Lounging outside with a cold drink on a comfy patio suite with a long summer evening ahead isn’t too shabby.
And then comfortable, deeply upholstered patio cushions put your seating options, over the top.
But the last thing you need with the patio sectional you want to use is moldy patio cushions that have been fully exposed to the weather and are looking worse for wear.
Sadly, the weather can take its toll in a matter of days and they are going to look worse than fresh.
If you’re looking for some hand cleaning solutions for some patio cushions they just aren’t what they use to be, this article can help!
In This Article – what to use to clean patio cushions and the best methods and products to do it easily.
How to clean patio cushions
If you’re looking to clean your patio cushions, your outdoor fabrics are ready to be washed.
Heavy duty patio cushions have already been prepped for the rigors of outdoor use.
They’re made with heavy-duty fabrics designed to handle staining, the elements, and water.
Some of the key properties for outdoor fabrics and upholstery are:
- Resistance to fading
- Resistance to mold and mildew
- Stain resistance
- Weather resistance
- Water resistance
- UV resistance
- Breathability
- Can be washed – by machine or by hand
Basically this means that your cushions will be easy to clean, and if they have decent quality foam in, they will drain moisture and dry out quickly when you are done.
What you’ll need to hand-clean your patio cushions
- A couple of towels or a clean surface
- Your vacuum cleaner
- A brush (soft or hard bristle depending on the fabric)
- Cleaning cloths
- A bucket
- Cleaning solutions and water
A step-by-step guide to cleaning your patio cushions
Cleaning patio cushions by hand is a simple and quick process.
The steps are basically the same regardless of the detergent or cleaning solution used.
Here are the steps you should take.
Use a stiff-bristled brush to remove grime
Setting out the patio cushion on one of the towels will not damage the patio cushion, as well as allow you to brush them down.
A jagged brush down will help lift and loosen any stuck-on grime- for example algae or food.
Vacuum dust and surface dirt
Similar to how you would clean your normal couch, vacuum the cushions using an upholstery attachment.
This will clean up most of the surface dirt and debris, including crumbs, fallen leaves, and pollen.
Make sure to get into the crevices and seams of the cushions.
Hose down the cushion
Generally, most cushions can handle being sprayed down with water.
This will create a wet surface to begin scrubbing the cushion with your detergent of choice.
Do not attempt to use a pressure washer as you can damage the cushion.
Scrub the patio cushion with a cleaning solution
You can clean patio cushions with a variety of cleaning solutions.
Options include:
- Cleaning agents
- Sprays and solution
- White vinegar
- Borax
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
Put the detergent or spray onto the damp cushion.
Let it sit for a couple minutes to allow it to work on breaking down dirty spots, then it will be able to be scrubbed.
Once you spray the detergent or spray on the surface of the cushion, take a soft-bristle brush and work the detergent into the fabric of the cushion, being sure to get in seams and buttons.
Rinse off the patio cushions
Use the garden hose to rinse off the detergent thoroughly.
Allow the cushions to dry completely
This is arguably the most important step.
If you don’t let the patio cushions dry out thoroughly, they will get moldy.
Place the cushion on a clean towel and squeeze out the excess water.
You can then get them nice and dry by propping them up in a sunny spot.
10 of the best hand cleaning Solutions for cleaning patio cushions
Using a dedicated cleaning solution for patio cushions is an excellent way to get your cushions deep cleaned and dry faster.
We’ve compiled a list of the best 10 products available that will get your cushions clean and smelling fresh.
1. Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner
Product Features
- Product number: 2
- Format: Brush top applicator
- Volume: 22 fl oz (650ml) per bottle
Description
You can have full confidence in hand cleaning your patio furniture with this brands powerful oxy cleaning ability.
This patio cushion cleaner has a very handy brush top applicator for during the cleaning you’ll agitate the fabric for a more thorough clean. Just like with your carpet stain remover.
This oxy formulation is safe for pets, plants, and kids.
This cleaner also has excellent cleaning results on plastics like PVC and vinyl, even canvas and any rattan and wicker from your furniture.
Pros
- This hand cleaner for patio cushions will clean the manky mold, mildew, and algae build-up you get if you leave your patio furniture week after week without covering it.
- The sponge applicator on this cleaner contains bristles for scrubbing away scum and bird droppings.
Cons
- The solution is best suited for spot cleaning, and you will need to be able to use an application head to work on a large cushion surface.
- If you are using this with branded products, like Sunbrella fabrics, write the brand name on the checklist document in the plan and test a discrete area.
As well as using it for cushions, you can use this cleaner for spot cleaning of:
- Patio furniture covers
- Outdoor rugs
- Sunshades
- Umbrellas
- Planters
- Play equipment
2. 30 SECONDS Outdoor Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Spray
Product features
- Product number: 2
- Format: Spray bottle
- Volume: 32 fl oz (946 ml) per bottle
Description
Mildew is the main focus of this powerful bleach-based spray with a well-deserved 30-second reputation.
This is a good product to buy if you want to feel confident you are sanitizing your patio cushions from organic growth and other nasties like:
- Dirt
- Grime
- Algae
This is a non-concentrated, ready to use formula.
