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. In this case, youll need a container, water hose, brush, and cleaning solution of dishwashing detergent, borax, and water to get this dirt out.
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 on the affected area and wait 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.
Scrub With Mild Bleach
Bleach always seems to do the trick. Be careful to water down the solution so that you dont create spots of discoloration on your cushions. I recommend pouring 1/2 cup of bleach into a gallon of water. As always, never use bleach cleaning products if you are pregnant.
Important: Never use bleach and ammonia together. This is very dangerous and can produce toxic chemicals. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. does a good job of explaining why here.
How To Wash Outdoor Cushions In The Washing Machine
If your outdoor cushions have removable covers then washing them in your washing machine is a great way to get them clean quickly. Do this once a year .
Simply remove the cushion cover, keeping the inner filling separate somewhere warm, dry and protected to avoid any mildew getting in there. Check the label as above for any notes on temperature and more. Next, shake any dust, sand or other debris stuck in the corner grooves of the covers and run them on a gentle cycle with a good washing powder or the best washing pods you can afford. When done, allow them to air dry completely before putting the filling back in.
Extra grubby? Make a baking soda and water paste to pre-treat cushions before running them through the washer. It’s a great way to lift stains and refresh them in a more natural way than using bleach.
You May Like: What To Do If Mold Is Found In Your Home
Regular Cleaning Of Outdoor Furniture
Mildew is actually a plant that grows best in hot, humid summer weather its a form of mold. It flourishes in damp, warm environments that are poorly lighted or where air does not circulate well. Along with discoloring fabrics, mildew gives off a musty odor, and if it isnt treated, it can discolor fabric and may even cause them to rot. To help prevent this kind of damage, monthly cleaning and maintenance is recommended.
Make Sure Youre Drying Correctly
This is actually the most important thing to get right when cleaning your outdoor cushions, because if you dont, the result will be even worse than before you cleaned them. If the foam is not allowed to dry all the way through, mold and mildew are guaranteed. Nadeem comments: Ensure they are completely dried through by leaving them in the sun, putting them in an airing cupboard or putting them on the radiator. Leaving moisture in the cushions can result in the foam degrading and mold or mildew developing.
Leaving your cushions out against a sunny wall or garage door for several days is the best course of action, unless your cushions cover are not color fast. Generally, if theyre made from dyed linen or cotton and are brightly colored, its not advisable to dry them in direct sun. In this case, youll need to wait until the summer so that you can dry them off in dry shade during warm weather.
Want more cleaning advice to get your outdoor space ready for summer? Check out our guides on how to clean a patio and how to clean decking for more top tips.
Also Check: Shower Ceiling Mold Removal
You May Like: Can Black Mold Grow In Water
The White Vinegar Method
The White Vinegar Method is a non-toxic and eco-friendly way to clean outdoor cushions of any fabric.
You can use distilled white vinegar for many tasks around the house, and one of those tasksyou guessed itis removing mold and mildew from outdoor cushions.
However, this might not be the ideal method if your outdoor cushions are severely affected by mold or mildew. In that case, go with a more rigorous technique to get a deeper cleaning, such as the pressure washer or bleach methods.
Tools and Materials:
Instructions:
Additional Options For Mold And Mildew Upholstery Cleaning
For a more natural approach to cleaning the mold and mildew from your upholstery, try antifungals such as grapefruit seed extract or tea tree oil.
- Grapefruit seed cleaning solution 20 drops grapefruit seed oil in 2 cups water, mix, and then spray with mold spray onto mold areas.
- Tea tree oil cleaning solution 2 teaspoons tea tree oil in 2 cup water, mix and then spray onto mold areas.
Mold and mildew thrive in moist areas so prevent the return of their spores by using a dehumidifier and fade-resistant upholstery pieces in direct sunlight. If youre uncertain about using any cleaning solution on your furniture, its better to let Embassy Cleaners professionally clean your upholstery in NYC.
