S For Removing Spills And Bird Droppings
Additional Tips
- For bird droppings, clean off as much of the stain as possible with a microfiber cloth before spot cleaning. Make sure not to rub it deeper into the fabric.
- For spills, time is of the essence, so clean them up as soon as possible.
What To Do When It Becomes A Lost Cause
Sometimes, mold and mildew may be too thick making it pointless to try to recover your patio set. I would try using the techniques above to remove them. If that doesnt work, you can purchase replacement cushions but , make sure that you purchase cushions that use mold and mildew resistant fabricslike these.
Sunbrella is well-known for its outdoor cushions and its no secret. Ive said it before and Ill recommend it again. These cushions dont fade because the actual thread itself is colorized. Theyre marine-grade fabrics so they will have much less likely-hood of mold and mildew growth. Heres some more information on them if you want to look into it more.
Salt With Lemon Juice
You can mix lemon juice and salt to create an organic mold and mildew-busting solution. This is another method we recommend if you dont want to use any harsh chemicals.
Just mix salt and lemon just to create a paste. Then apply it to the mildew-infested area using a toothbrush or some other soft-bristled brush. Gently scrub the stain away and then leave it to dry under the sun. Try wiping out any residue with a damp sponge.
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Turn To Mulberrys For Your Dry Cleaning And Laundry Services
If cleaning your outdoor furniture cushions starts you on the way to a full household cleaning routine, Mulberrys is here to make it easier than ever! Our professional dry cleaners provide cleaning services for household items like bedding and linens, in addition to everyday laundry service. Contact our dry cleaners in Minneapolis or San Francisco to learn more about all of our cleaning services, including convenient pickup and delivery!
What Prevents Mildew Growth On Outdoor Cushions
Cleaning mildew from outdoor cushions is relatively straightforward. But preventing mildew growth in the first place will save the homeowner the trouble of removing the mildew. Waterproof cushion covers, for instance, reduce the risk of mildew growth .
High humidity levels and rain in the forecast should prompt homeowners to bring the outdoor cushions inside. Maintaining dry and clean cushions serves to prevent mildew growth. In the event the cushions become wet, absorb the moisture with a towel and let them air dry.
When storing the cushions for the winter, ensure they are fully dry so that mildew has zero chances of developing. The storage space should have adequate ventilation, too. Upon taking the cushions out in the springtime, clean them using any of the abovementioned methods.
While spraying the outdoor cushions with white vinegar will help prevent mildew growth, this method may not work for more severe cases of mildew or mold. When you need professional help in eliminating a mold problem, trust mold remediation experts.
Teams of experienced mold cleanup technicians will arrive promptly to your home or business and inspect the affected areas. After an initial assessment, they prepare a mold remediation plan. The affected areas are contained to prevent cross-contamination to other parts of the building.
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Removing Dirt And Debris
Signs That Your Cushions Have Mold Or Mildew
Mold and mildew can grow anywhere, but it thrives in moist areas.
So if you live in a rainy or humid location, then its almost inevitable that your outdoor cushions will be subject to mold and mildew at some point.
If you neglect mold and mildew, it can spread to other areas through spores.
Below are some ways to identify mold and mildew:
- Mold usually appears as black or darker spots on your cushionsbut it can also look like yellow, blue, or green stains/discoloration.
- If theres something fuzzy or velvety growing on the cushions, its likely mold.
- If its fluffy or powdery and either white, gray, or yellow, its likely mildew.
- Mold usually has a musty, dirty smell.
- If youve ever forgotten to wash your bath towels for a week or two, you know how mildew smells.
Bottom lineif you suspect something funky is growing on your outdoor cushions, it doesnt matter if its mold, mildew, or just dirt, the following methods will get the job done.
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How To Remove Mildew Stains From Outdoor Cushions
Hey Friends! Happy Tuesday to all of you!