Just simply spray the cushions, wait 30 seconds and wipe down for a clean finish.
Pros
- Using bleach to clean and rest assure that mold is gone.
- Super quick and simple spray bottle for easy hand cleaning.
Cons
- Some canvas and outdoor fabrics may not be appropriate because of the risk of bleach staining.
- May not fix the sap from the trees.
Before applying to project use samples, be sure to test your fabrics. This is a good purchase for materials like waxed cotton, PVC, and vinyl where the fabric fibers are not going to be penetrated by the bleach solution.
3. AL-NEW Patio Cushion Cleaner
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: Spray bottle
- Volume: 32 fl oz (946 ml) per bottle
Description
Should you need a quick solution for your patio cushions before a barbecue or back yard gathering, this patio cushion cleaner does a good job of lifting dirt from cushions, making them look cleaner and presentable.
You can use the AL-NEW patio cushion cleaner on many outdoor fabrics including:
- Furniture covers
- Awnings
- Sailcloth
- Sunshades & Sail Cloth
- Umbrellas
Pros
Since it is designed to be sprayed on outdoor fabrics, this spray should work really well on your patio cushions.
Cons
This product will get dirt and stains out of the fabric but will not restore faded color.
Hose down your cushions with water to rinse off surface dirt then spray them down with AL-NEW and scrub the cushions with a brush.
Rinse away the dirt and your cushions should be free of stains.
4. Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Plus OxiClean Heavy Duty Wipes
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: wet wipes
- Volume: 25 wipes
Description
These exceptionally durable cleaning wipes have a strong oxi action that will get your outdoor cushions completely clean.
They offer a large surface area for active cleaning of dirt and grime from patio cushions.
Scotts Outdoor Wipes, not only clean the fabric of your cushions, but are also capable of cleaning frames, seating, tables, and planters.
Pros
- Introducing the largest and toughest outdoor cleaning wipes on the market. Our wipes are 25 percent larger than the leading competitor wipes and 3 times tougher.
- Wipes are a convenient format to have for a quick cleaning spot after an event or spill.
Cons
- There are only 25 of these tough wipes, so it may not be sufficient for cleaning a big outdoor couch.
- These wipes might be defeated by thick grime.
Use the rough-textured side with polyester scrub nubs to scrub the cleaning solution into the cushion, and wipe off the dirt from the cushion with the soft side of the wipe.
5. CLR Outdoor Furniture Cleaner
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: spray
- Volume: 26 fl oz (768 ml)
Description
Should you need to manually clean your patio furniture, this spray will alleviate a considerable burden.
CLR Outdoor Furniture Cleaner is made specifically for cleaning patio furniture upholstery, including couch cushions and umbrellas.
This quickly penetrating, dirt and grime lifting product will get your furniture clean in no time.
CLR are non- abrasive cleaning formulations which will not damage or color your upholstery as they clean.
Pros
- A biodegradable formula that is safe for pets, wildlife and plants. EPA approved.
- Nontoxic, feel confident to use it on children’s play toys and play structures.
- Pet Friendly.
Cons
- This product will struggle with tree sap.
In addition to cleaning, the spray also provides a protective finish for the furniture that will help fight against UV damage – helping your cushions stay from fading or changing colors
6. Star brite 54132 Heavy-Duty Fabric Cleaner Spray
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: spray
- Volume: 32 fl oz (946 ml) per bottle
Description
Star brite is an outdoor fabric spray that works on common fabrics including canvas, acrylic, and polyester.
It is a good option for cleaning your patio cushions because no fading occurs that is common with outdoor furniture sprays.
In addition, Star brite contains protective PTEF polymers that help to repel future stains and fading from UV rays.
Pros
- This is a cleaner that does not have bleach in it.
- You can use it on soft furnishings that are inside as well.
- Purchase the Star brite Outdoor Collection Fabric Protectant with PTEF for extra protection for your cushions.
Cons
- This spray may struggle to clean tree sap
To use this spray with ease, you can spray the cleaner directly on the fabric and leave it for 30 seconds to a minute.
Next, rub the cushion down with a cloth or soft-bristle brush. Finally, rinse or wipe down the cushion completely.
7. Outdoor Furniture Cleaner + UV Protectant
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: spray
- Volume: 16 fl oz (473.1 ml)
Description
If you’ve neglected your patio cushions and are seeking a hand cleaning solution that will tackle even the toughest stains, this extra strength spray will easily eliminate mold, mildew, dirt, and grime safely from your fabrics.
This spray not only cleans, but protects also.
It contains a professional-grade UV protectant that offers exceptional protection from the sun and protects against ordinary problems such as fading, cracking, drying, discoloration, and wear to keep all your favorite pieces looking brand new!
You can also use this outdoor spray on common outdoor furniture materials such as:
- Steel
- Aluminum
- Wood
- Wicker
- PVC
- Rattan
Pros
- This is a great all-around outdoor cleaner.
Cons
- You will probably need more than one bottle to clean a large outdoor furniture suite.
It also works great on boats and RVs.
