Outdoor cushions make a deck, patio or balcony feel much more inviting. They also have a tough job. Between sun, rain, sunscreen, food spills, pollen and the odd wet togs, they can start looking tired faster than the furniture underneath them.
The good news is that most outdoor cushions are easier to care for than people think. Regular attention, a gentle clean and proper drying will help them stay fresh and comfortable for longer.
The most important rule is to check the care label first. Outdoor fabrics vary, and the maker of your cushions will know best whether covers can go in the washing machine, which cleaners are suitable and how the fabric should be dried.
Deal with spills early
The quicker you deal with a spill, the better chance you have of avoiding a stain. Whether it is sunscreen, tomato sauce, coffee or a splash of red wine, start by blotting up as much as you can with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Try not to rub the spill into the fabric. Rubbing can spread it and push it further into the fibres. Once you have blotted away the excess, use a little mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean the area.
Rinse away any soap residue with clean water, then let the cushion air dry fully. If you are cleaning one small area, it can be worth lightly cleaning the surrounding fabric too, so you do not end up with a water ring.
Give cushions a regular light clean
You do not need to deep-clean outdoor cushions every week. A quick brush-off is often enough to keep dirt from settling in.
Use a soft brush to remove dust, crumbs, pollen and leaves. A vacuum with an upholstery attachment can also work well, especially around seams and piping where dirt tends to gather.
Every so often, give the cushions a gentle wash with mild soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft brush or sponge and avoid scrubbing too hard. Once they are clean, rinse them thoroughly. Soap left behind can attract more dirt and leave the fabric feeling stiff.
Choose a fine day for this job so there is plenty of time for the cushions to dry. Stand them on their side, prop them up or turn them occasionally so air can reach both sides.
Do not put wet cushions away
This is probably the biggest cause of mouldy, musty outdoor cushions. If they have been caught in the rain, do not stack them up in a corner or put them straight into a storage box.
Bring them under cover and let them dry properly first. If the weather has been damp for days, move them inside, into a garage or somewhere with good airflow. A dry cushion can be stored safely. A damp one is likely to create a problem.
Even water-resistant fabrics can hold moisture in the foam insert, seams or underside of the cushion. The outside might feel dry while the inside is still damp, so give them more time than you think they need.
How to deal with mould and mildew
Mould and mildew can appear when cushions sit in a shaded, damp spot for too long. You may notice dark marks, a musty smell or a powdery-looking patch on the fabric.
Start by taking the cushions outside and brushing off any loose surface material. Then check the care instructions. For many fabrics, a mild soap solution is the first thing to try. Clean the full panel rather than only the mark, rinse well and allow it to air dry.
Some outdoor fabrics can handle a diluted bleach solution for stubborn mould or mildew, but this is not suitable for every material. Always check the care label, test a hidden area first and use any stronger cleaning product carefully.
Avoid using a pressure washer on cushions. It can damage the fabric, force water into the foam and make drying take much longer.
Wash removable covers carefully
If your cushion covers are removable, it is tempting to throw them all in the washing machine. That may be fine, but only if the label says it is.
Close zips before washing, use a gentle cycle if recommended and avoid high heat. Air drying is usually the safer option for outdoor covers, as heat can affect the fabric or cause it to shrink.
Before putting the covers back on, make sure both the cover and the foam insert are completely dry. If the foam has absorbed water, stand it upright somewhere warm and ventilated until it has dried through.
Protect cushions from harsh sun
Outdoor fabrics are designed to handle sun better than ordinary indoor fabric, but strong New Zealand UV will still have an effect over time. Dark colours can fade, while lighter cushions can show sunscreen and food marks more easily.
The simplest way to protect cushions is to bring them inside when they are not being used for a while. This is particularly worthwhile over a holiday, through winter or during a long stretch of wet weather.
If you prefer to leave cushions outside during summer, use a covered area, breathable furniture cover or storage box where possible. Avoid sealing damp cushions under a cover, as this can lead straight back to the moisture problems you are trying to prevent.
Store cushions properly over winter
When the outdoor season winds down, clean the cushions before putting them away. There is no point storing dirt, food spills or pollen for months and then trying to remove it next spring.
Choose a dry storage space with some airflow. A spare cupboard, garage shelf or dry storage box can all work well. Avoid placing cushions directly on a damp concrete floor, as moisture can creep in from underneath.
If you have limited space, stack cushions loosely rather than compressing them under heavy items. This helps them keep their shape and makes it less likely that folds or creases will become permanent.
Know when it is time to replace them
Good outdoor cushions should feel comfortable, hold their shape and dry reasonably quickly after getting wet. If the foam stays damp for days, has gone flat or has developed a smell that will not shift, new inserts may be worth considering.
You may not need to replace the whole cushion. New covers or foam inserts can give an outdoor lounge a fresh start, especially when the frame is still in good condition.
A little care goes a long way. Clean spills early, keep cushions dry and give them a proper home over winter. Then when the sun comes out, your outdoor space is ready to enjoy without a big clean-up first.