How to get that musty smell out of patio cushions

Have you ever sat down on your patio furniture that you bought last season only to be met with an unpleasant odor? No one wants to sit on a musty cushion, especially if they’re wearing a bikini! When you are met with that smell, it is definitely time to give your cushions some much needed tender love and care! There are a couple of simple steps you can take to make sure that your beloved patio furniture lasts.

Storage

Many outdoor cushions are designed to withstand constant exposure to harsh outdoor elements like rain and sunlight, but you can drastically preserve their longevity by properly storing them away at the end of the season. Don’t put them in an airtight container though! That’s an invitation for musty smells and mildew to develop. Instead, find a clean shelf with free air circulation to store them. You can also cover them with a sheet to protect them from dust.

Sweeping

The best way for you to clean them is to simply sweep off your cushions. Use a whisk broom to remove any debris. Regular sweeping may be all that you need to keep your cushions in good condition. Don’t assume that the rain will be your ally in this matter! Instead, it will soak dirt and dust right into your fabric, making cleaning even harder.

Washing

If you make the mistake of letting the rain handle the dust and debris on your cushion, you may have to give them a thorough washing. It’s good practice to wash your cushions a few times a year to kill any mold or bacteria in the fabric. Also, washing will help to remove unseen spills and reach places that your broom misses. Patio Pads sells special soaps and anti-UV products that you can apply when you wash your patio furniture to make it last longer and stay clean.

If you want to make a simple cleaning solution for your own use, try dishwashing liquid and warm water, about 1/4th cup to 1 gallon of water, is all you need to revive your cushions. (Hint: You can even add a few drops of lavender essential oils to make your cushions irresistibly relaxing again). Simply use a sponge and wash them with the solution until each cushion is clean, and let them sit for 15 minutes. Rinse them off with fresh water and air dry the cushions by leaving them on their sides in a dry place.

Here’s a video from Home Depot that demonstrates how to clean your patio furniture.

 

What About The Frame?

While your cushions dry, it’s a great time to use the same soap solution to clean the frames. For aluminum frames, just scrub with your sponge and rinse them off, but for wicker you’ll need to take some extra steps. Use a vacuum to suck out all the debris from the wicker, then dampen a rag with all purpose cleaner and wipe the wicker down. Simply rinse it with fresh water, and then dry the wicker with a towel to prevent mildew.

You can use the same procedure for cleaning your cloth umbrellas as you used to clean your cushions. Accumulated debris and waste can eat away at your umbrellas, so it’s important to clear it off frequently.

With diligent maintenance, your comfortable cushions could last for well over a decade. Eventually, you will need to replace them, but not before you experience season after season of beauty, natural wonders, and relaxation.