The Easy Way To Clean Outdoor Patio Cushions (Without A Power Washer)

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Imagine this. You've finally designed your perfect patio, and it's lined with trendy furniture and other chic decor. But as the seasons change, you look out one day and notice that your once gorgeous patio cushions now look like you've had one too many outdoor dinner parties. Everything from barbecue stains and bird droppings to sweat stains, dirty paw prints, and grassy shoe prints have left your beloved outdoor furniture set looking worn and unkempt. Your first inclination may be to power up the pressure washer and get to work. But you can bring your dingy patio furniture back to life without even reaching for it. What you will need, however, is a water hose, some cleaning detergent, and a few supplies, and you can whip your outdoor cushions and pillows into tip-top shape in no time with a quick scrub session.

Power washers are awesome cleaning devices, that is, until they rip up your pillows and cushions, turning them into scraps to be used for pet cages. The great thing about this easy hack is that it won't damage your furniture, it's easy to do, and it's budget-friendly. You can purchase a Relxitl Flexible Hose for around $20. For this project, you'll also need a Konex Stiff Bristle Brush, Pure Borax, dish detergent, and a bucket — and all of these items can be purchased for under $10 online or at your local lawn care store. However, before cleaning your cushions or pillows, be sure to look at their care tags to ensure that it's okay to get them wet. While outdoor furniture is typically expected to get wet, the manufacturer may have specific care instructions.

Decorative pillows and cushions help to elevate your living space. But if they're dirty, they may do the exact opposite. So, to restore them using a water hose, start by preparing your cleaning solution. First, fill your bucket with water. Then add in 2 tablespoons of dish detergent and ½ cup of borax. Next, remove all the cushions and place them on the patio floor or the driveway — avoid placing them on the grass or soil. 

Afterward, go over both sides of each cushion with your water hose, spraying each one just enough to dampen it. Now it's time to dip your brush in the water and start scrubbing away on your cushions. Pay special attention to any hardened debris or deep stains, going over them multiple times if needed. After cleaning them, rinse them off with the water hose to remove the suds, and then press or squeeze them with your hands to remove any excess water. Finally, set them upright in a sunny location so that they can dry fully before placing them back on your furniture.

One way to prevent your furniture cushions from getting stained so easily is to spray them with a water-repellent solution. Many outdoor fabrics come with it on their finish already, but it may be scrubbed away during your cleaning session. So, if you notice that water no longer rolls off the cushion's surface but absorbs into it instead, it may be time to reapply a finish. However, it's always best to first double-check the manufacturer's label beforehand for recommendations on preferred brands and application frequency.