How do I clean my outdoor cushions
So you've just bought some beautiful new outdoor cushions, and you're ready to set up your outdoor oasis. But before you do, there's one more thing to consider:
How do I clean these things?
It's a good question, because the last thing you want is to get them dirty before they even hit the patio. And while it's true that outdoor furniture needs to last a little longer than indoor furniture, the right cleaning regimen can make all the difference.
So how do you clean your outdoor cushions? Here are some tips:
Regular care
Where possible store away from direct sunlight when not in use to prolong fabric life. Vacuum regularly using low suction. Rotate reversible cushions regularly. Please note a dirty surface promotes mildew growth, so please keep fabrics clean.
Spot Cleaning
Treat spills and stains as soon as possible. Gently scrape any soil or mop any liquid from the surface of the fabric. Do not scrub. Apply proprietary cleaning agents strictly according to instructions to remove the residue of the spill. Do not saturate the fabric or interior with water or other cleaning liquids. May be spot cleaned with dry cleaning solvent.
Cleaning
- If cleaning with a hot-water extraction machine (hot), do not remove cushion covers for separate cleaning even though they have zippers. Professional cleaning recommended. Use only upholstery detergent. Do not wet filling. Allow to naturally dry before re-use.Or
- May be shampoo cleaned using upholstery shampoo only. Do not use dishwashing or laundry detergents. Do not wet filling. Do not scrub with stiff brush. Allow to naturally dry before re-use.
Washing Instructions
If your covers are too bulky for your machine, we recommend professional washing by your local laundry. Use a gentle cycle and do not wash the fabric at a temperature exceeding 40 degrees. Use a washing agent that does not contain optical brighteners and which is suitable for colour retention such as Earth Choice (3 X Ultra concentrate liquid), or Eco Store Laundry Powder or Omo Colour.
Warning
Do not use washing agents containing any optical brighteners, as this may affect colour, particularly if cushions and main cover are not washed at the same time. Do not mix different colours or fabrics in the wash. Do not squeeze or wring by hand. Do not apply detergent directly to covers when washing. Covers with zippers do not necessarily mean that the covers are removable; once removed the covers may be difficult to replace depending on the style of furniture.
Note: Some minor colour change may occur in the initial washing stages. We recommend laundering or dry cleaning in complete cover sets to ensure there is no colour variation between cushions and main covers.
Drying Instructions
To reduce risk of shrinkage, line drying only should be used. Do not line dry in direct sunlight as this may accelerate colour loss. Do not tumble dry. Ironing should not be necessary, but if required, iron on the reverse side using a low temperature.
Bleach Cleaning/Disinfection
Mix 5% of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) with 95% water (One 250mL cup of household bleach in 5L of water). Pre-test cleaning method on a hidden part of the furniture. The bleach solution can remain on the fabric surface for up to 10-minutes after which the bleach solution must be thoroughly rinsed from the fabric using a water extraction machine filled with cold water. Once thoroughly rinsed, extract any residual moisture and allow to dry at room temperature. Furniture must be dry before being reused.
WARNING: Sodium hypochlorite bleach is corrosive. Avoid contact with the skin. Use PVC gloves and follow the safety instructions of the bleach manufacturer. Please also be mindful not to apply the bleach solution to the frame of the furniture or any floor coverings without further testing.
1. Clean often—at least once a week during warm weather months, or twice a month during cooler months. This prevents mould and mildew buildup on your cushions, which can lead to discolouration and even decay over time.
2. Remove all dirt from the cushions before cleaning them; this keeps dirt from getting trapped in between cushions or along seams where it can cause damage later on down the line.
3. Use only mild detergents when washing your cushions (be sure not to use any bleach-based products); this will keep colours from fading too quickly over time!