How to Clean Outdoor Cushions to Look Like New

Outdoor cushions can take a beating during the spring and summer. You can buy a new set to spruce up your space, or give your cushions a deep clean before peak backyard entertaining season. Whether you choose to wash them by hand or with a pressure washer, we've got easy, step-by-step instructions to follow.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions by Hand

1. Spray the Cushions Down

Begin by laying the cushions out on a deck, driveway or sidewalk. Do not clean them on the grass to avoid creating mud or grass stains. Generously spray down each cushion with water, making sure the cushions are damp but not fully soaked.

2. Mix the Solution

Mix two tablespoons dish detergent and a 1/2 cup of Borax in a bucket, and fill with water.

3. Scrub the Cushions

Apply the cleaning solution to the cushions using a hard-bristle brush. Scrub the entire area of the cushions, creating a generous lather. For heavy stains or mildewed areas, you may need to scrub more or add more cleaning solution. Allow the solution to sit on the cushions for five minutes.

4. Rinse the Cushions

After five minutes, use a garden hose on high pressure to fully rinse the cushions, making sure to remove all of the cleaning solution.

5. Remove the Moisture

Press the moisture from the cushions with your hands, and lean the cushions vertically against a sunny wall to allow them to fully dry.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions With a Pressure Washer

1. Add the Solution

Begin by laying the cushions out on a deck, driveway or sidewalk. Do not clean them on the grass to avoid creating mud or grass stains. Next, add cleaning solution to the pressure washer reservoir, or insert the cleaning solution tube from the pressure washer into the bottle of solution. Make sure the spray hose is firmly attached.

2. Attach the Hose + Check the Water

Attach a garden hose to the pressure washer, and turn the water on high. Before turning the pressure washer on, pull the trigger on the spray gun to make sure that water is flowing through the entire machine. Once water is flowing freely from the spigot to the end of the spray gun, you are ready to turn on the pressure washer.

3. Clean the Cushions

Attach the cleaning/soap spray tip to the pressure washer hose, and fully spray each of the outdoor cushions. Make sure not to spray too close to the cushion fabric — a pressure washer can damage fabric surfaces if it gets too close. Don't forget to wash the sides of the cushions, too!

4. Scrub With the Brush

For stubborn stains, use a hard-bristle brush to more fully integrate the cleaning solution into the fibers of the cushion. After applying the solution, scrub any problem areas with the brush. Allow the solution to sit for 3-5 minutes, changing out the soap spray tip to the rinse spray tip.

5. Rinse

Now that your cushions have set, fully rinse all of the cleaning solution from each cushion using the spray tip. Move the spray tip back and forth from one edge of the cushion to the other. Watch the dirt and stains wash away from the fabric right before your eyes! Remember to keep your spray tip about 1-1/2 feet from your cushions so they don't get damaged.

6. Remove the Moisture

Press the moisture from your cushions using your hands, and lean them vertically against a sunny wall to allow them to fully dry. Once dry, replace them on your outdoor furniture and enjoy your freshly-cleaned cushions.