How to clean patio furniture cushions? This is the first time I’ve had outdoor furniture and I don’t know where to start. Thank you.
Jamie Ringler, Blairsville, GA
Let’s find out how to clean outdoor furniture cushions by checking their labels. They may have care instructions that can guide you as to the appropriate cleaning supplies to use.
Next, what kind of soil or stains are you dealing with? Are there oil spots from food, urine stains from pets, or just general grime that builds up from the weather? The best way for how to clean outdoor cushions is to use a DIY cleaning solution with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
To simplify stain removal and general cleaning, try this all-purpose recipe. Fill a quart bottle with warm water, then add a teaspoon each of Borax and dishwashing liquid. Shake it, then spray a generous amount on the cushions. Once they dry, hose them down and check for spots. If they are all clear, stand them up to dry.
In case you also want to know how to clean patio furniture, reference this cleaning patio furniture article here. I’ll cover some of the basics now.
Teak, rattan, wicker, and wrought iron need different cleaning solutions, as do recipes for cleaning leather furniture. You can make these simple remedies at home. For example, you can use one cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water to wash teak.
Clean wicker furniture with ammonia, vinegar, and water after giving the furniture a good dusting or vacuuming first. You may have some wicker accessories on the patio, as well. Clean wicker baskets in the same way you do the furniture.
Rattan is washable with a damp cloth dipped in water with a little dish detergent. Just be sure not to saturate the rattan. It’s also not a bad idea to apply a protective coating after the furniture has dried completely.
Wrought iron furniture is easy to care for as you generally only need to use the garden hose on it. A little dish soap on a sponge will remove dried-on bird droppings and dirt. But check it for rust and give it a new coat of paint every so often.