How to clean garden chair cushions
Outdoor chairs seen better days? Here’s how to hand wash and machine-clean dirty garden cushions to make them look like new.
We know the deal. After a summer outside, garden chair cushions need a bit of love. From spills and (wine) stains to grubby hand and paw prints, we put them through their paces. Hey, it’s a sign that they’re well-loved. Add to that the ravages of time and weather and you’re likely looking at the odd spot of mould or mildew…not to mention an oft-avoided bird poo.
Luckily, whether the chairs on your balcony or the sofa set on your patio need a bit of TLC, it’s easy to spruce up your garden pillows and return them to their former glory.
Whether you have hanging patio chairs, loungers and recliners, cushioned benches or outdoor armchairs, spills and stains can quickly be remedied. Some garden chairs have cushions that can be cleaned in the washing machine, whereas others need treating or spot-cleaning by hand.
How to clean removable garden cushion covers
Garden cushions with removable covers are simple to clean. Just whip off the outer covers, give them a shake to get rid of any dust and debris, and chuck them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Check the labels on your covers ahead of time, in case the manufacturer provides any special instructions.
To banish really tough stains, mix up a paste of baking soda and water and let it sink into stubborn marks or ingrained dirt before starting the wash cycle.
While the cover is being cleaned, keep the inner pillow somewhere dry. Many garden cushions are UV-treat or have weather-resistant coatings, but the inners will be less robust.
Once your covers are washed, give them time to air dry completely before putting the cushions back together.
How often should I clean my garden cushions?
It’s a good idea to put your machine-washable cushion covers through the washer each year, ideally when you put them away for the winter. But, if you have a major accident or feel they could do with a freshen-up, it’s easy to clean and dry them quickly at any point.
How to clean non-removable outdoor chair covers
There are a few techniques we’d recommend for cleaning garden cushion covers that you can’t throw in the wash.
White vinegar is a powerful tool to have up your sleeve and can be used to get rid of stains, mould and mildew from soft outdoor furnishings.
- First, brush off as much dirt as you can by hand.
- Add a squirt of washing-up liquid and a few tablespoons of vinegar to warm water and use it to give your cushions a scrub with a soft brush or a toothbrush.
- Let it stew for a while before rinsing it off with a damp sponge and some clean warm water. Many outdoor cushions are weatherproof and should stop water from soaking through to the filling - if yours aren’t water-resistant try to use less water to avoid getting everything wet. If the inners get damp you run the risk of mould forming inside them.
- Let the pillows dry air dry completely before using them again.
How to care for garden chair cushions
Caring for rattan, wood and metal garden furniture sets isn’t as hard a task as you might think. And looking after your garden chair cushions doesn’t have to be too arduous a chore, either.
Better yet, take a few early steps to prevent the build-up of grime and grot in the first place, by:
Applying a fabric protector
If your outdoor cushions aren’t already weather-resistant or the coverings on your old pillows seem to be less effective, get yourself a reliable fabric protector spray and apply it liberally over the cushions to form an invisible barrier against rain and stains.
Cleaning up spills as they happen
Accidents are part and parcel of life. Next time someone throws a hot-sauce-loaded burger over themselves (and your outdoor sofa) or topples a bottle of vino over your precious lounger, work fast to be in with the best chance of banishing the stain. Mop up as much of the mess as you can, then either remove the cushions covers and throw them in the wash or give them a scrub with baking soda, warm water and detergent to make them look like new.
Shaking them out after use
Give your cushions a shake every now and then to rid them of Sunday morning toast crumbs, stray leaves and petals, pet hair and lost toddler snacks, and prevent grossness from taking over.
Giving them the odd hoover
There’s no shame in vacuuming upholstery indoors, so why should the garden be any different? Egg chairs often have specially shaped cushions and crumbs love to wiggle their way down into them. Get out the hoover and give them a once over to extract micro-dirt and garden debris.
Throwing them in a box
When your outdoor furniture isn’t in use, store your cushions in a handy outdoor storage box to keep them out of the elements. Storage boxes can be useful if rain is predicted, too. Once the downpour is over, you’ll have a nice dry seat ready and waiting.
Letting them dry out thoroughly
After washing or accidentally being caught in the rain, let your bench cushions and chair pillows dry out completely before using them. Hang them on the line in the sun if possible, to reduce the risk of mildew forming.
Putting them away for the winter
While we appreciate the enthusiasm of someone who wants to sit outdoors in the middle of winter, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to leave your garden cushions unprotected during the wettest part of the year. When summer finally winds to a close, give your furnishings a good clean and store them away safely until spring or throw on a furniture cover to keep them protected.
