A POLYWOOD Braxton 5 Piece Deep Seating Set in Teak with Natural Linen cushions sits on a patio.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions

Written by: POLYWOOD Staff

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Published on

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Last updated on

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Time to read 4 min

You may not realize it, but your outdoor cushions and pillows have to withstand a lot. Direct sunlight, pouring rain, dirt and dust, wine spills, greasy sunblock splatters, and the list goes on and on. While they’re constructed out of fabric made to endure harsh outdoor conditions, your cushions are still susceptible to stains and damage—especially if they’re left out during winter or a rainstorm.

We’ve put together a how-to guide below to help you clean up your cushions based on different types of stains and damage.

A POLYWOOD Braxton Deep Seating Chair in Black with Dune Burlap cushions is covered in water droplets.

How to Clean Spills and Bird Droppings

Did you accidentally spill your glass of red wine? Or maybe a bird left you a special surprise on your outdoor pillow? Don’t fret! You can treat these types of stains with a spot clean. Remove these stains by following the steps below:

Steps for Removing Spills and Bird Droppings

  1. Create a cleaning solution with one teaspoon of Borax, one teaspoon of mild dish soap, and one quart of warm water. Pour the ingredients into a spray bottle and shake well to mix.

  2. Spray the solution directly onto the stain and allow it to soak for a few minutes.

  3. Use a clean cloth to work the solution into the stain.

  4. Let it stand for 10–15 minutes.

  5. Rinse away all the soap residue with a garden hose.

  6. Allow the cushion to air-dry on its side.

A 20 Mule Team Borax box sits by a spray bottle, a bottle of blue cleaning solution, and a stack of colorful cleaning cloths.

Additional Tips

  • For bird droppings, clean off as much of the stain as possible with a microfiber cloth before spot cleaning. Make sure not to rub it deeper into the fabric.
  • For spills, time is of the essence, so clean them up as soon as possible.

How to Clean Oil-Based Stains

Oils from sunscreen, bug spray, or food can make their way onto outdoor cushions and pillows. These oils can also attract more dirt and grime. Don’t worry, though! You can remove these stains with a dry absorbent powder like cornstarch or baking soda. Follow these steps to tidy up your cushions.

A squeegee, a box of Arm & Hammer baking soda, and a stack of colorful microfiber cloths are shown on a white background.

Steps for Removing Oil Stains

  1. Blot any excess oil with a microfiber cloth.
  2. Apply cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain.
  3. Allow the powder to stand for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Use a straight edge like a ruler to scrape off the powder.
  5. Reapply powder if needed.
  6. Blot the spot with a natural cleaning solution and a damp microfiber cloth if a mark remains.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew

While some fabrics, like solution-dyed acrylic, don’t promote mold and mildew growth, they might still appear on dirt and other foreign substances that aren’t removed from the fabric. If you see grime on your cushions, follow these simple steps, and your all-weather outdoor cushions will look as good as new. 

Steps for Removing Mold and Mildew

  1. Use a dry cloth to remove as much mold and mildew as possible. Afterward, vacuum or shake your cushions to remove any remaining debris.
  2. Mix one cup of Borax into four cups of warm water. You can also try hydrogen peroxide instead of Borax.
  3. With a spray bottle or sponge, generously apply the solution to the cushion.
  4. Allow the solution to soak for 15–30 minutes.
  5. Use a microfiber cloth to blot out the stain.
  6. Use a garden hose to rinse off all the solution.
  7. Allow your cushion to air-dry. Put the cushion on its side for quicker drying.
A blue bucket, a box of 20 Mule Team Borax, a bottle of hydrogen peroxide, and microfiber cloths stand on a white background.

How to Deep Clean Outdoor Cushions

It’s always recommended to deep clean your cushions before storing them for the winter. Once spring rolls around, you only need to dust them off and place them on your outdoor furniture. Here’s how to deep clean your cushions.

Steps for Deep Cleaning

Prepare a solution of ¼ cup of mild soap and one cup of bleach per gallon of lukewarm water. Laundry detergent can work too, but use less of it.

  1. Before using your homemade solution, grab your garden hose and rinse off your cushion to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris.
  2. Grab a clean sponge or cloth, dip it in your solution, and scrub down the cushion.
  3. Let your cushion sit for about 5–10 minutes so that the solution can soak into the fabric and deep clean your cushion effectively.
  4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soapy residue. If applicable, be sure to rinse the zipper area because the cleaning solution can damage it.
  5. Let your cushion air dry on its side with the zipper area on the bottom. It usually dries better and faster by doing it this way.
A collage of four images demonstrates how to clean POLYWOOD outdoor cushions with soap, water, and a scrub brush.

Additional Tips

  • Not all fabric materials can handle bleach. Always test cleaning solutions on a small section of fabric first to ensure it’s safe for your cushions.
  • Try undistilled white vinegar if you want a natural alternative to bleach.

Can I Fix My Cushions if They’re Faded?

Most outdoor cushions and pillows made of durable fabrics are UV resistant. But no matter how tough the fabric is, it can fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about it once the material starts to fade.

A POLYWOOD 18 Inch Outdoor Throw Pillow in Glacier Spa sits atop a Vineyard Deep Seating Chair in Black and Natural Linen.

There are a few ways to increase the color lifespan of your cushions for at least five years. When not in use, bring your cushions inside, place them in a storage bag, or put them in the shade. If you have some pillows constantly exposed to the sun and others in the shade, rotate them around to equalize their sun exposure.

Can I Reverse Water Damage?

Like fading, you can’t fix water damage. If your cushions and pillows get drenched from a storm, you need to dry them properly. Plus, the sooner you dry them, the less risk for mold and mildew.

A beige patterned outdoor performance fabric cushion is covered with water droplets.

If your cushions have covers, unzip them and drain out the water. Put the cushions on their sides so they can dry quicker. If it’s still wet outside, bring your cushions and pillows inside and blow dry them.

A man and child draw in a coloring book on a POLYWOOD Harbour Deep Seating Ottoman in White with a Sky Blue cushion.