryer, which can damage the material and the waterproof finish. For larger items such as deep-seating cushions, we do not recommend removing the covers, as it can be very difficult to get the inserts back into the covers without damaging seams or zippers.
For large cushions, start by brushing off any loose debris or dirt. Mix a solution of ¼ cup of mild detergent dish soap to a gallon of warm water. Spray directly onto the fabric and let it soak for 15 minutes. Use a sponge, cloth, or very soft bristled brush if needed to loosen the stain. Work from side to side, seam to seam, and not in a circular motion to avoid causing the fabric to nap or leave water rings. Hook up the jet spray on your water hose and thoroughly rinse all soapy water off the surface of the cushion. Prop the cushion on its edge, seam or zipper side down, and allow to air dry.
Acrylic fabrics do not promote the growth of mold or mildew, but these can grow on any organic matter that has settled onto the cushion. To remove mold and mildew, add one cup of bleach to your soap and water mixture. Spray on, allow to sit, and follow the same procedure as above. If mildew stains persist, increase the amount of bleach in your mixture. As long as your fabric is solution-dyed acrylic, don’t be afraid to use bleach! We have piece of Sunbrella™ fabric that has been sitting in a jar of straight bleach for almost 20 years, and it still hasn’t faded. Note: we do not recommend bleach for print or olefin fabrics.
If you have an oil-based stain, start with an absorbent such as corn starch. Allow it to dry as much as possible, then scrape off with a blunt straight edge prior to cleaning.
We offer Sunbrella™ name brand cleaning products in the store, and many manufacturers also offer their own branded cleaning products. We suggest you start with the simplest, gentlest process first, then increase the strength of the products as necessary to remove stubborn stains.
For general maintenance, brush off dirt and debris regularly. If your cushions are fully exposed to rain, prop your cushions at an angle seam or zipper side down to allow rainwater to flow through the cushion rather than sitting inside the fill, causing mildew to grow. If it is time for a full refresh, we offer replacement cushions for all the fine brands we carry.
