There are easy ways on how to clean patio cushions with mildew! If you have a perfect outdoor space with luxury outdoor furniture and patio cushions, mildew is something you might have to worry about.
Ways On How You Can Clean Your Patio Cushions With Mildew
Mildew is a common issue and problem for outdoor furniture. Mildew is a type of mold that forms easily in damp and dark environments.
Not only does it cause discoloration, but it is also unhealthy and could potentially cause some health issues.
Mildew makes your patio furniture and cushions unsuitable for lounging and seating. It is not exactly the first thing you want your guests to notice when they visit and drop by your home.
When it comes to removing mildew on your patio cushions, there are 3 methods you can try.
Method #1. Bleach
Bleach can kill germs, bacteria, and fungi, making it an effective cleaning and disinfecting solution.
Step #1. Make sure that the fabric of your cushion is bleachable. Bleach can ruin your colored cushion fabric if that is not the case.
Step #2. Wear protective gear. Bleach is a toxic substance that can irritate your eyes and skin, as well as damage your lungs.
Use gloves, protective glasses, and an apron while working with bleach.
Step #3. Pour ¾ cup of bleach in a gallon of water.
Step #4. Dip a cloth on the solution. You can test the formula out on an inconspicuous or less prominent part of the cushion to see if it will cause any discoloration.
Step #5. Wipe down the patio cushions using the cloth with the solution. Reapply until you are satisfied that the pillow is saturated
Step #6. After letting the solution sit for about 5 minutes, rinse using a hose. Place the cushion under the sun and let it dry.
Method #2. Pressure washer
If the mildew penetrated through the fabric or foam cushion, then it would require heavy-duty cleaning. Using the pressure washer might be the best option.
Pressure washers clean more thoroughly than any solution but do be cautious as they can damage your cushion.
Step #1. Attach your pressure washer to any outdoor water source and set it to the lowest setting to avoid causing damage.
Step #2. Pour the cleaner on the soap reservoir of your pressure washer and connect the soap tip. Place your cushions on a dry and flat surface for easy and equal cleaning.
Step #3. Soak the cushion with water first. Then, apply the cleaner after.
You can move the pressure washer in horizontal movements. This movement will lead to soap build-up and suds.
Step #4. Using a brush, scrub the mildew-affected area. Rinse the cushion thoroughly and remove all soap residue.
Step #5. Wring the cushion gently, then set it under the sun. You can now leave it to dry.
Method #3. White vinegar
If you are afraid to use toxic solutions such as bleach, you may use a white vinegar mixture to remove mildew. Though, keep in mind that this method would not be ideal for severely or heavily infected cushions.
Step #1. If you can remove the cushions, toss them into a washing machine. On the fabric softener dispenser, pour a cup of distilled white vinegar.
Since white vinegar is acidic, it could kill up to 82% of mildew and prevent mold outbreaks. If the cushion is not removable, continue to the next step.
Step #2. Pour distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle.
Step #3. Spray the solution all over the cushion and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes.
Step #4. Using warm water, scrub the cushions on both sides. Then rinse thoroughly using a damp cloth.
Step #5. Place it under a sunny spot and wait for it to dry. Spray the cushion with white vinegar regularly to prevent mildew growth.
It is not just patio cushions you should worry about. Couch cushions can acquire mold and mildew, as well.
You can refer to this article to know how to remove mold from couch cushions.
How To Prevent Patio Cushions From Catching Mildew
Mildew and mold can grow almost anywhere, though they thrive the most in moist and damp areas. Therefore, if you live in a humid or rainy location, it is almost inevitable for your patio, outdoor furniture, and patio cushions to be subjected to mildew.
If you neglect it, the likeliness of the mold or mildew to spread is relatively high. If you are trying to deal with mildew or mold on your patio, you can check this article to learn how to remove mold from concrete patio.
While remedies in removing mildew are relatively easy, knowing how to best prevent them from developing would save you from facing this problem entirely. Below are a few tips that can help you avoid mildew on your patio cushions:
- If the weather forecasts announce rain or high humidity levels, bring your patio cushions inside the house.
- Keep your cushions clean. If you spill drink or food on it, clean immediately with a damp cloth.
- Buy waterproof patio cushion covers. They will minimize the risk of mildew.
- If you cannot purchase waterproof covers, you can make your old cushions waterproof using fabric seal spray.
- Clean your patio cushions regularly. You can clean them every few months to prevent mildew from penetrating deep into the fabric or foam.
Conclusion
While mildew on patio cushions is unsightly and worrying, do not panic! You can resolve it quite quickly.
In knowing how to clean patio cushions with mildew, you can try these cleaning methods.