One problem that is common to homeowners with patio furniture is that there can be a challenge with cleaning and maintaining the furniture and the cushions that go with it. This is less of an issue in areas of the country that almost year-round patio seasons, like in the desert southwest and southeastern parts of the U.S. However, even in these areas, those chair cushions can get pretty beat up and dirty, if not damaged. If you don’t take the time to care for your patio cushions, you might find yourself in the position of having to replace them.
If this is the situation you’re in, then replacement cushions might be your only option. There are some things to consider next time around, with your next set, we’ll cover those here. In the first place, you should also consider buying a quality set this time around. This isn’t to say that the set you have is cheap or that it could have been avoided with a more expensive set. The truth is, no matter how good your cushions are, they can still be susceptible to the damaging effects of water, sun, dirt and wear and tear.
Even quality cushions made of materials like Sunbrella™ can still break down. While the effects may be less pronounced and the wear life of those outdoor chair cushions extended, the inevitable will still occur without proper care and storage. To begin with, you must know what your manufacturer recommends regarding the cleaning of your cushions. Some fabrics and materials do not tolerate certain types of cleaners or washing techniques. You may find that yours can even be put into your washing machine and left to dry in the sun. If this is the case, then you need not concern yourself with being too gentle with them.
Still other cushions need to be hand washed with a towel and some mild soap solution. Never is it recommended to use a power washer on your cushions without specifically seeing if this is described on the label of your cushions. The use of a power washer can damage the cushion or lead to its own tearing or disintegration. This is the last thing you are looking to do, of course. Luckily, many of the newer materials can be easily washed and then hosed off with a garden hose and left to dry in the sun. The nature of the material allows the water to quickly drain and evaporate, leaving the clean cushions behind. Once you’ve got them clean, keeping them that way is easier and a good idea. At the end of use or in the off season, it is a good idea to store them away from the effects of the weather; sun, water and dirt. Following these simple steps will keep your patio cushions in good condition for many seasons.