Skip to main content

How to clean your patio furniture cushions the right way

Your guide for cleaning outdoor cushions

Three cushions on backyard bench
Natasha Reddy / Unsplash

Patio furniture cushions endure a lot of heavy use and potential damage from the elements, especially when left out in rough conditions. They can also get soiled from food and beverage spills, bird droppings, mildew, and even mold. But don’t despair: We’ll let you in on some tricks on how to clean outdoor cushions and keep them from getting dirty in the first place so you can save time later.

Recommended Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes

What You Need

  • Dishwashing detergent

  • Bleach

  • Fabric brush

  • Leather conditioner

  • Larger container (like a 5-gallon bucket)

  • Water hose

  • Borax

Patio furniture on wooden chairs
Steve Brown Photograph/Getty Images

Use a trusty washing machine

Good for: Heavily soiled, machine-washable cushions, covers

Granted, the obvious answer to thoroughly clean patio furniture cushions is tossing them into the washing machine, then letting them air dry, or using a low temperature setting on your dryer. However, some cushions aren’t designed for washing machines, as this may damage the fabric or stuffing, leaving you with frayed fabrics or flat seats. Instead, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Check the tags.

Before using a washing machine, check your cushion’s wash care tags to make sure they’re actually machine washable. Note that removable zippers or button cushions are usually machine washable.

Step 2: Only use bleach if necessary.

Skip out on the bleach if your cushion doesn’t have mold or mildew, as this extra detergent can actually irritate skin, especially if you have little ones who like to hang out on the patio. Regular detergent and warm water should suffice.

Step 3: Air dry.

If you’re concerned about shrinking, let the cushions air dry in the sun.

Outdoor table with wicker chairs
Ron Sutherland/Getty Images

Handwash cushions with a solution

Good for: Delicate fabrics, spot stains

If your fabric needs gentle care, consider handwashing to get stains out. Silk covers, cushions with appliques, rayon, leather, and fur are standard no-nos when it comes to washing machines and should be treated with appropriate solutions.

Step 1: Use a wet cloth and detergent.

When in doubt, use a wet cloth with mild detergent to lift fresh stains and prevent discoloration. Even if your stains are caked in, handwashing cushions might be better than using a washing machine.

Step 2: Consider a fabric brush.

You can use a fabric brush to scrub out stains on hardier cushions using strong stain removers.

Step 3: For leather covers: Use a leather conditioner and refresher.

Step 4: For fabric cushions: There are also spot sprays you can use to treat surface stains for fabric-based cushions.

Furthermore, there are efficient stain fighters at home which you simply need to dig out of that kitchen or storage.

Outdoor seating with cushion and pillows
mikumistock/Shutterstock

Soak the cushion before washing

Good for: Mildew or mold

You might have thought about replacing your patio furniture cushions especially after noticing the mold buildup — but wait, there are solutions. Your patio furniture cushions might become riddled with mildew or mold if left in wet or humid conditions. Beverage spills left untreated might also lead to mildew on and within the cushion.

You can use a spray bottle to soak the cushions or create a large amount of mixture in a bucket to submerge your cushions. Leave the cushions for 15 minutes to an hour and then wash off the mixture and dirt with your garden hose. Instead of borax, you can add some bleach to thoroughly eliminate mold.

Another common dirt might be tree sap on your cushions. SFGate suggests applying detergent to the affected area and waiting 30 minutes before wiping it off. Another suggestion is using an enzyme-based stain remover to break down the sap. Keep the solution on for at least 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use an extra-strength detergent and a handheld brush to scrub away the sap. Wash off any leftover solution and sap with water.

Three cushions on backyard bench
Natasha Reddy / Unsplash

Keep them from getting dirty

An easy way to keep your patio furniture like new is to do all you can to prevent dirt buildup and stains.

Use covers or upholstery protectors

For heavily used patios, consider vinyl or plastic cushion covers. You can also treat your fabric with upholstery protectors to avoid stains. Moreover, they’re usually safe for all fabrics, even silk. There are also many options that don’t contain harmful chemicals, making them safe for household use. One example is Vectra, which is available in large hardware stores.

