How to Care for Your Outdoor Fabric Cushions
People enjoy their patios, decks, and gardens as an extension of their homes. Having beautiful,
comfortable furniture outside is as important as having it in the living room or den. Keeping
outdoor cushions in great shape year after year isn't difficult, but it does take some discipline.
Here's how to keep yours looking brand new for years to come.
What Rain and Fade Resistance Means
Most outdoor cushions today are marketed as "rain resistant" and "fade resistant." This means that
the fabric has been chemically treated to repel moisture and protect against the harsh rays of the sun.
You can test for adequate water repellency by sprinkling a few drops of water on the material. When the
cushions are new, water will bead up and roll off of the fabric. However, just like sunscreen, you can't
apply it once at the beginning of summer and expect not to get sunburned all year. Minimal maintenance
and care is required in order to keep your cushions, pillows, and draperies looking great for years to
come.i
The primary enemies of your
cushion and drapery material
are sunlight, rain, ice, and snow. Cover your outdoor furniture when not in use, or bring cushions indoors
out of the rain when possible. Inspect your covers frequently for rips and tears that can allow external
damage to the core of material. Squirrels and other little creatures are infamous for causing holes in covers!
If your cushions do get wet stand them on the sides with the zipper open and facing down. This allows gravity
to pull the moisture out, speeding up dry time. It's ideal to keep your outdoor furniture under a covered
porch or awning, but this is not always possible. For cushions exposed to the elements year-round, storing the
cushions during inclement weather or covering them will extend the life considerably compared to leaving them
exposed and uncared for.
About once per year -- the beginning of spring when you bring your cushions out from storage for the first time
– it is beneficial to re-treat your cushions with a fabric protector to restore the chemical treatments applied
by the manufacturer to repel water and protect against fading from the sun. Fabric guard is readily available
in supermarkets and home improvement centers.
Everyday Care for Outdoor Fabric
If you maintain the daily care of your cushions, then the long-term care is much easier. Keep the cushions free of
leaves, pine needles, pollen, bird droppings and dead bugs. Usually, a quick sweep with a broom is sufficient.
If pollen or dust collects and it won't come off with a broom, use your vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment
if close to your house or a portable mini-vacuum.
Bird droppings usually
call for a little extra scrub.
Use a mild liquid soap such as Ivory liquid soap or a liquid laundry detergent for hand washables to eradicate
these leavings. Take about 2 ounces of soap per gallon of water and rub with a sponge or soft bristled brush.
Never scrub the material abrasively as this can damage the yarns of the fabric and cause variations in the fabrics
appearance by leaving scrub markings or patterns. Always use lukewarm water on your outdoor cushions, as cold
water isn't sufficient to dissolve most organic stains (such as bird droppings) and hot water will set the
stain permanently. Likewise, food stains must be cleaned immediately (using the same solution) so the food won't
attract bugs, which can eat holes in your cushions.
Removable cushion covers can be hand washed in a solution of one-quarter cup mild liquid soap per gallon of lukewarm
water, and air dried. Some removable cushion fabrics can be machine washed, but never do this unless the manufacturer's
instructions say so. Modern outdoor fabrics are generally made to be mildew resistant, but the dust and debris that
collects on outdoor furniture is not, so you'll need to kill the mildew to prevent damage to your cushions. Use a
solution of one-quarter cup bleach plus one-quarter cup mild liquid soap per gallon of lukewarm water to eliminate
mildew growth. Agitate with a sponge or soft bristled brush (such as a toothbrush) to remove stubborn spots, and then
rinse completely with clean water.
Whether you clean the cushion covers on the padding or remove it for cleaning, it's always important to thoroughly
air dry both the padding and the fabric before covering it or putting it away for storage. Don't forget to care
for the fabric on your outdoor curtains or patio umbrellas, just as you do the fabric on
your furniture.ii
It is a good idea to cover your cushions with a towel when using sunscreen or bug repellant as these chemicals can
remove the chemical protecting as well as leave harmful residues on the cushions making cleaning more difficult.iii
Long-Term Care for Outdoor Fabric
If you've kept your furniture relatively clean throughout the season, it should be a cinch to prepare it for
wintertime. Wash and dry the cushions as usual. Store your cushions in a dry space, such as the attic or basement,
but avoid any room where humidity, standing water, leaks, or floods are a problem. Avoid storing your cushions
in plastic bags, because sealed bags that don't allow for air flow are ideal for mildew growth. Instead, invest
in some vented storage bags designed for outdoor furniture cushions.
In milder regions where residents can enjoy being outdoors most of the year, such as the Southwest and Deep South,
continue to care for your outdoor furniture during the winter months as you did throughout the spring and summer.
Don't allow uncovered furniture to sit out in the rain and limit the exposure to sunlight when not in use. Also,
keep dust, debris, and droppings cleaned off before they grow mildew or set stains. Fabric protector is designed
to protect the cushions from exterior climate conditions, but should not be relied upon solely. Minimal care is
required to maintain the condition of your outdoor products.iv
Keeping Your Outdoor Furniture Clean and Nice
Dirty furniture -- including wood, metal, plastic, or wicker -- will soil your cushions even if you've taken
care to keep the fabric clean. It's a good idea to scrub your outdoor furniture thoroughly each year before
setting out your cushions for the first time. You also might need to clean them again after the pollen has
done its thing or if abundant rains or dust storms have dirtied it.v
Wood furniture can be scrubbed with soap and water. Most outdoor furniture manufacturers recommend refinishing
wood occasionally, as the treatment of the wood eventually wears off. Be sure to let any stains or sealants dry
completely before placing your fabric cushions out. Scrub metal furniture as well and inspect for rust. Remove rust
by sanding and repainting with a rust preventative outdoor paint. Scrub plastic furniture likewise, but don't
hesitate to use a bit of bleach if there are tough-to-remove mildew stains growing on it.
These are the basics, but
every manufacturer has their own recommendations
when it comes to caring for their furniture and fabrics. Read the instructions that come with your furniture,
and file those away for future reference. Also keep any warranties or guarantees that come with your furniture
and cushions so you can process a claim with the manufacturer should any issues with your product arise.
Summary:
Keeping outdoor furniture cushions looking nice isn't difficult, but it does take some loving care,
especially throughout the spring and summer.
Bio:
OutdoorFabrics.com is a wholesale and retail supplier of more than
1,000 outdoor fabric patterns, as well as a custom cushion and outdoor drapery manufacturer. Here you can
find fabrics for all of your outdoor needs, including cushions, draperies, canopies, and patio umbrellas.
OutdoorFabrics.com carries the Sunbrella brand of outdoor fabrics, which are made from tough acrylic fibers
that resist fading and wear and tear from the weather. These fabrics last for years, and look beautiful
even after lots of fun in the sun!
Sources:
- http://www.networx.com/article/caring-for-outdoor-furniture-cushions
- http://furniture.about.com/od/outdoorfurniture/qt/out316fab.htm
- http://www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/download.cfm/revision-id.494150/workspace-id.-4/01500292.html
- http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-clean-patio-furniture-cushions-and-canvas/index.html
- http://www.marthastewart.com/275678/outdoor-furniture-care-guide/@center/276985/outdoor-living#166540