The Easy Way To Clean And Refresh Outdoor Cushions Naturally

That hulking jug of white vinegar you have under your sink is good for just about anything. Of all the kinds of vinegar, this one is ideal for cleaning. Easily the queen of natural, non-toxic housework, this versatile cleaning tool tackles laundry, kitchen counters, and bathroom surfaces, and that's just scratching the surface. If you've already been using white vinegar for cleaning indoor items, why not take it onto the patio or deck? A bit of white vinegar mixed with water followed by a bit of scrubbing will freshen up your outdoor cushions just as it freshens everything else it touches.

Experts recommend giving your outdoor cushions a thorough cleaning twice a year: once in the fall before storing them and again in the spring. What's more, they also suggest using white vinegar. Cheap and safe enough to eat, white vinegar cuts odors, powers away dirt, and is even a tough opponent to mold and mildew. Make sure to use white vinegar, since other types can stain fabric. For this quick, green cleaning task, you'll need a white vinegar, warm water, a spray bottle or a bucket, a vacuum or broom, and rags or a soft-bristled brush. In no time, your outdoor upholstery will be ready for another season.

Prep your cushions by sweeping or vacuuming away loose dirt and debris. Grab a spray bottle or a bucket and fill it with ¼ cup of white vinegar for every 4 cups of warm water. If your fabrics are particularly dirty, you can also add a squirt of dish soap to the water-vinegar mixture. Then, either spritz the cushions' surfaces, or soak a rag in the solution, squeeze out excess liquid, and rub it onto the fabric. You can let the vinegar sit on stains for a few minutes before scrubbing, and repeat the process as necessary.

For heavily-soiled fabrics, you may want to rinse them between and after cleaning them. If your cushions are water resistant rather than fully waterproof, it's important not to get the material too wet, since that can damage the fabric. Dab away extra moisture with a towel, and let them dry in the sun or in a ventilated room. To keep your cushions in tip top shape, make sure they are fully dry before storing them, since excess moisture can bring back the mold and mildew you just eliminated.