Cleaning Tips for Outdoor Cushion and Pillow Covers

 

An outdoor space where you can relax and unwind yourself on a lazy holiday afternoon is loved by all. Some of us take care in making that space super cozy by including cushions of various shapes and sizes. They add softness and style to our outdoor area. But maintaining your favorite corner can become tiresome as the furniture is exposed to the outside elements for a prolonged period. Bird droppings, tree sap, mildew, debris, and dirt can ruin the fabric of your cushions and pillows. So, once you decorate your outdoor area, you must also know how to take good care of them. Knowing how to clean the pillows and cushions will keep your seating area comfortable and ready to use anytime. 

Washings the pillow and cushions (and the covers)

As soon as winter comes, we remove the covers and wash them thoroughly before storing them. You can again do so before using them if the place you are storing attracts dust. There are certain steps that you need to follow to clean outdoor pillow and cushion covers to prevent them from staining.

The process

Some patio pillows and cushions possess removable covers. For those, you have to worry less as you can take them off and toss them in the washing machine. But before doing so, it would be best for you to read the manufacturer's instructions for washing. You will not like any damage happen to your beloved covers. Let them completely dry before you put your outdoor pillow and seat cushion covers away to be used next year. 

But if the covers are irremovable, you have to spend some extra time cleaning them. All you will need to refresh them is your garden hose and a simple cleaning solution. Look for a solid outdoor surface for cleaning them so that you do not create new mud stains on your cushions.  

The steps

• Vacuuming the loose dust and debris

Use the upholstery attachment for vacuuming the cushions. Slowly repeat the process to remove the loose dust and debris. Seams and crevices attract more dust. So be patient while vacuuming them. Be cautious around fancy decorations on your cushions. If you think vacuuming is not for you, you can also use a soft-bristled brush to brush the dirt away.

• Scrubbing the cushions with a cleaning solution

For preparing the solution, you will need one-fourth cup of borax and one tablespoon of dish detergent. Mix them up in a bucket of water. Dip a scrubbing brush in this solution and gently scrub the entire surface. Give at least a few minutes for the cushion to soak the solution. 

• Rinsing the pillows and the cushions

A garden hose is the handiest thing for rinsing them. Set the pressure at medium-high and rinse away the cleaning solution thoroughly. Using a pressure washer may not be a good idea in this case as it might ruin the fabric. 

• Let them dry completely

Squeeze out the water with your hands and use a dry towel to blot the pillows to soak as much moisture as possible. Keeping them in a sunny area will help in drying them more quickly. 

Conclusion

Follow the mentioned steps to keep your outdoor cushion and pillow (covers) new for many more years to come. Read about camping sites in Aberdaron.