I wanted to drop in today & share with you a project I completed a couple weeks back! Ive been slowly, but surely marking things off our to-do list for the back deck. If youve been reading this blog for a while, you may remember the makeover we did a few years ago& how we added the pergola. The following year we bought some new patio furniture for the area around our outdoor fireplace..which I never got around to blogging about. This year I convinced my hubby that I needed a new dining table & chairs to match! In between running a business, running a household, and living at the ballfield I MIGHT just have our deck summer ready by August! ?
First thing on the to-do list was to clean the cushions that go on our outdoor furniture. I dont know about you all, but we are kinda terrible about leaving our cushions out. We were extra terrible this past year & left the cushions out for the ENTIRE winter! Which is probably why they looked like this at the beginning of the season.
My once beautiful off-white cushions had become a lovely shade of mildew green. Yuck!!
First step, thoroughly hose down your patio cushions!
Next step, BLEACH! I took a water bottle & filled it about 3/4 of the way full of bleach & filled it the rest of the way with water.
This is what the cushions looked like when I was finished.
I repeated those same steps on our other chair & the loveseat you see pictured here.
Pretty amazing results!
Removing Mildew From Wood
Many people think bleach is the answer for removing mildew, but bleach can be too harsh for your wooden outdoor furniture. It can weaken and discolor the wood, causing even more problems.
For wooden patio furniture mix a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 12 cup white vinegar, and 14 cup of baking soda into 1 gallon of water. Use a kitchen sponge or washcloth for application. If you notice any mildew growth coming back, use full-strength white vinegar immediately to nip it in the bud.
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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.
If Your Patio Set Is Looking Dingy Remove Mold With These Expert Cleaning Tips
Alicia Chilton is a home writer with more than 15 years of experience in communications and media. Her areas of expertise include SEO, social media, nonprofit work, analytics, and more. She worked at Better Homes & Gardens for almost six years.
Alicia started her communications career as an apprentice at Better Homes & Gardens. Over the course of six years, she worked her way up to lead digital home editor. During that time, she oversaw content strategy and project development, wrote stories, and shot videos. Alicia later served as the operations manager at Think Digital Inc. and as a marketing manager and director at Seed Savers Exchange. She has also served as the assistant director of marketing at Drake University. Alicia is currently the marketing director of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. She holds a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Iowa State University.
It’s disconcerting when your outdoor furniture starts to look, well, funky. Don’t be alarmed, though: Mold and mildew are to be expected over time, as the surfaces are exposed to moisture from precipitation and humidity. It will take more than just a light cleaning to tackle the problem, but with a little know-how and the right tools and cleaners, you’ll be able to refresh your patio set. Visit the manufacturer’s website for any specific instructions, then read our materials guide below.
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How To Remove Mildew From Lawn Furniture: Materials
Most outdoor furniture comes with cleaning instructions, but if youâve lost those instructions or your furniture was purchased secondhand, then the following cleaning solutions can help to restore and maintain your outdoor furniture. Before getting started you need to grab:
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Keep Cushions In An Airy Place
Molds grow in an area with moisture. So to keep them out, you have them maintain proper airflow wherever you place your outdoor furniture cushions.
Also, exposing the cushions to sunlight will help keep them dry. Molds bloom in dark places. So, make sure the cushions are set in a proper position, where adequate sunlight can reach them.
This doesnt mean you should lay out the cushions in direct sunlight. The simmering heat can damage the foam material. Instead, let the cushions be placed under a shade to reduce the heat in a well ventilated area. And when the weather outside becomes too cold, its best to bring the cushions indoors.
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Can I Wash Patio Furniture Cushions In The Washing Machine
Before throwing your cushions into a washing machine, check the care tags to see if theyre machine washable. If they dont say machine washable, then using a washing machine will damage the fabric or the stuffing. If it is machine washable, then check that they fit in the washing machine with enough room to agitate.
If the cushion has a removable cover, you can put the cover in the washing machine without risking the foam core.