Store cushions indoors during the off-season

Another way to keep your cushions clean is taking them inside during seasons when they’re not in use. This might mean storing them in your garage during rainy seasons or snowy months. This will help prevent mold, sun damage, and general breakdown.

Outdoor seating cushions
Canna Curious Club/Unsplash

Spot clean your cushions

If you have one spot that's bothering you, you can try to treat just that area without soaking the entire cushion.

Step 1: Remove the cushion and move it to an area that you can treat it. Perhaps bring it inside on a covered area of your kitchen counter or on the floor on a spread-out garbage bag.

Step 2: Use a borax mixture, OxyClean, or another spot treatment that is used on fabric.

Step 3: Thoroughly read the directions before beginning the spot treatment to ensure the fabric is approved for the type of cleaner. Let it sit and wash according to the directions.

Even if you know how to wash patio cushions, it’s still a good idea to take some preventive measures. This way, you save time scrubbing down cushions and surface stains in the future. And, even if your cushions seem beyond cleaning, try one of our cleaning tips to bring them back to life.

Deb Goncalves
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Deb's work has appeared on Moms, Babygaga, and WorldAtlas. When she's not working (that's hard to say about a Capricorn), she…
How to disconnect your fridge ice maker in 10 easy steps
Ensure delicious cold beverages with a pristine fridge ice maker
Chrome refrigerator with ice maker in a modern kitchen

Whether your ice maker is leaking, jammed, or just straight up isn’t functioning properly, it could be time to remove and replace the entire ensemble. But do you know how to disconnect a fridge ice maker? The refrigerator is one of the most important kitchen appliances in your home, so you want to ensure it's in tiptop shape. The ice maker in your refrigerator is a separate component that draws power from your refrigerator. When the ice maker breaks, it can be easy to uninstall and take it out for repairs or replacement.

Read more
How to clean walls without damaging the paint or finish
Get your walls sparkling without ruining them in the process
Man using a sponge on a wall

Keeping your walls fresh can make your space look crisp and pristine, but it’s important to know how to clean walls properly to avoid damaging the paint or finish. Whether you’re doing a seasonal deep clean, prepping walls before painting, or just tackling some unexpected smudges, the right wall-cleaning techniques and products can make all the difference.
Different paint types, different cleaners

Not all paint finishes are created equal when it comes to cleaning. Some types of paint are more durable than others, so choosing the right cleaning solution and method is essential to avoid damaging the surface. The key is to match the cleaner to the durability of your paint type.
Flat paint, eggshell paint, and stain
Stained walls as well as flat and eggshell finishes are among the most delicate wall finishes. They lack the protective sheen of other finishes, making them more susceptible to damage from scrubbing or harsh chemicals. When cleaning these types of walls, stick to a mild soap and water solution. Use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent paint removal or visible streaks.
Latex paint
Latex paint is more durable than flat or eggshell finishes, but it’s still not indestructible. When cleaning walls painted with latex, use a nonabrasive cleaner like diluted dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as they can dull the paint’s finish. A soft cloth or sponge is ideal for gently cleaning these surfaces without leaving marks.
Gloss and semigloss finishes
Gloss and semi-gloss finishes are the most durable options and are often in high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Their sheen makes them more resistant to moisture and dirt, so they can handle stronger cleaners. Degreasing agents work well on these surfaces, especially in kitchens where grease buildup is common. Still, avoid anything too abrasive that could scratch the finish.
How to clean walls: Step-by-step instructions

Read more
Bathtub refinishing: How to restore your tub without replacing it
You don't have to buy a new bathtub. Save money by restoring your existing tub
Modern minimalist bathroom with soaking tub and square toilet

Bathtubs are durable and can withstand years of use. However, there may come a time when your tub is in need of a quick restoration. Instead of pulling out your wallet to fork over a hefty payment for a new tub, consider refinishing it instead. Bathtub refinishing can fix many minor problems and save you lots of money. Here’s what you should know.
When to refinish your bathtub

For most homeowners, your bathtub can last years without refinishing. However, if you experience any of the following, it may be time for a facelift.
When to refinish your tub:

Read more