Washing and removing stains from garden furniture cushions
Did they spend the winter outside and are spotted with mold? Here is how to recover your outdoor cushions.
Recommended Materials
- Soft brush
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Borax (if very moldy)
- Washing machine (if removable covers)
Steps to follow
Step 1
If the cushions have removable covers: remove the covers. Treat mold stains (small black dots) before washing by rubbing with pure white vinegar or a mixture of lemon juice + salt. Leave on in the sun for 1h. Then machine wash according to the label (usually 30°C or 40°C).
Step 2
If the cushions do NOT have removable covers: you must wash by hand. Prepare a large basin or bathtub with lukewarm water, black soap and a cup of baking soda.
Step 3
Rub the entire surface of the fabric with a soft brush. Try not to soak the inner foam more than necessary, as it will take days to dry.
Step 4
Rinse with a water jet or shower head until there is no more foam.
Step 5
The crucial step is drying: press the cushions flat to squeeze out as much water as possible (do not twist them, it deforms the foam). Then let them dry vertically in full sun and wind. Turn them over often. They must be dry to the core so as not to mold from the inside.
Step 6
To waterproof: once perfectly dry, spray a textile waterproofing spray (camping tent type) so that they better resist future rains and stains.
Frequently Asked Questions
The black spots won't go away ?
It is mold embedded in the fiber. Try dabbing with diluted ammonia (with precautions, gloves and mask) or very diluted bleach (watch out for discoloration, mandatory test on a hidden corner).
How to store them in winter ?
In a waterproof bag or a garden trunk, but above all: they must be perfectly dry before being enclosed, otherwise you will find them moldy in the spring.
Precautions
- Never use bleach on colored fabrics without testing.
- Rinse soap well to avoid rings.