Tips For Keeping Your Cushions Clean
You know how to clean outdoor cushions, but what if you didnt have to? What if you maintained them to perfection, so cleaning was a rare chore? Here are our top tips for taking care of your patio cushions.
- Dry brush often: To prevent dust and debris from causing stains, dry brush your cushions often. You can vacuum instead if thats more convenient.
- Deal with stains ASAP: When you notice a stain or a spill, dont dilly-dally. Stop mid-conversation to tackle that before it sets in.
- Cover your cushions: When youre not using them, or rain is in the forecast, cover your cushions. You may even want to store them inside. Make sure to clean them before storing them so you can tackle any stains before they are permanently set.
- Use fabric protectant: A fabric protectant, like Bayes Fabric Protectant, can create a waterproof, stain-resistant, UV-resistant coating on your outdoor cushions. This means they wont harbor as many stains. Plus, theyll be easier to clean.
- Use an awning: To prevent bird droppings and tree sap, consider installing an awning over your outdoor furniture. This will also keep your cushions away from UV rays which can cause fading.
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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.
How To Remove Black Mould Naturally
If you are after a more natural alternative to remove black mould from fabrics, you can also use the following stain remover remedies:
Vinegar
Mix a 50/50 ratio of water and vinegar into a spray bottle, shake well and spray onto the mould affected area. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 15 minutes before washing. For a more concentrated solution, mix an 80/20 ratio of vinegar and water. Spray onto the mould affected area and allow to sit for 15 minutes before washing.
Borax and White Vinegar
Mix 2 tbsp of borax with ¼ cup white vinegar and two cups of hot water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray generously onto the stain and wipe clean. Repeat this process and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean and dry the area.
As a water-soluble solution, you can also mix ½ cup of borax with hot water and add the solution directly into the washing machine before washing.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree Oil is a natural fungicide you can add to your laundry detergent when washing clothes.
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Are Your Cushions Beyond Repair
Although these methods are effective, you might find yourself in a situation where the cushions are beyond repair.
If the mold and mildew stains are extreme and persist even after a thorough cleaning, its time to get some new outdoor cushions.
Next time youre in the market for outdoor cushions, I recommend choosing carefully.
Opt for waterproof and weather-resistant fabrics, which will limit your cushions exposure to mold and mildew.
Printed acrylic and polyester are water-repellent, which is why theyre excellent fabrics for outdoor cushions, swimwear, and active gear.
Vinyl is the most affordable option for outdoor cushions. When treated properly, its resistant to mildew. The drawback is that it gets hot to the touch during summer days.
But my top recommendation is solution-dyed acrylic. Its soft and comfortable, unlike vinyl, which can be hard and hot.
Also, solution-dyed acrylic is durable and less likely to fade. Most important of all, its resistant to mildew and mold. But just in case you do notice mold or mildew, this fabric is easy to clean.
If your cushions are irreparable, there are dozens of outdoor cushions to choose from on , Walmart.com, and BedBathAndBeyond.com.
Have some fun shopping for your new set of cushions, and dont stress about mold or mildew.
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Rent A Pressure Washer A Powerful System
A pressure washer is an ideal method to eliminate tough mildew stains. Attach the pressure washer to an outside water source. Be careful to hold the pressure washer at least two feet away from the cushions and set the PSI to the lowest setting to protect the material.
First, soak the outdoor cushions in water. Upon pouring the cleaner into the pressure washer soap reservoir, use a horizontal, sweeping motion to cover the cushions in soap suds. Allow the soap to remain on the fabric for three minutes .
Using a brush, scrub the mildew off the outdoor cushions. Rinse the cushions with water, being sure to remove all the soap residue. Wring out the cushions to remove the excess water and let the material fully air dry in a sunny spot.
Cleaning can be challenging when your skin is sensitive to chemicals. Read How to clean your house if you have contact dermatitis to find the best solution for cleaning your house.
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