With a little elbow grease, you have have your outdoor cushions looking new
Outdoor cushions make your patio or deck feel like an extension of your home, but after a season of sun, rain, pollen, and family barbecues, they can start looking dingy. My cushions are usually covered in dirt and they need a good scrub. So before I pack them away, I like to clean my cushions. I thought I would show you how to clean outdoor cushions that don’t require fancy cleaners or harsh chemicals to bring them back to life. The fall is the perfect time to clean your outdoor cushions. That way when I pull them out of storage in the spring, they are good to go! With a simple mix of Borax and dish soap, you can refresh your cushions and extend their lifespan.
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One of the main ingredients to use is Borax. Borax (sodium borate) is a natural mineral that’s been used for decades as a cleaning booster. It’s excellent for tackling mildew, mold, and tough stains—things outdoor fabrics are prone to. When combined with grease-cutting dish soap, you get a gentle but effective cleaning solution safe for most outdoor fabrics.
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup Borax
- 1 teaspoon dish soap (a gentle, clear one works best)
- 2 cups warm water
- Spray bottle or bucket
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Hose with a spray nozzle
- Towels for blotting
- Sunny spot for drying
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1. Prep the Cushions
Remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris by giving your cushions a quick shake or vacuum. This prevents dirt from grinding deeper into the fabric during cleaning.
2. Mix Your Solution
In a spray bottle or bucket, combine warm water, Borax, and dish soap. Stir or shake until the Borax fully dissolves.
3. Apply the Cleaner
Generously spray or sponge the solution onto your cushions, focusing on stained or mildew-prone spots. Don’t be afraid to get the fabric a little wet—the solution needs to penetrate.
4. Scrub Gently
Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to work the solution into the fabric. Scrub in circular motions, paying attention to seams and creases where grime collects.
5. Let It Sit
Allow the cleaner to sit for about 10–15 minutes. This gives the Borax time to break down mold spores and stubborn dirt.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
Using your hose, rinse the cushions well to remove all soap and Borax residue. Any leftover cleaner could attract more dirt over time.
7. Blot & Dry
Blot excess water with towels, then stand the cushions upright in a sunny, breezy spot to dry completely. Avoid putting them back on your furniture until they’re fully dry to prevent mildew.
Bonus Tip: Prevent Future Stains
Once your cushions are fresh and clean, consider applying a fabric protector spray to help repel future spills, stains, and mildew. I really like this one! Also I do really like this mildew spray that works to remove mildew. Don’t use on color though! It will change the color.
Storing for the Winter
If you have the space, I would suggest bringing your outdoor furniture inside. This will help the lifespan of the furniture last for many years to come. But if you don’t have the space, then I suggest bringing your cushions inside or storing in an outdoor container. Then covering the furniture with a waterproof outdoor cover. You can get a universal outdoor cover.
Check out the Instagram Reel
Make sure to check out my instagram reel on “How to Clean Outdoor Cushions”. Give it a like and comment!
With just a little Borax, dish soap, and elbow grease, your outdoor cushions can look as good as new—without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive specialty cleaners. And how to clean your outdoor cushion, it will make this part of your seasonal patio clean-up routine, and you’ll keep your outdoor space fresh and inviting all year long.
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