How to Clean Outdoor Cushions and Patio Furniture

To treat mold, mildew and bacteria on fabric, mix equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes. Scrub with a sponge or a soft bristle brush, then thoroughly rinse with water. Let the cushion dry in the sun. The sun’s UV rays will help kill any remaining mold, mildew and bacteria.

Kids and pets running around means there will be grass stains. But they’re easily treatable with just two ingredients: hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Mix a few drops of hydrogen peroxide with a tablespoon of baking soda to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on the stained surface. Let it sit for half an hour. Next, using a brush, scrub it off and let it sit for another ten minutes. Rinse well and air dry.

Remove grease or oil stains by sprinkling baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area and let it sit for 30 minutes. Next, dip an old toothbrush in a solution of dish soap and warm water and gently scrub the area. Rinse with clear water and air dry. It’s best to treat oil spills quickly to keep the fabric from staining.

There are a few ways you can remove tree sap from cushions and other upholstery. Start by using a spoon or blunt butter knife to gently scrape off as much sap as possible. Then mix warm water and liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and let the solution sit for a few minutes, then use a sponge or soft bristle brush to gently scrub the area. Rinse thoroughly.

If that doesn’t work, try water and a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the affected area and allow the solution to sit for a few minutes. Gently wipe away and rinse.

If the sap is stubborn, try dampening a cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub the sap. Rinse and allow to dry.

There is a gentler method you can use to remove sap. Place ice cubes in a plastic bag and apply it to the sap. Once the sap hardens, gently scrape it off using a spoon or blunt butter knife. Remove any residual stain using a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rinse with water and air dry.

Not only are plastic and resin the most budget-friendly types of patio furniture, but they’re also the easiest to maintain. Spray these pieces with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a sponge or a damp cloth.

For soiled metal furniture, such as pieces made of aluminum or steel, use dish soap, warm water and a scrub brush to clean it. You can use steel wool to remove any rust. Consider repainting the pieces to prevent future rusting.

There are many wood cleaning products that can be used to keep your outdoor hardwood furniture looking like new. Use soft pressure setting on your pressure washer to clean softer woods and medium pressure to clean harder, more durable wood surfaces. Avoid power washing your wooden pieces on a high pressure setting, as the pressure and hot water could damage them.

Glass tabletops can easily be cleaned with a glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Don’t forget to clean the underside of the glass. Clean the frames of the furniture according to the type of material.

Cleaning wicker or rattan furniture requires only soap, water, a brush and perhaps a toothbrush to get into the weave. Soap and water are also appropriate for a light, general cleaning of rope furniture like hammocks. Allow stains to soak before scrubbing with a brush, rinsing and allowing the rope to dry.

The best way to clean patio cushions depends on the type of stain you want to treat. For overall cleaning, a solution of warm water, dish soap and vinegar is an effective and natural cleaner that you can use on outdoor umbrellas and cushions.

You should clean outdoor cushions at least twice a year. Once before you store them away in the fall and once before you use them in spring.

Yes, you can power wash your cushions but be careful as too much pressure can damage the fabric.

Yes, baking soda is a great way to treat oil stains as it helps absorb the oil.