Don’t Miss: What Can Mold Do To Your Brain
S For Removing Oil Stains
How To Clean Moldy Outdoor Cushions
Having a moldy cushion can be annoying and irritating. Im sure you dont want your guest thinking that you are unhygienic when they visit you. As far as mold is concerned, you will jump at everything to eliminate its presence in your furniture.
Nobody wants to sit in a moldy cushion. If your cushions are white, it would become so apparent for anyone to detect the presence of mold on them. In fact, it is easy for anyone to detect molds on any color of cushion. Leaving your cushion outdoors is a great way to relax in the garden and enjoy mother nature. However, being outside means you exposing the cushion to the elements rain, sun, etc, and in this process, mold spots would be detected.
We shall discuss further what mold is, causes, effects, types, and how to get rid of it from your outdoor cushions.
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Mold Under Kitchen Cabinets
How To Clean Oil
Whether its from sunscreen, bug spray, or food, oils can make their way onto outdoor cushions and pillows. These oils can also attract more dirt and grime. Dont worry, though! You can remove these stains with a dry absorbent powder like cornstarch or baking soda. Follow these steps to tidy up your cushions.
Get To Know Your Fabric
Outdoor furniture is typically durable and water-resistant. But certain fabrics won’t perform as well as others outdoors. Like ourSunbrella fabric pillows, the best outdoor cushions are kid and pet-friendly and won’t get ruined in the rain. If you’re shopping for pillows for your outdoor furniture, stay away from the ones meant for indoors, they’ll get destroyed fast. Sunbrella fabrics are known for being durable, water-resistant, and mold and mildew-resistant. Neighbor cushion covers are also machine washable. Check the care instructions that came with your furniture to ensure specific cleaning solutions like bleach are safe to use. Keep in mind UV damage can harm fabric as much as rain, and not all outdoor cushions are fade-proof. Fixing fading on your sofa fabric is almost impossible, so prevention is key.
You May Like: Can You Get Rid Of Mold In Your House
Cleaning Outdoor Cushions In The Washing Machine
If your cushions have removable covers, it might be your lucky day. Depending on your covers wash instructions, you may be able to just pop them in your washing machine.
Certain types of materials are more suitable for machine wash, while others require hand washing.
Even if your covers can be machine washed, you may need to repeat this process a few times to get all the mold off. Since youll likely be running a gentle cycle, not all the mold will clear away after one wash.
Make sure to let the covers fully air dry before you start the next cycle. If you dont, the mold may cling on for a while longer.
Using your dryer for this step may work, but not all covers may be compatible for machine drying. Out in the sun is usually the best drying spot.
Karcher K1700 Trupressure Pressure Washer
BEST POWER WASHER
When it comes to reliable, powerful and user-friendly pressure washers, you cant beat Karcher. This Karcher K1700 TruPressure Pressure Washer sports an upright design with a durable metal frame and built-in wheels for improved portability. Its also easy to access the port for adding soap into the device. For neater storage, the washer includes tailored spaces for the handle, the nozzle and the high-pressure hose. The corded device delivers up to 1700 PSI of pressurized water for effective cleaning of outdoor furniture, patios, decks, sidewalks, RVs, cars and other outdoor surfaces.
Read Also: Does Ultraviolet Light Kill Mold
The Warmer Spring Weather Is Finally Letting Us Use Our Backyards And Patios
To clean mildew from outdoor cushions, follow these instructions:
First, conduct a bleachability test by adding 2 teaspoons Clorox® Regular Bleach2 to ¼ cup water and apply a drop of this solution to a less visible part of the cushion. Wait 1 minute and then blot dry. No color change means you can safely bleach the cushion. Depending on the type of cushion you have, follow instructions below:
Also Check: How To Replace Drywall With Mold
How To Clean Mold Off Outdoor Furniture Cushions
Outdoor cushions and fabric accents bring a bit of indoor comfort to outdoor spaces, but these materials can be prone to mold and mildew. Its important to invest in cushions and fabric that are not just easy to clean but engineered to resist water, mold, and mildew from the start, says Sarah Dooley, director of upholstery at Sunbrella.
