Outdoor cushions are a great addition to any outdoor entertaining area, adding comfort plus an injection of fresh colour and seasonal texture. But how do you deal with them when they become dusty, dirty or mouldy after exposure to the elements? If you've been frantically Googling "how to clean outdoor cushions" for this very reason, you've landed in the right place.

 

How to clean outdoor cushions and chair pads

Depending on how soiled your cushions are, there are a few different options for cleaning them.

  • Spot treat. If you have a small mark or stain on one of your cushions, and you don't want to go to the trouble of washing it, you can spot-clean it with a damp, wet cloth before allowing it to air-dry.
  • Hand wash. You can remove your cushion covers and hand-wash them in cold water with gentle detergent to give them a total freshen-up. Hang them on the washing line inside-out to dry before replacing the inserts.

There are a few things to avoid when cleaning your outdoor cushions, too, in order to prolong their life.

  • Don't use bleach on outdoor cushions.
  • Never dry clean outdoor cushions.
  • Do not put your outdoor cushions into a tumble dryer.
  • Don't iron your outdoor cushions.

We also recommend treating outdoor cushions with a product such as Guardsman Outdoor Furniture Weather Defence Fabric Protector, which will form a thin film over the fabric to help repel water, stains and mildew - making cleaning far easier!

 

 

How to remove mould from outdoor cushions

Has recent rain and humidity left your outdoor cushions a little on the mouldy side? No drama! We've got the low-down on how to remove mould, mildew and other fungi from your outdoor cushions. If you've spotted telltale signs of mould (black or green spots, white fuzzy patches, a distinctive damp earthy scent) you'll want to remove the covers from your cushions and spot-treat with a mould removal product that's labelled as safe to use on fabric - Flower Power stocks and recommends Guardsman Outdoor Cleaner Multi Surface, but there also are several great products on the market that can be purchased from hardware stores or supermarkets. No matter which product you choose, always patch test in an inconspicuous spot first, to ensure that the product doesn't damage the fabric, before going on to spot-treat more broadly.

 

Can you leave outdoor cushions in the rain?

While they are generally water-repellent and hardier than their indoor counterparts, outdoor cushions are recommended for undercover outdoor use only, such as on a patio or balcony, or protected under an umbrella or shade cover. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, water or other elements could cause permanent damage including fading of the fabric. While a little bit of rain is unlikely to hurt them, we do recommend bringing them indoors and storing them in a cool, dry place when they're not in use.

 

Where can I buy new outdoor cushions?

At Flower Power, we sell a great range of outdoor cushions both in-store and online - shop the range here. If you're in the market for indoor cushions to spice up your lounge or bedroom, we also stock those! Check out our complete cushion range here.