Garden cushions are exposed to various influences. To make them last longer and not look unsightly, you should clean them from time to time.
So that the seating area in the garden is really comfortable and resembles an outdoor living room, it has to be equipped with upholstery. With frequent use, signs of wear on the garden cushions are inevitable. Storage in winter and how to deal with moisture are also decisive for how long upholstery pads appear visually appealing. Cleaning seems to be easiest in the washing machine. But this is not possible with all garden cushions.
These factors influence the cleaning of garden upholstery:
- Material
- Size
- Processing
Before you start cleaning, find out what the substance is. Appropriate coatings and finishes have been applied to most outdoor fabrics to make the material more durable and more resistant to moisture and sunlight.
Different materials for garden cushions
| Garden Upholstery Material | Features |
|---|---|
| pure cotton | • Can be used inside and outside • High seating comfort • Sensitive to dirt and moisture |
| Cotton and Polyester | • more robust than pure cotton • only conditionally suitable for outdoor use |
| Dralon / Polyester | • durable • colourful • hard-wearing • suitable for frequent use |
| Polyurethane (PU) | • waterproof • can be left outdoors • can also be used in the rain |
The cushions are used frequently and exposed to the corresponding loads. Therefore, you should not choose fabrics for garden upholstery solely based on their appearance. It is particularly important whether the fabric can withstand UV radiation.
→ Polyester and Dralon
Polyester and Dralon are water- and dirt-repellent and therefore ideal for use as a cushion. The fabrics are robust and bleach even with prolonged useSun exposure.
Tip: People with allergies should opt for such pads. Because pollen cannot settle in the fabric.
→ Cotton
If you rely on natural materials, cotton pads are a good choice. The breathable material offers pleasant seating comfort even at high temperatures. However, cotton absorbs sweat and unsightly stains form.
Cotton fabric does get dirty more easily than polyester, but on the other hand it is easy to clean. However, cotton does not tolerate high temperatures. The colors will fade and the fabric will lose size.
→ Plastic
Plastic (PU) seat covers are particularly easy to care for. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is enough to clean the seat pad. Plastic is weather-resistant and the pads can be left outside even when it rains. The disadvantage of cushions made of plastic is that the material sticks uncomfortably to the skin in hot temperatures, making sitting outdoors not particularly comfortable.
What should be considered when cleaning garden upholstery?
You don't have to use aggressive cleaners to clean upholstery. Most stains can be removed with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Ideally, the covers should be removable from the upholstery for easy cleaning.
Tip: When buying, make sure that there is a zipper on the garden cushions and the fabric cover can be easily removed.
If the covers of the upholstery can be removed, they can be cleaned in the washing machine. Cushions with fixed covers must be cleaned by hand. Before starting the actual cleaning, however, you should remove coarse dirt from the pads with a brush.
Cleaning the garden cushions in the washing machine
If the upholstery covers are removable, they can usually be cleaned in the washing machine. In order to be able to respond to the special properties of the fabric, the washing instructions must be observed.
Tip: If the cover is pulled onto the upholstery while it is still damp, it can be easily stretched and will retain its shape after drying.
If the garden cushions do not have a zip, the cushion is sewn into the cover. To wash such upholstery covers, you have to unpick the cover. After washing, sew the cover back onto the pillow.
Hint: SomeGarden cushions can also be completely cleaned in the washing machine. If they are made of simple foam, this is no problem.
Cleaning upholstery without a washing machine
Larger upholstery that cannot be cleaned in the washing machine can be rubbed down with a stiff brush and soapy water. It is important to ensure that the upholstery does not absorb too much moisture. Again, this depends on the material.
Incorrect storage of the garden cushions can lead to mildew stains. The stains can be treated with a few drops of lemon juice. Mold stains on garden upholstery are also accompanied by a musty smell. On the other hand, it can help to rub warm vinegar water on the upholstery. The garden cushions should then dry in the fresh air.
Tip: Mold stains can be avoided if garden cushions are regularly aired outdoors.
So that those who are allergic to house dust do not have to do without the garden cushions in summer, you should vacuum the cushions thoroughly from time to time and treat them with a mite spray.
Clean the chair cushion properly
The bathtub is ideal for cleaning chair cushions that are used on garden chairs and garden benches. The water temperature must not be too high so that sensitive textiles do not deform.
1Add some mild detergent to the water. Then press the pillows under water until they are completely soaked with liquid. The pillows should now be left in the liquid for one to two hours.
2After the exposure time, the pillows are kneaded and shaped. If the water is very dirty, it is changed and the process repeated again. Finally, the pillow is rinsed in clear water and pressed flat until there are no more soap residues in the rinsing water.
3To ensure that the garden cushions do not deform, ensure that they dry properly. The pillows are hung on a line or clothesline so that the liquid can drain off well. Since a lot of water escapes from the cushions, it is advantageous to hang them up to dry outdoors.
4If there are no more water stains on the cover, the cushions are dry and can be removed from the line. Smaller pillows can also be put in the tumble dryer. The temperature must be kept low. If the pillows do not fit in the tumble dryer in their full size, they should be dried outdoors as describedbecome.
Remove stains from garden upholstery - how it works
Stains are inevitable on garden cushions that are used frequently. Even if the cushions and cushions are left outside all summer, by autumn at the latest - when you winterize your garden furniture - it's time for cleaning and stain removal.
Removing bird droppings from garden cushions
Bird droppings can be removed with a solution of water and dish soap. Half a teaspoon of washing-up liquid is added to 125 milliliters of water. The stains are wetted with it and after the solution has been allowed to take effect for some time, a microfiber cloth is used to finish it off.
A yellowish shadow may remain on light covers. Follow-up treatment with lemon juice helps against this.
Removing mold stains from garden upholstery
Mould stains are first brushed off. Lemon juice and some bleach are then rubbed onto the mold stain. Since not all materials can withstand treatment with bleach, the relevant agent should first be tested on a rather inconspicuous area.
Removing Oil Stains from Garden Upholstery
Oil stains are not only caused by leftover food. Sunscreen or insect spray also contain oily residues. The oil can be easily absorbed with a kitchen towel or a piece of blotting paper. The oil stain is then covered with baby powder. The powder sucks the oil out of the tissue. After half an hour, the baby powder can be scraped off with a knife. Finally, it is treated with water and washing-up liquid.
What to do if there are residues from cleaning agents?
If residues remain on the garden cushions after the cleaning methods mentioned, they can be exposed to direct sunlight for some time. The UV light has a bleaching effect.