How to Care for Your Outdoor Cushions

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Your outdoor fabrics are exposed to all the
elements this includes sunlight, rainfall, and
even critters, like bugs and squirrels. Though
your outdoor fabrics, such as cushions, curtains
and drapes, often come with a protective coating,
there are a few extra things you can do to keep
them looking new and in great condition for a
very long time.
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Outdoor fabrics are treated with a coating that
helps resist fading from days in the sun and
mildew from excessive moisture. With fabrics like
Sunbrella, the raindrops literally roll off
instead of soaking into your cushions.
The trick is to get the most out of your outdoor
fabric by protecting your cushions during rainy
seasons, when you most likely wont be using them
anyway. Cover them or store them in your backyard
shed.
If you do leave them out in the rain now and
again, its a good idea to shake them off after
rainfall and sit them upright to properly dry off.
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• To delay wear and tear, its important to not let
  dust and debris accumulate on the surface of your
  cushions.
• Routinely give them a good shake to toss off
  leaves and pollen. To really go a step further,
  you can vacuum your cushions as well.
• Keep your outdoor cushions out of direct
• sunlight and rain as much as possible.
• Always remove food stains. These stains can
  attract critters like squirrels, which might try
  to nibble through your cushions!
• Lay a towel on top of your cushions if you're
  wearing sunscreen or bug repellent. The oils in
  these products can stain your cushions.

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Some fabrics have specially formulated cleaners
to remove stains without the worry of fading
the fabric, so its advisable to do your research
first. However, most fabrics tolerate a mild soap
just fine.

• Mix 2 ounces of liquid soap with 1
• gallon of lukewarm water.
• Use a soft-bristled brush to work out stains.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Prop upright to dry.

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Before storing your outdoor fabric cushions for
winter, vacuum off all dust and debris. Clean
any spots or stains as you would ordinarily.
Allow the cushions to dry completely before
storing.
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Don't store outdoor fabrics in tightly sealed
plastic, such as garbage bags, because the fabric
can't breathe, which can cause mildew to
grow. After cleaning and drying the cushions,
store them in a breathable bag to protect from
dust. If you want to prolong the life of your
cushions, consider purchasing bags specifically
designed to keep dust out while allowing for
sufficient air flow. Keep in a dry place, such
as the attic or a well-sealed shed. Avoid storing
in a leaky or humid basement.
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If this fails to remove the mildew spots, use 1/4
cup bleach with 1/4 cup liquid soap in 1 gallon
lukewarm water. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush.
Of course, you should always check first to see
if the manufacturer advises the use of bleach.
If mold or mildew does start growing on your
cushions, try the cleaning solution of two ounces
liquid soap and 1 gallon of water and scrub with
a soft-bristled brush.
Removable fabric covers can be washed in the
washing machine with color-safe bleach.
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Since sun and rain are the main enemies of
outdoor fabrics, it's best to place your outdoor
furniture in a covered area, under an awning or
covered porch. Sitting the furniture under trees
can eliminate direct sunlight, but it doesn't
help with the rain, and is a prime place for bird
droppings to soil your fabrics. If you can't
find a suitable place, enjoy your furniture
wherever is comfortable, and bring the cushions
indoors when not in use.
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Outdoor Fabrics offers a generous selection of
outdoor fabric products by Sunbrella, including
outdoor furniture cushions, outdoor drapery,
outdoor curtains, and more. There are more than
1,000 fabric patterns to choose from, meaning you
can find the perfect look for any style you wish
to achieve. Made from durable, rugged acrylic
fabrics, these products are resistant to damage
from the sun, rain, and rigorous use. Visit
www.outdoorfabrics.com to learn more.
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Sources
http//www.networx.com/article/caring-for-outdoor-
furniture-cushions http//furniture.about.com/od/o
utdoorfurniture/qt/out316fab.htm
http//www.msue.msu.edu/objects/content_revision/d
ownload.cfm/revision_id.494150/workspace_id.-4/015
00292.html/ http//www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-t
o-clean-patio-furniture-cushions-and-canvas/index.
html http//www.marthastewart.com/275678/outdoor-f
urniture-care-guide/_at_center/276985/outdoor-living
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Summary Outdoor fabrics on cushions and drapery
are made to be resistant to fading from the sun,
rain damage, and stains. But this protective
coating can't ward off all of the elements
forever. Having beautiful outdoor furnishings
means taking a little time throughout the year to
care for those fabrics.