How to Clean a Seat Cushion & Pillows

Does cleaning your cushions seem necessary? Fill yourself up with this article on how to clean dining chair cushions!

It appears that the stained cushion will spread bacteria that could cause illness. And the appearance of the dirty cushion was lost. It won’t last as long if you use it in that state, whereas a clean chair cushion can be used for extended periods.

Although it is important to keep your chair clean, dust accumulates over time. As a result, cleaning the furniture requires a lot of work.
So whenever you notice any debris or solid dust on the chair, get rid of it right away. Don’t give the particle much time to settle on the fabric. To remove the dust, utilize a fresh cloth or paper towel. Additionally, avoid pressing too hard into the fabric by rubbing it; instead, make more attachments with it.

What You Need

• Vacuum with upholstery attachment
• Soft-bristled brush
• Dish detergent
• Borax
• Bucket of water
• Garden hose
• Clean towel

How to Clean Patio Cushions and Pillows

Some outdoor pillows and patio cushions come with detachable covers that you can throw in the washing machine. After washing as directed by the manufacturer, allow the covers to completely air dry before replacing them.

Use your garden hose and a basic cleaning solution to refresh your patio furniture cushions if you are unable to remove the cover. To avoid leaving fresh mud or grass stains on the cushions, make sure to do this on a stable outdoor surface, like a patio or deck.

Dust, Dirt and Pet Dander

Whatever their material, cushions eventually start to collect dust and other debris. If you live with pets, there might also be stray pet dander and hair. To help remove dirt that adheres to the seat cushion, vacuum it with an upholstery brush attachment. If the upholstery brush fails to remove debris stuck in seams and crevices while vacuuming, use a small brush with nonabrasive bristles, such as a toothbrush. Wipe the cushion with your hand while wearing a rubber glove to remove pet hair from it in general when you don’t feel like getting the vacuum cleaner out. Pet hair is gathered by the glove, which then removes it from the surface.

Spill and Spot Maintenance

Despite your best efforts, spills do happen occasionally. For a leather or faux leather cushion, blot a spilled liquid to keep it from rolling onto other surfaces or soaking into a textile-based cushion. If you want to prevent the dye from the spill from transferring to the cushion, use paper towels or white, soft cloths when blotting. Grab as much of the liquid as you can with paper towels and wipe toward the center of any food spills, such as spaghetti sauce or chocolate sauce, to stop it from spreading. After that, wipe up the spill. To avoid or remove stains, dab spills of condiments like ketchup or mustard with a white cloth dipped in vinegar. Vinegar also aids in the odor and stain removal from pets. Other spills can be cleaned by blotting them with a little dish soap and a white, damp cloth. Use a fresh, damp white cloth to finish the job by wiping the spill area from the edges toward the center.

All-Over Cleaner

For a seat that is frequently used or if it hasn’t been cleaned in years, a thorough, all-over cleaning is helpful. With 4 parts water and 1 part liquid dish or laundry soap, you can make your own cushion cleaner. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to whip the mixture into a foam. After testing it on a discrete area, apply the suds rather than the liquid to the cushion’s surface. Using a soft-bristled brush, gently rub the suds over the textile-based cushion before using a rubber scraper to remove them. After air drying, clean the cushion with a gentle, damp white cloth. Place the cushion back on the chair after it has completely dried.

Odor Removal

Sometimes all the cushion needs is a little cleaning or freshening up when it comes to the scent. Sprinkle baking soda on the cushion and then vacuum it up. Apply more baking soda if necessary, then leave the cushion outside for a few hours on a dry day to see if the smell disappears. Equal parts vinegar and water sprayed lightly on the affected area also works to eliminate odors. To ensure the liquid won’t stain the cushion, test a small, inconspicuous area first.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions With Vinegar

You can clean outdoor cushions naturally by using vinegar. Pour 4 cups of warm water and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle. After vacuuming the floor, spray the solution on the cushions and let it sit for 15 minutes. Scrub any stains with a soft brush. After rinsing, let the surface air dry.

How to Remove Stains on Outdoor Cushions and Pillows

It’s best to treat stains on outdoor cushions as soon as possible, as is the case with most stains. Use these instructions for specific types of spots:

• Grass stains: Use a liquid detergent with stain-removal enzymes, such as Tide Heavy Duty Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent ($13, Target), if the above Borax solution fails to remove grass stains. After applying the detergent to the stain with a soft brush and rinsing with clean water.
• Mold or mildew: To remove as much mold or mildew as you can, use a brush. To prevent transferring the spores to other areas of your house, make sure to do this outside. Spray undiluted distilled white vinegar on the affected area, then wait at least ten minutes. Apply a vinegar-soaked cloth to stains that are particularly difficult to remove. Use a brush to scrub the cushions, and then a sponge dipped in water and a little detergent to clean them. Rinse thoroughly, then dry completely outside in the sun.
• Oil stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the fabric to get rid of greasy stains from food, bug spray, and sunscreen. Utilizing a straightedge, such as a ruler or credit card, scrape off the powder after waiting 15 minutes for the oil to be absorbed. Repeat as necessary until the stain is removed.
• Tree sap: Apply an enzyme-based stain remover to the stain, then top with powdered detergent to create a paste. Use a brush to gently scrub, then hot water to rinse. If the staining persists, use oxygen bleach ($8, Amazon) to wash the item to restore the color.

A special coating that repels water and stains is applied to many outdoor cushions and pillows. Replace this coating or shield untreated fabrics with a fabric protector like Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield ($10, Amazon), making sure the cushions are completely clean beforehand to prevent locking in dirt or stains.

Final Verdict

There won’t be anything that is pristine and untouched. However, your routine cleanings keep it more durable and shiny than usual.

We therefore hope you use the tips above to obtain the chair cushion of your dreams. Last but not least, you might not need to complete all the steps at once. Simply determine which is best for you. And if I missed any suggestions for cleaning chair cushions, please let me know in the comment section.

FAQs