Cleaning Patio Cushions Without A Zipper Is No Problem With Our Easy Advice

Removable covers make your patio cushions easy to clean, but what do you do when you fall in love with a cushion set without zippers? Since you can't toss the covers in the washing machine, you'll need to hand-wash the cushions. It's not as tedious as it sounds with our simple advice.

Cleaning your cushions regularly prevents staining and discoloration to help keep your patio furniture looking great for longer. How often you clean them depends largely on your backyard environment and how often you use the furniture. If you have lots of trees or live in a dusty area, your cushions might get dirty faster than other environments. Busy patio areas might build up food remnants, dirt, and grass stains from frequent use. Deep cleaning your cushions and furniture should be on your to-do list to get your patio ready before bringing furniture out of storage. It's also important to deep clean cushions and furniture in the fall before you stow them away for the chilly season.

Outdoor cushions naturally pick up a lot of dirt, pollen, grass clippings, and other outside debris. Shaking off the pillows helps you get rid of the large, loose particles. Then, grab your vacuum with the upholstery attachment on the hose — the bristles help loosen the dirt that's on the fabric. Go over all sides of the cushions to suck up the debris that doesn't shake off easily. Pay particular attention to the seams of the cushions. Switching to a crevice tool can help reach those areas fully.

Prepare your cleaning solution by adding dish soap to warm water. You can add vinegar or ¼ cup of Borax for extra cleaning power. Wet the cushions with the cleaning solution, using a soft-bristled brush to scrub all sides. If some areas are dirtier than others, scrub a little longer in those spots. Be careful not to scrub so hard you damage the fabric. Rinse the cushions well to remove the dirty, soapy residue. Your garden hose works well for rinsing the fabric. You can also use a bucket or basin of clean water if you don't have a hose. Rinse the cushions until the water comes out clean to make sure you get rid of all of the soap and dirt.

Drying the cushions thoroughly is a must for preventing mold and mildew growth. Start by removing as much of the excess water as possible. You can do that by squeezing the cushion to push out the water. Press down on the cushion rather than twisting it to squeeze out the water to avoid damaging it. Another option is blotting it with a towel to absorb the moisture. Then, let the cushions air dry outdoors until they're completely dry.

When you're done with the cushions, move on to cleaning your outdoor furniture itself. Washing your chairs and sofas with warm, soapy water removes dirt from those areas. When you put your clean cushions back on the furniture, they'll stay clean for longer.

Once you wash and dry your cushions, check them for lingering stains. Being outdoors exposes the fabric to many stains, such as food spills, grass stains, tree sap, and mold or mildew. If those stains don't come out with your scrub brush, you may need to spot treat them. The stain removing treatment you use depends on the type of stain.

For mold and mildew, use equal parts of white vinegar and water. Grass stains respond well to a paste made from baking soda and enough hydrogen peroxide to create a thick texture. Enzyme-based cleaners offer an alternative for grass stains, and enzyme cleaners also help to remove tree sap. For greasy, oily stains, sprinkle dry baking soda over the area and wait several minutes as the powder absorbs the oil. Brush it off and follow up with a warm, soapy solution. No matter what you use for stain removal, rinse the cushion thoroughly when you're done and let it dry fully.

You can apply an outdoor fabric protectant once the cushions are clean to keep your outdoor cushions and pillows in tip top shape. These products help the fabric last longer. They also reduce staining and make your cushions easier to clean by preventing dirt and other debris from settling into the fibers. Apply the protectant spray according to the product label. You typically need to apply it in an even layer and allow it to dry fully before using the cushions.