Check the fabric or cushion manufacturers website for recommendations specific to their product. Bleach will harm the color of some fabrics, but others, like Sunbrella fabrics, are engineered to not discolor. Test the underside of a cushion before cleaning to determine if bleach will not harm the fabric.
Mix bleach and water according to the bleach manufacturers instructions. Spray onto the fabric surface or use a cloth to wipe the mixture onto the fabric. Let the bleach stand on the fabric for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. To avoid water rings, clean the entire surface area of the fabric. Some outdoor cushions come with removable covers that can be laundered in your washing machine. Spot-treat as needed before washing according to the furniture manufacturers instructions.
Recommended Reading: Does Black Mold Cause Seizures
Read Also: How To Clean Mold Off Basement Floor
Can I Wash Patio Furniture Cushions With A Pressure Washer
You can wash patio furniture cushions with a pressure washer if you wash them carefully. Set the pressure to the lowest possible setting, and if the soap tip is adjustable, set that to the lowest possible setting as well. Stand 2 feet back and place the cushions on a flat, dry surface.
However, outside of mold and mildew removal, theres little reason to risk using a pressure washer.
Baking Soda And Vinegar
Baking soda is an incredible choice for mold removal of clothes, curtains, cushions, etc. These home ingredients can remove mold infestation pretty well.
Create a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Then use a soft brush to use this baking soda paste on the moldy areas. Let the clothing sit for 15-20 minutes and wash it off.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Airborne Mold In House
Recommended Reading: How To Clean Up Mold In Your House
Understanding Mold And Its Impact On Cushions
Just to be clear mold DONT feed on cushions. If this is the case, why then do your cushions become moldy?
Well, there are two main causes of mold dampness and high humidity. When cushions dont get enough air flow, they become damp and become a breeding ground for mold. Mold also feeds on the dirt, dust, and pollen that gets trapped within the fibers of the cushion fabric.
It doesnt take long for mold to spread, especially if you dont get rid of them on time.
So, the key to maintaining mold-free cushions is to keep your pads and cushions clean. This usually involves keeping a regular cleaning schedule where you clean outdoor cushions thoroughly at least once every six months.
However, if your cushions are already stained, you still have time to remove them before more damage is done.
Allowing molds to thrive doesnt only make your cushions look unsightly but can also lead to many health problems, including migraines, allergic reactions, respiratory illnesses, and inflammation of the joints.
You May Like: How To Remove Mold From Attic Ceiling
Remove Mildew From Wooden Outdoor Furniture
Mildew even grows on wooden outdoor furniture in hot, humid climates. You can use a mild bleach solution to remove mildew, but if you want to avoid that lingering bleach odor, white vinegar can also remove the mildew:
Also Check: How To Clean Mold Off Canvas
You May Like: How To Get Rid Of Mold In Your Home
Easy Ways To Clean Mold Off Patio Cushions
MattThis post may contain affiliate links. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. In addition, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
One thing that can ruin a relaxing evening on a patio chair is noticing weird spots that you suspect are mold. Not many people will find the look or smell of mold to be appealing.
First attempts at cleaning the mold often involve a bit of scrubbing, resulting in a mold stain on the fabric. Fortunately, not all is lost!
Knowing how to clean mold off patio cushions is all about selecting the right method.
Using baking soda, dish soap, borax, bleach, and some other supplies you can find in your pantry can help clean mold off the cushions. However, intense cleaning agents could ruin the fabric or the cast iron frame if youre not careful.
Lets dive into identifying mold and how to clean it off with minimal damage! Well also look at methods to prevent mold in the first place.
How To Clean Ketchup And Mustard Stains
With fun backyard barbecues comes the chance of ketchup, mustard, or even barbecue sauce stains. Be sure to quickly blot up the spill. Mix 1/4 cup dishwashing liquid per one gallon water and gently scrub the solution into the stain to loosen it out of the fabric. Be sure to rinse the solution and soapy residue off thoroughly and let air dry.
You May Like: How To Get Mold Mildew Out Of Clothes
Don’t Miss: How To Get Mold Off Paint
