UpdatedJul 10, 2024 10:11 AM EDT
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Domino Reno: Before + Afters, DIYs, and Advice From the Pros
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Don’t let that mysterious splotch on yourpatio sectionaldestroy your plans to unwind with a post-work beverage. Most of the time, knowing how to clean outdoor cushions can save you from an expensive replacement. The trick is matching the method to the mess: Is the cover removable? Is the whole cushion washable? Did someone upend a smoothie, or is it just a tiny ketchup crime scene? Once you’ve played cushion detective, follow stylist Naomi deMañana’s tips for erasing spots and grime, whether the stain is fresh or has been squatting there since Memorial Day.
Peek at the tag to see if the fabric is machine washable or removable, and note any cleaning or drying methods the manufacturer forbids. They put those warnings there for a reason.
Round up all the cushions and split them into two camps: the zip-off-ables and the forever-sealed. Unzip the covers outside on a clean, dry surface so lint and dust stay where they belong—not on your living room rug. Same goes for the cushions themselves.
Grab your vacuum’s suction nozzle and gently evict surface dirt, leaves, and dust bunnies from the non-removable cushions. Don’t bear down too hard—you’re not sanding a deck—and pay extra attention to seams and buttons, where crumbs love to throw secret parties.
Wash removable covers exactly as the care tag says, ideally with a detergent gentle enough to keep colors from bleeding, fading, or looking like they’ve been through a mud run.
deMañana likes a simple mix of 1 part distilled vinegar to 3 parts warm water—she’s a natural-products person when she can be. Diluted laundry detergent works, too. Either way, pour the water in first so you don’t end up with a bubble volcano.
Slip on some gloves, dip a soft brush or sponge into your solution, and give those spots a gentle scrub. Stubborn stains might need a second round. Then let the solution marinate for five to ten minutes while you question your life choices.
Hose off the cushions until no suds or vinegar remain. Then let everything air-dry completely—deMañana likes a few hours in the sun. Just keep in mind that while thebest outdoor cushionsare usually polyester and sun-safe, some fabrics will fade faster than your summer tan. If the tag allows, you can also machine-dry the covers and cushions.
Once everything is dry and reassembled, spray on a water-repellent treatment. It blocks moisture from seeping in, which keeps mildew and mold from setting up camp and helps your cushions stay fresh-smelling instead of musty.
Generally, outdoor cushions only need a deep cleanonce or twice a year,with spot treatments as needed. Letting dirt, stains, or moisture linger is basically an open invitation for mildew, mold, and permanent odors to move in—and nobody wants their patio to smell like a damp basement.
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