Ask Eli:
Help, I just threw a party and there are some stains on my outdoor cushions. How should I clean them?
To watch exactly how Gasper Exterior Designer, Eli Hymer tackles stains on performance fabrics, watch this short video.
If your cushions are made with Sunbrella or other outdoor performance fabrics, you are in luck. These fabrics are designed to make stain removal quick and easy. If you know what type of stain you have, I recommend consulting the Sunbrella Stain Guide found HERE. This guide will give you information on how to remove almost any common stain. Another valuable resource is the Sunbrella Upholstery Care and Cleaning Guide found HERE.
I find most stains are easily removed with a solution of a diluted dish detergent such as Dawn. Use 1 part detergent to 3 parts water, then apply to the stain. Blot gently rather than rub. Rinse and allow to air dry.
More stubborn stains might require a solution of diluted chlorine bleach. Again, I use 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Don’t worry, the color in performance fabrics is manufactured directly in the yarn so the fabrics are perfectly bleach-safe.* For general cleaning, I even recommend throwing your cushions into a chlorinated pool or hot tub and then set them out to air dry!
*NOTE: Unbelievable as it is, bleach is perfectly OK to use on Sunbrella and other outdoor performance fabrics. It is one of the advantages of these types of fabrics. If you are unsure what type of fabric you have, try spot-checking in an inconspicuous area first or bring your cushion into us and let one of our furniture team members evaluate your fabric.
Sunbrella outdoor fabrics are made to be unfazed by nature and last for years, making it the perfect choice for your outdoor furniture.
Sunbrella outdoor cushions and umbrellas come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
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*If you are uncertain what type of fabric you have, always be sure to test in an inconspicuous location first or bring your cushion in to us and let one of our Gasper furniture team members evaluate your fabric.
