One of the most relaxing things about spring and summer is sitting on your patio enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, spring and summer in Colorado also means changes in the weather, including rain showers and thunderstorms, which means frequently dealing with wet cushions on your patio furniture. The cushions on your outdoor furniture are meant to provide you comfort while taking abuse from constant use as well as the elements. It is essential that you protect your cushions because they can be easily ruined if neglected in the Colorado weather. The last thing you want is see your furniture ruined by mold and mildew. The good news is following these tips will make taking care of your outdoor furniture cushions simple.

Keep Outdoor Cushions Clean

Most fabrics used for outdoor furniture are designed to be moisture, fade and mildew resistant. This means when the fabric gets wet from the rain, the water will bead up and roll off the fabric. However, if the cushions are continually left out in the elements, without the proper care, they will eventually show signs of wear, including the possibility of mold and mildew. You should keep the cushions clean by regularly shaking off pollen, bugs, pine needles and other debris that can find its way into the seams. Other tips to keep outdoor fabric clean include:

• Food and beverage spills should be wiped off immediately to avoid staining and to deter bugs.
• Cushions that are not removable can be cleaned with a mixture of liquid dishwashing soap and warm water. Let the soap mixture soak for a few minutes, then gently rub with a sponge and rinse with clean, cool water.
• If the cushions are removable, remove the covers and machine wash fabric coverings on the gentle cycle and hang outside to dry.
• To get rid of mildew on acrylic patio cushions, clean with a solution of laundry detergent, household bleach and water. Mix the solution in a spray bottle, wearing protective eyewear and gloves, spray the solution on the cushions, let the cleaning solution soak for about 30-minutes and then scrub with a sponge. Rinse the cushions with clean, cool water and allow them to dry completely.

One of the simplest things you can do to ensure your patio cushions look their best is to cover them up when they aren’t in use. It is best to use fabric covers as opposed to plastic which may increase the moisture on the cushions and cause mildew. During the winter, the outdoor furniture should be stored in a dry location, such as the garage, a shed or the basement. However, if you don’t have storage space, make sure to protect the furniture with weatherproof coverings. Before storing and/or covering outdoor furniture for the winter, make sure it is thoroughly clean and dry before placing the covers over the furniture.

Whether you are looking for new outdoor furniture or more tips on care, contact CushionWorld. We’ll be happy to help you with all of your outdoor furniture needs.