Have you struggled with how to clean your patio cushions?
Spring has sprung and that means lots and lots of time outdoors.
Who wants to sit on a dirty, mildewed patio cushion?
Not me!
And, I don’t want to buy new cushions either.
We have had our outdoor patio furniture for 5 years. However, it is constantly covered in dirt and grime.
We live in a constant construction zone.
One day, in the near future, there will be an end to this construction. I will not be buying new patio furniture.
And, right now, on the weekends when the construction equipment is parked, we love to sit on the patio.
I still don’t want to sit in the filth.
Here is the method I have found to clean my cushions that I have found to work fabulously! Even on white cushions.
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Supplies
5 gallon bucket
1/2 cup granular Tide
1/2 cup Borax
Water
1/2 cup vinegar
Lint free rag or cloth
water hose with jet spray nozzle
Directions
- Place the Tide, Borax, and vinegar in the 5 gallon bucket.
- Add the vinegar.
- Using your water hose, gently fill the bucket with water. (You do not have to be exact).
- The mixture will foam up so don’t turn the water on full blast.
- Using a lint free rag, sponge the mixture onto your cushions and pillows liberally.
- Use a scrub brush to work on any stains.
- After generously soaking the entire cushion, place them in the sun for 15 minutes.
- After the first 15 minutes, flip them and repeat the process for another 15 minutes.
- Next, turn your hose sprayer to jet and spray the cushions with water until no suds run out.
- Flip the cushions on their side, zipper side down and allow to dry completely.
- You are now ready to enjoy your just like new patio cushions the entire season.




Your clean cushions will smell and look amazing. And, you will enjoy your clean cushions on patio season long.
I do this method about 5 times during patio season. This method has never worn my cushions out.
In fact, they still look brand new.
Drop me a comment and let me know what you think of my patio cushion cleaning method.
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Paula@SweetPea
May 6, 2021 11:33 amMy friend just yesterday asked me for tips on cleaning her outdoor cushions. I’m sending this helpful blog post to her right now!
Tina
May 6, 2021 11:36 amThanks, Jennifer! We just got all new patio furniture and cushions and with your help, I’ll be able to keep them looking great for years!
Jen
May 6, 2021 11:48 amThis is great information. Patio Cushions have always been a source of angst for me. I’ll have to try this once I get my patio makeover complete.
Calypso in the Country
May 6, 2021 12:02 pmGreat tips! Mine could definitely use some refreshing! Enjoy the rest of your week!
Shelley
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:58 amThank you and you too!
Maria
May 6, 2021 12:39 pmborax and vinegar to the rescue!!!! I definitely need to clean my cushions so thanks for the tips!!!!
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:58 amYes indeed. Those products are miracle workers – especially for mildew and stains.
Linda Johnston
May 6, 2021 12:44 pmHaving the right cleaning mixtures and the right equipment is so important when cleaning those seasonal cushions. Thanks for sharing it!
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:57 amDefinitely!
Cindy
May 6, 2021 1:49 pmThis great and helpful. I have wondered about cleaning cushions. Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:57 amGreat to read! Your cushions will look brand new.
Kim Waldord
May 6, 2021 2:05 pmWhat a great tip for cleaning patio cushions! So easy and you used supplies everyone should have in their house. Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:57 amYou are welcome!
Kim
May 6, 2021 2:37 pmWell this is timely! I’ve been getting estimates to have new cushions made for my porch set and they’e coming in anywhere from $1700-$2000…um…I think I’ll be cleaning mine instead! 😉 Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:56 amI think you will be pleasantly surprised. They will look brand new. I am not surprised at the custom prices. I used to do that for a living. Pricey for sure!
Marie
May 7, 2021 2:44 amYour seating area is so pretty! I’ll think of this recipe as I drag out our cushions for summer 🙂
Jennifer Williams
May 7, 2021 10:56 amThank you! I am sure your cushions will look brand new!
Christy
May 7, 2021 6:50 pmI’m cleaning all my patio furniture this weekend . Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer Williams
May 10, 2021 12:20 pmYou are welcome. Enjoy your clean patio furniture!
Carol Karl
May 7, 2021 7:48 pmThis a really great informative post. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy Rust
May 11, 2021 9:58 pmOk, so now I have no excuses for avoiding this task!! JK! Thanks for the tips!
Jennifer Williams
May 12, 2021 1:12 pmSuper simple and you will have brand new cushions.