Outdoor Pillow & Cushion Care Guide

When the weather warms up, a daybed, sofa, or chaise lounge with cozy cushions and throw pillows invites you to linger outdoors. But after prolonged weeks in the bright sun, humid air, and occasional rain, outdoor cushions and pillows can start to lose their luster. Follow our pillow and cushion care guide to keep these cozy outdoor accessories plump, pretty, and ready for relaxing.

The Best Fabrics for Outdoor Pillows & Cushions

How durable your outdoor pillows and cushions depends upon the fabric they’re made in. Choose hardy materials that can stand up to the elements: Acrylic, polyurethane (PU)-coated polyester, cotton canvas, and olefin are all good options. Some fabric is treated to make it extra resistant to water, mold, mildew, and UV rays. If you adore your existing pillows and cushions, but they aren't made in weather-proof materials, apply a spray-on fabric guard to help shield them from the elements.

Outdoor Pillows & Cushions Need Shelter

Even if you choose outdoor cushions and pillows in a sturdy, treated material, these items still require some care to maintain their looks. UV-resistant fabrics and antimicrobial materials are subject to fading and mildew when left in extreme conditions for extended periods of time. Move your outdoor furniture into a shady spot on bright, sunny days to reduce the UV exposure that can fade fabric prematurely. If the forecast calls for rain, remove your cushions and store them indoors or in a watertight outdoor storage box to avoid saturation. Move furniture indoors for the winter or opt for sturdy patio furniture covers to protect pillows and cushions for long periods when not in use.

How to Clean Outdoor Pillows & Cushions

Don’t wait until the end of the season to clean your outdoor cushions and pillows; routine cleaning, care, and maintenance make a difference in how long they’ll last. If your outdoor pillows, cushions, or covers are machine washable, launder them in cold or warm water with a heavy-duty liquid detergent, and then allow them to air dry to avoid shrinkage.

For large outdoor cushions or pillows that cannot fit inside a washing machine, follow these steps to clean:

1. Remove all dirt and debris from the surface of the material with a soft brush or vacuum.  
2. Mix a solution of 1/4 cup liquid laundry detergent and one gallon of warm water.
3. Use a soft brush to apply the solution and then scrub the item section by section.
4. Rinse thoroughly.
5. Use a towel or two to blot most of the water, and then allow the cushion to air dry completely. 
6. Optional: Once your pillows and cushions are dry, apply a fabric protector for additional dirt and stain resistance.

Stain Removal Guide

Even if you routinely clean your pillows and cushions, some stains are unavoidable: Leaves fall from trees, wind kicks up dust, and rain can occur unexpectedly. For common dirt and debris stains, pre-treat the area with a stain-removing liquid detergent. Use a soft brush, thick washcloth, or utility sponge to work the detergent into the material to loosen the stain. Rinse the material thoroughly and let it dry.

Follow these guidelines to remove the toughest, yet most common stains:

Mold & Mildew

• Mix a solution of one cup of borax and four cups of water.
• Apply to fabric with a brush or sponge.
• Scrub the mixture into the fabric gently and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Wash in hot water and let dry in the sunlight.

Note: You can use a solution of one part bleach, one part water, and two parts laundry detergent on bleachable fabrics.

Tree Sap

• Apply an enzyme-based remover or heavy-duty degreasing detergent to break up the oil in the tree sap.
• Let the mixture sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
• Scrub lightly with a soft brush, and then rinse in hot water.
• Air dry.

Sunscreen

• Pre-treat the stain with a paste of powder detergent mixed with water.
• Rub it into the fabric and let it sit for 30 minutes.
• Wash and dry as usual.

Bird Droppings

• Allow the droppings to dry.
• Brush away dried droppings with a stiff-bristled brush.
• If you need to remove droppings while still wet, use a blunt knife edge to lift away the waste. Rubbing can cause the stain to set deeper into the fabric.
• Rub a heavy-duty detergent into the stain and then rinse with warm water.

Note: If the droppings contain dark berries, pre-treat the stain with oxygen-based bleach or borax.

Now that you know how to clean and take care of your outdoor pillows and cushions, visit our advice and ideas page for more helpful home tips, solutions, and how-tos.