How to Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions — Toronto Home Guide

Outdoor cushions take a beating through Toronto's humid summers and are often stored damp in the fall, arriving at spring with mildew, dirt, and stains. A good seasonal clean makes them look almost new.

Dry Brush First

1. Take cushions outside and use a stiff brush to knock off dried dirt, pollen, and loose debris from both sides
2. Shake vigorously

Hand Wash Method (Most Fabrics)

1. Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 tablespoon of borax (or oxygen bleach like OxiClean) in a litre of warm water
2. Use a soft scrub brush to work the solution into the fabric in circular motions — pay attention to stained or mildewed areas
3. For mildew: spray undiluted white vinegar directly on the mildewed area, let sit 10 minutes, then scrub
4. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose until the water runs clear — soap left in outdoor fabric causes rapid re-soiling
5. Stand cushions on edge and allow to air dry completely in the sun before returning them to furniture — drying flat traps moisture inside the cushion

Machine Wash (If Covers Are Removable)

1. Unzip and remove the fabric covers from the cushion inserts
2. Check the care label — most outdoor fabric covers are machine washable
3. Wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and regular detergent
4. Air dry — tumble drying damages most outdoor fabric coatings
5. Reinstall covers before they're completely dry to ease fitting, then allow to air dry on the furniture

Tips

• Store cushions in a dry location indoors or in a deck box during winter — this is the main way to prevent mildew
• If you can't store them inside, use waterproof storage bags designed for patio cushions
• Applying a fabric protector spray (like Scotchgard Outdoor) after cleaning repels water and stains and reduces how often deep cleaning is needed
• Cushion inserts (foam or fill) can be air-dried in the sun — UV kills mildew spores — but should never be machine washed