How to Handle Cleaning and Care of Fabrics in Your Outdoor Space

Fabric products, from pillows to couches, cushioned chaises, and daybeds, are all excellent additions to an outdoor living space. But, how can you keep fabric clean outside?

 

Being outside makes any object much more susceptible to losing its pristine appearance. Maintenance within your outdoor space is essential to keeping it an enjoyable place to relax and unwind. Make sure to add these outdoor fabrics cleaning and care tasks into your schedule.

 

Your Regular Fabric Cleaning Routine

 

 

On a regular basis, attend to basic cleaning tasks to keep your fabrics spotless and your outdoor space looking amazing. You can easily clean off any dirt or dust that has landed on your fabric cushions with some quick vacuuming. Be sure to use a soft brush attachment when vacuuming upholstery to get everything off without damaging the fabric.

 

Some parts of your outdoor furniture are likely to get more use than others. Prevent favored cushions from getting worn out faster than others by rotating them. This can extend the life of your outdoor fabric, so you can enjoy taking a seat during your favorite outdoor activities for many more years. 

 

This regular fabric care is easy to fit into your busy life. It only takes a few minutes every three months. Simply set a calendar reminder on your phone so you can remember to get back out there for a quick check-in on your fabrics.

 

Whenever you’re out vacuuming and rotating cushions, take note of any areas that may need some extra care. It’s always best to clean a mess sooner rather than later so it doesn’t have time to seep in and become a stain.

 

How to Remove a Mess From Outdoor Fabric

 

 

Relaxing afternoons out on the patio are even better when you’ve got a refreshing beverage in your hand. While you’re sipping that drink, it may seem like nothing can go wrong – until a spill happens. No matter what, little messes on your outdoor furniture are bound to happen. As long as you are quick to clean up though, the fabric should be fine.

 

As soon as you spill, grab a clean, dry cloth to remove the liquid. Be careful to only pat the surface dry, as you don’t want to rub the spill deeper into the fabric.

 

If you spill something like olive oil, you can help the oil come off by applying an absorbent like cornstarch or cat litter.

 

Once the liquid is out, you can begin more thoroughly cleaning your outdoor fabric. In most cases, a mild solution of soap and water will be all you need to cleanse fabric.

 

Be sure to rinse out all the soap with water before letting it dry. Once you’ve finished washing your outdoor fabric, leave it out to dry naturally. Drying machines can damage furniture fabric, but the wind and sun rays should dry well enough on their own.

 

Can You Machine Wash Outdoor Fabric?

 

 

While we don’t recommend putting outdoor fabric into the dryer, many fabric products can be washed in a washing machine. Our Laze Hammock and some cushions use removable covers. These make cleaning a breeze by allowing you to simply take off the cover and toss it into the washer.

 

Before putting a fabric casing into the washing machine, close all the zippers. Then, machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent. If there is severe mold or mildew on the fabric, you can add one cup of bleach. This will not harm the colors on Ledge fabric products. Once the machine has finished washing, fabric casings can be hung up to air dry. 

 

Getting a Deeper Clean By Hand

 

 

You don’t need a washing machine for cleaning and care of outdoor fabrics. Our fabric products can be washed with a simple solution of soap and water. Prepare your cleaning solution by adding one-fourth cup of mild soap for each gallon of water.

 

If you’re able to take off your fabric cover, this can be placed inside a container of the soap solution to soak. Otherwise, pour the solution onto your cushion. Get a thorough clean by using a sponge or very soft bristle brush. Use plain water to rinse out all the soap before letting the fabric dry.

 

Pro Tip: Seam-to-Seam Cleaning

 

Instead of concentrating your cleaning efforts on the specific spot that has a spill, always clean the entire surface area of the fabric.

 

Going from seam to seam on your outdoor upholstery will help to prevent water rings and residue.

 

How to Remove Mold and Mildew

 

 

Our fabrics are designed to resist mold and mildew growth. However, if dirt or other substances are left on your outdoor fabric, these can allow for the growth of mildew. Not to worry, cleaning mold or mildew off the furniture is still a simple process.

 

To the same soap and water solution that you would use for spills, add a cup of bleach for each gallon of water. Spray this stronger solution onto the entire area and wait fifteen minutes so that it will have time to soak into the fabric. Then, use a sponge, towel, or very soft bristle brush to clean the cushion. Rinse with water to remove all of the soap and allow the fabric to air dry.

 

Soon, you will be enjoying sitting on your sofa or lounging on your outdoor chaise once again.

 

Enjoy Your Time Outside with Clean and Comfortable Fabric Furniture

 

 

Outdoor pillows and cushions can bring indoor comfort out into our backyards. Our variety of fabric products are easy to clean so you can effortlessly keep your outdoor space looking great.

 

If you have any other questions about maintaining your fabric product, our customer service team is always available. Feel free to reach out to discuss outdoor fabrics cleaning and care or any other issue that you may have. 

 

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