How to Maintain Your Patio and Deck Furniture Fabric Cushions

Your outdoor furniture takes a lot of abuse from the elements including sun, rain, snow, and extreme changes in temperature.  Here are some tips on how to clean and protect your deck or patio furniture fabric cushions to keep them looking like new.

How to Clean Removable Covers:

1. Remove covers and follow machine washing instructions on tag.
2. Put covers back on cushions while still damp and allow to dry.
3. Allow fabric to dry in place to reduce shrinkage.

How to Clean Attached Covers:

1. Dissolve a squirt of dishwashing detergent and a teaspoon of borax in one quart warm water.
2. Wet down the fabric with the solution and scrub lightly with a sponge or soft bristled scrub brush.
3. Allow to soak for 10-20 minutes.
4. Rinse cushions using a garden hose with sprayer.
5. Allow cushions to fully dry.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew:

• White Fabric: Remove mildew by applying a solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes, then rinse off with garden hose, and allow to dry in full sun. If cushions are machine washable, add recommended amount of bleach to washer. NOTE: Do not use chlorine bleach on colored fabrics.
• Colored Fabric: Wash in machine or soak with diluted color safe, non-chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry in full sun.

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Photo Credit: Yulia YasPe / Shutterstock.com