The Unexpected Kitchen Staple That Makes Outdoor Cushions Instantly Look Brand New

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White and light-colored cushions make your outdoor space look elegant and inviting, but leaving white fabric outside exposed to the elements is quite a gamble. Dirt, pollen, dust, bugs, and more will quickly show up on the fabric, sometimes staining it. When your usual cleaning methods don't work, there is a hack involving an unexpected product that you might want to try: a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. There are probably many things you didn't know you could do with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, and this may be one. It turns out that using a Magic Eraser on outdoor cushions can make them look fresh and new without too much effort. So, if your cushions need a good refresh, learn how to use a Magic Eraser on them and if it's a good idea for regular use on fabric.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are melamine foam sponges. Their structure and abrasiveness allow them to clean effectively with nothing but water by trapping dirt inside the foam. They're great for removing stains, but they also wear out quickly because they require friction that breaks them down. Luckily, Magic Erasers are pretty affordable. A six-pack of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original Cleaning Pads can be purchased on Amazon for under $5. Since the sponges are just melamine foam, similar off-brand options are available and usually work just as well.

The process of using a Magic Eraser is simple, and it doesn't change very much between various surfaces. Start by thoroughly wetting the sponge to activate the melamine foam. Then, squeeze out the excess water. Once the sponge is ready, find a hidden area of your cushion to perform a spot test. A side of the cushion that touches another cushion or a seam is a good and inconspicuous test location. Avoid the bottom of the cushion, as discoloration there would mean that you cannot flip the cushions. Use small, circular motions to lightly scrub the fabric. If you don't see anything worrying, like discoloration, you can continue to the rest of the cushion. Remember to be gentle, even on areas with tough stains, to avoid causing damage. 

Once you have cleaned the area, rinse the fabric thoroughly with water and allow it to dry. Remove any sponge particles left behind using a vacuum cleaner. If your cushions have a removable outer cover, it's a good idea to wash the cover according to the instructions on the fabric after treating the stains with a Magic Eraser. Once everything is done, you should be left with bright, spotless cushions that look as good as new. To prevent them from getting dirty again as soon as you put them back outside, clean your outdoor furniture as well.

While the miraculous results may have you wanting to use a Magic Eraser on your cushions regularly, there are some downsides to using Magic Erasers on fabric, especially when done frequently or used on frail fabrics. Magic Erasers are effective because they are abrasive, but this also means that they cause wear on the fabric. Outdoor fabrics are designed to be sturdier and withstand the elements, but you should still be gentle when using the sponges. While your outdoor furniture likely doesn't feature suede, velvet, or silk, be careful not to use a Magic Eraser on these fabrics. Use Magic Erasers more for stain removal than for general cleaning to keep the fabric strong. Finally, while using these sponges is considered low risk, avoid friction against your skin when scrubbing, as use on skin can cause burns and rashes.

Patio furniture will inevitably get dirty and stained, but keeping it clean can make it more appealing to use. If it has been some time since your last cleaning and you notice stubborn stains, this Magic Eraser trick is worth trying. After you're done, you may also be interested in learning how to prevent mildew on your outdoor cushions with a treatment plan to keep them in good shape for longer, potentially reducing the need for cleaning and stain removal in the future.