Learn how to clean garden furniture cushions and remove mildew using a Little Green Machine and Miracle Mist for fresh, like-new outdoor seating.
If you live in a humid climate like Florida, then you probably know the struggle of keeping outdoor furniture clean, especially the cushions.
But it’s not just a Florida issue – after winter, patio furniture up north needs a thorough cleaning and refresh too.
Everyone needs an easy and effective way to refresh outdoor seating!
Between mildew, dirt, and mystery stains, it’s easy to think you need to toss outdoor cushions and start over each season.
But don’t!
I’ve got a tried and true method for how to clean garden furniture cushions that brings them back to life – no replacement needed.
Why I Needed to Clean Garden Furniture Cushions
It started with Mom and Dad’s patio set. Their cushions had little black spots that didn’t wipe or wash up. They just kept slowly multiplying. So I tackled their cushions first and then decided to do my own while I was at it.
Both of our sets have Sunbrella fabric, which is durable and mildew-resistant, but even the best fabrics need some TLC now and then.
Things You Need to to Clean Garden Furniture Cushions
*Disclosure: This blog uses affiliate links from Amazon and other retailers. I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
- Bissell Little Green Machine (Walmart)
- Bissell Little Green Machine (Amazon)
- Miracle Mist (Amazon)
- Miracle Mist (Walmart)
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Garden Furniture Cushions
Step 1: Remove the Cushions
First things first, take all the cushions off the furniture. This gives you easy access to all sides of the cushions and ensures you are cleaning them evenly.
Step 2: Use the Bissell Little Green Machine
I absolutely love my Bissell Little Green Machine! It’s my go-to for cleaning just about everything! I bought it over seven years ago, and it’s been worth every penny.
I originally bought it to handle messes from my cat, Spooky, who started vomiting more often as she got older. It was a total lifesaver and quickly became one of my favorite cleaning tools.
A couple of notable life saving moments: I used it to remove spaghetti sauce from a wool rug and red wine from a light beige carpet.
That’s why it was a no-brainer to grab it when I decided it was time to clean patio furniture cushions.
I ran it over each cushion, and it pulled up an impressive amount of dirt and grime. But here’s the thing…
The Bissell alone did not remove all the mildew.
Step 3: Bring in the Miracle Mist
Enter…Miracle Mist! My cousin originally recommended it for cleaning her camper, and I’ve since used it on various surfaces.
When it comes to how to clean outdoor cushions mildew, this stuff works wonders. FYI: I also used it on the bimini top of the boat. It worked wonders!
I liberally sprayed the cushions with the Miracle Mist, making sure to fully cover any stained or mildewed areas. I let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Important Note: Miracle Mist does have a strong odor and does contain bleach.
To help with that, I followed up by using my Little Green Machine again. It lets you spray cleaner and suck it up, so it’s great for removing both the mildew and any lingering smell.
Step 4: Know Your Fabric
Before using any cleaner, read the care label on your cushions. As I mentioned, our cushions are made with Sunbrella fabric.
A professional carpet and upholstery cleaner once told me you can use bleach on Sunbrella, and I later confirmed that’s true.
Miracle Mist does contain bleach and works wonders! If you are unsure about your fabric, you can do a test on a spot on a cushion that isn’t visible. If it doesn’t bleach it out, you can use it on the rest of the cushions.
Knowing your fabric is a great tip for anyone wondering how to deep clean furniture that stays outdoors.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
If the Miracle Mist odor lingers, give the cushions a quick rinse with the garden hose. Then, use the Little Green Machine again to suck up any excess water.
I brought the cushions inside to allow them to dry completely overnight. This step is key because damp cushions can breed mildew all over again.
Once dry, your cushions are going to look like new!
I know ours did!
*I was pretty generous when I sprayed the Miracle Mist. I don’t know if you need to spray as much as I did. The bleachy smell did linger. Not to worry if that happens, it dissipated, after a couple of days.
Final Tips for Clean Outdoor Furniture
If you want to clean outdoor furniture and keep it fresh all year or season long, try these bonus tips:
- Store cons indoors or in a waterproof bin during rainy weather
- Use a fabric protectant spray after cleaning
- Spot clean regularly to prevent deep stains and mildew
How to Clean Garden Furniture Cushions is a Wrap!
Knowing how to clean garden furniture cushions can extend the life of your patio set and save you a ton of money! And you won’t be embarrassed to have friends and family spend time on your outdoor furniture!
With a few tools you can remove mildew, dirt, and grime and make those cushions look and feel brand new!
Whether you’re learning how to clean outdoor cushions mildew, or just need a refresh before guests arrive, this method will do the trick! It’s easy, affordable and effective!
So get out there and clean and then take time to relax!
Here are More Cleaning Tips
- How to Clean Grease from Kitchen Cabinets
- Best Way to Clean Windows and Mirrors
- How to Clean Dishwasher Grime and Smells Easily
- How to Clean Curtains: A Step-By-Step Guide
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Happy cleaning! If you have any questions about how to clean garden furniture cushions, let me know!
Mona