8. Amazing Patio Furniture Cleaner – Natural Enzymes
Product features
- Product number: 2
- Format: spray
- Volume: 32 fl oz (946 ml) per bottle
Description
Achieve a solid clean with a natural spray solution for patio furniture that has enzymatic action.
The natural enzymes do not just destroy dust; they digest the odor molecules from fabrics to keep your cushions smelling fresh.
They can even lift tree sap, suntan lotion, and other odd stains from outdoor furniture of any kind!
Pros
- This is vet recommended and safe for pets and safe around kids and plants.
- Will not contain harsh chemicals and solvents so you can use it on just about any material other than leather plural flocked surfaces, etc. Please test first in a small discreet area.
- Pleasant fragrance.
Cons
- This spray struggles with mildew removal and can leave mold staining behind.
Just spray the furniture that you want to clean and wait for two or three minutes, then bush the cushion down with a soft bristled bush and hot water for 30 seconds more.
Wipe clean and see for yourself how amazing the results are.
9. Goo Gone Patio Furniture Cleaner
Product features
- Product number: 2
- Format: spray
- Volume: 24 fl oz (709 ml)
Description
If you have some deeply embedded, soiled, and slimy neglected stains on your patio cushion, say, BBQ sauce from last summer, you are going to want a strong spray that can handle it quickly, so you can get to using your cushions again fast.
Goo Gone specializes in tackling some of life’s stickiest and grossest stains, and in my experience, their patio furniture spray lives up to its reputation.
Just spray down the cushions and let the super concentrated cleaning agents work to strip off the stains and eating away at the ingrained dirt.
Pros
- This quick-drying spray makes cleaning your patio furniture easy and fast.
- If you have solid abr semi-solid stains – this spray will loosen it.
- Goo Gone can easily cut through tree sap.
- Thus, the spray is well worth having on hand for clean ups while entertaining in the garden.
Cons
- There is no stain or UV protection in this product so you will need to use a separate protection spray after you have cleaned the cushions and dried them.
- Also, it can fade or mark certain fabrics so please test an inconspicuous area first before spraying it too liberally.
Scrub the cushions then hose them down for a satisfying clean.
10. Scotts Plus Oxi Clean Outdoor Cleaner RTS
Product features
- Product number: 1
- Format: spray hose attachment
- Volume: 32 fl oz (946 ml)
Description
This oxi-action cleaner is perfect for cleaning larger garden cushions with a hose and lots of water anyway.
Simply attach the spray hose to your yard hose and let the concentrated detergents work up a cleansing froth that is perfect for:
- Moss
- Algae
- Mould
- Stains
- Bird poop
- …and more!
Directly spray onto the surface needing to be cleaned.
Let foam sit for a few minutes and scrub down the cushions. Rinse for a brilliant clean.
With 32 fl oz, there is plenty to not only clean your cushions but also your awning, umbrellas and covers too.
Pros
- No chlorine, no phosphates.
- Safe for animals and children.
- You can use this cleaner with a power washer too.
Cons
- This is a fantastic solution for overall cleaning; however; the foaming solution will have difficulty with “spot” stains.
Moreover, it will also completely clean your patio stones, decking, and brickwork; so you can have your whole patio clean and sparkling in one go and ready for summer!
Last-minute tips for cleaning your patio cushions
Here are some last-minute tips for getting those patio cushions to sparkle.
Test your fabrics
To be sure that the cleaning agents do not affect the color or finish of your patio cushion, make sure to test it on a small, discrete spot of your cushion.
Clean often
Give your summer patio cushions some love this summer, don’t just let them get dirty all summer!
After weeks of entertaining your family and friends, lounging, sun and rain, your cushions will likely look like a hot mess!
Give them a surface clean by simply spraying with a cleaner and wipe them on a regular basis to keep them looking their best.
Tackle stains with spot cleaning
Don’t allow these typical garden stains to take up residence on your once clean patio cushions. Here are a few spot cleaning quick fixes for your toughest stains:
- Mold: eliminate the mold by scraping it off and then spraying the area with white vinegar: leave for 15 minutes. Clean with your normal cleaner, rinse, and make sure the area is thoroughly dry.
- Oil or suncream: Cover the stain with talc, cornstarch, or baking soda. Leave for an hour and vacuum off the powders. Repeat until the stain is gone.
- Tree sap: Tree sap is notoriously challenging to remove, but using a good enzyme-based cleaner can help along with some oxi-bleach to remove the discoloration.
- Grass stains: Borax and laundry detergent seem very effective for lifting grass stains from fabric.
Don’t go overboard with water
If you let your patio cushions sit in the water, it will increase the likelihood of them growing mold. Cleaning just the surfaces of your patio cushion foam does ensure that the inside of your cushion foam will not get waterlogged.
Cover your patio furniture when it is not being used
You will keep your cushions and furniture set in excellent condition if you simply cover your patio furniture when it is not being used.
An excellent patio furniture cover can help keep the furniture protected all year round. Why not check out our guide to the best L-shaped furniture covers that are affordable?
Rounding up
As you can see, it is really simple to keep your patio cushions in awesome shape.
Plus, a little TLC will extend the life of your cushions while keeping your patio furniture clean and hygienic for years of fun and relaxation!