Outdoor pillows make your patio and garden furniture more comfortable, and pleasant for your relaxing time. They add more softness, and accent to your outdoor living area. It is not a secret that the fabric can get dirty easily outdoor. And here is coming the essential question- how to clean outdoor pillows?
Dust, tree sap, bird droppings, mildew, and all kind of stains can make the cleaning impossible. The picture could be even worst if you haven’t cleaned the outdoor furniture cushions since the end of the last summer. Don’t discourage yourself, there is a solution to have a fresh, clean, and of course comfortable seating area. Simply set a cleaning routine for the outdoor space, and include these great tips on how to clean outdoor pillows.
How to Clean Outdoor Pillows
Most of the outdoor pillows have a removable cases which makes the whole cleaning process easier. And when you have spare pillow cases your comfort is guaranteed. You need to zip off the covers and wash them in the washing machine. Well, you shouldn’t forget that you need to clean the pillow filling too. Here how to clean the cushions.
You will need some tools in order to make the cleaning process easier.
- vacuum machine
- soft brush
- white vinegar
- Borax
- soap
- bucket of water
- garden hose
- clean towel
Remove loose dirt, dust, and debris with the vacuum machine. Do not forget to use the upholstery attachment. Look around the buttons and the decorative elements where dirt and clime could hide. If it is needed brush carefully with the brush.
Mix the soap, and Borax into the bucket with water, and thanks to the brush clean all the pillow surface. If you want you can use a mix of water and white vinegar instead of Borax. Wait around 10 minutes to allow the solution to soak. And after rinse carefully with the garden hose on medium pressure.
Squeeze the pillows in order to excess the water, place them vertically on a clean towel and leave them to dry out on a sunny area.
How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Pillows
Getting stains on your outdoor pillows is absolutely normal. Stains from food, liquids, sunscreens, and grass can damage your outdoor pillows. Plus they are getting an ideal environment for bacterias, here is why is not a good idea to wait too long before you clean them away. Say ”au-revoir” to all spots and stains following the instructions below.
- Grass stains: the easiest way is to use stain-removing enzymes. You need to work on the stain and brush it carefully. Rinse, and let it dry.
- Mold or mildew: strip as much of the mold or mildew with a brush. Use undiluted distilled white vinegar over the stain and leave it for about 10 minutes. Clean the whole pillow with a sponge dipped in detergent water and rinse carefully. Leave it on a sunny spot and wait till it dries out.
- Oil stains: you can get greasy stains on your outdoor pillows not only from food but from sunscreens, bug repellent sprays. You can remove those stains with baking soda or cornstarch. Powder the greasy spots and wait for about 15 minutes for the oil to be absorbed. Scratch the stain away and repeat if it is needed.
- Tree sap: Mix enzyme stain remover with powdered detergent directly over the stain. Gently brush or scrub over and rinse with hot water.