Intro
Your porch is probably your safe haven when you want to spend some quiet alone time. But without proper care, an outdoor porch swing cushion can become damaged or worn down after a year of going through all the seasons.
So, if you have a new swing set with gorgeous, plump cushions, or you’re looking to start properly caring for your old porch cushions, you’re in the right place!
In this article, we present a porch swing cushion care guide and arm you with everything you need to know. From cushion care tips to how to clean them seasonally, and how to clean off any type of stain, this guide has it all!
Porch Swing Cushion Care Tips
Here are some tips and tricks to remember when dealing with outdoor porch cushions. Keep these in mind before buying products to handle and clean them!
- Since some cleaning products will contain bleach, make sure you are protected. Wear gloves, goggles, and a face mask so as not to inhale or touch the bleach!
- Be mindful of the other fabrics and surfaces surrounding the area the bleach is being used. Try to stand the furthest you can from the bleach so it doesn’t get on your clothes.
- Before you start your routine cleaning, pre-treat any stains (refer to the “how to clean stains” section of this guide).
- If you machine-wash outdoor cushion covers, try not to place them in the dryer. Pull them out of the wash and allow them to air dry. While they’re still damp, place them back on the cushions so they stretch the material back into perfect shape!
- Be sure to read all care instructions listed on the labels. If you have any specific questions, you can look up the FAQs section on the manufacturer’s website.
How to Clean Patio Pillows and Cushions
First, make sure you check the cleaning instructions on the manual that came with your cushions or on the labels. If no particular method is specified, you can probably hand wash your outdoor cushions routinely and keep them looking and feeling fresh.
Some people choose to machine wash or power wash their cushions (or removable cushion covers) once or twice a year for a deeper cleanse.
In this section, you’ll find out how to properly hand wash your patio cushions and pillows efficiently. Aim to do it every end of the season, especially if they’re frequently used!
Items Needed:
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Brush with soft bristles
- Dish soap detergent
- Borax
- Water
- Garden hose
Directions:
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Vacuum up any dirt and dust
At the end of the season, it’s quite normal to find debris and dirt under your cushions. Remove your cushion from the porch swing and vacuum the surface of it, using the upholstery attachment to get rid of any dirt and debris. Do it thoroughly and be careful around seams and buttons.
Pro tip: If you don’t have a vacuum handy, you can use a soft-bristled brush to brush away debris and dirt!
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Use a cleaning solution to scrub the fabric
Carefully mix one tablespoon of dish detergent with ¼ cup of Borax in a bucket of water.
Dip your soft-bristled brush in the cleaning solution to scrub the entire surface of your cushion.
Wait at least five minutes so the solution properly soaks into the material.
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Rinse the cushions with a garden hose
Using a garden hose on medium pressure, rinse off the cleaning solution from the cushions. Be sure to rinse thoroughly so that all traces of the cleaning solution are gone off the porch swing cushion.
If you choose to use a pressure washer, be extra careful, as it is very strong and may end up damaging the fabric of your cushion. If you want to do a deep clean, use the lowest setting, stand a good distance away from the cushion so it’s not too harsh, and watch your surroundings before starting.
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Let your cushion dry completely after
you’ve let the rinsed cushion dry for a sufficient amount of time, wring out any excess water with your hands. Allow your cushions to air-dry completely, setting them in a sunny spot on your patio to dry faster!
How to Clean Stains
Stains are best treated and cleaned right away! But stain treatment is not one method that fits all. Here is a list of the best way to clean up specific types of stains and spots on your precious cushions!
Oil stains
These stains or spots are usually a result of sunscreen, greasy food, or bug spray. To remediate these spots, sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the fabric. The oil should get absorbed in about 15-20 minutes. You can scrape off the powder with a straightedge object (like a ruler). Repeat this process until the oil stain is gone.
Grass stains
Grass stains are a result of a cushion falling onto the grass or a lawnmower throwing grass onto your swing and smudging on it. If the cleaning solution with Borax doesn’t work on your grass stain, look into buying a liquid detergent that has stain-removing enzymes. Use a soft brush to work the detergent into the grass stains. Rinse with cold water and repeat as needed.
Bird droppings
If you have an open patio, finding bird droppings on your cushion from time to time is natural. You can try to remove as much of the droppings as with a microfiber cloth. Then, mix a cleaning solution containing one tablespoon of mild dish soap, one teaspoon of Borax, and one quart of warm water. Using a spray bottle, spray this cleaning solution on the stain and use a brush to work the solution into the fabric. Rinse with clean water to remove the residue and let it air dry.
Mold Stains
Mold or mildew stains usually can’t be washed out with just dish detergent; they need a more effective method to avoid the spread of spores. Use gloves and make sure you deal with mold stains outside your house so you don’t spread the mold spores to other areas of your home. Use undiluted, distilled white vinegar, spray it over the area, and give it 10-15 minutes. For heavy mold stains, use a vinegar-soaked cloth. Scrub the fabric with a brush and clean with water and detergent. Rinse and leave it to air-dry in a sunny spot on your patio.
Final Thoughts
Without proper care, swing and other outdoor cushions are prone to damage and wear. The colors will start to fade, and they will accumulate with dirt and dust. It’s recommended that you give your outdoor cushions a gentle wash at the end of every season. This will keep your cushions looking and feeling fresh!
In this guide, we went over some tips and tricks to care for your outdoor cushions, offer a step-by-step guide to the best seasonal cleaning method, and reveal optimal solutions for every type of stains you may have to deal with!
Good luck and enjoy tranquil moments or great parties on your patio!
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