Caring for Your Outdoor Cushions

Outdoor furniture cushions are made from specific materials to ensure they can cope with environmental factors like rain, sun and dust. Like anything, there are a variety of options, and different fabrics offer different advantages. We use two main types of outdoor fabric.

Cleaning outdoor cushions

One of the best ways to keep any outdoor fabric looking good is to address spills as soon as they occur and keep surfaces clear of dirt and grime. This stops it becoming embedded in the fabric and restricts mildew growth, as mildew requires dirt to grow on — something that applies to anything left outdoors. However, methods of deeper cleaning, removing stains, and maintaining your cushions differ depending on which fabric you have, as outlined below.

Sunbrella fabric care

Cleaning Sunbrella fabric

All Sunbrella® fabrics are engineered to the highest levels of design and performance. When cleaning Sunbrella cushions, we highly recommend keeping the cushion slips on the cushion — do not remove the fill or the foam. This makes it far easier to clean and helps maintain the integrity of the cushion, the cover and the zips.

You may find that small amounts of dirt, dust or even some spills require no more than a brush or a hose-off if you get to them early enough. For fabric that needs a little more attention:

1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Spray on a cleaning solution of water and mild soap.
3. Use a soft bristle brush to clean from one side to another, not in circles.
4. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed. A hose is recommended.
6. Air dry.

Removing mould and mildew

Sunbrella fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however if mildew has formed on dirt or other foreign substances it can be easily cleaned.

1. Prepare a solution of 1 cup of bleach and a quarter cup of mild soap per 4 litres of water.
2. Spray on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
3. Clean the entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. A hose may be used.
5. Air dry.

For severe mould or mildew growth, bleach quantities may be increased. It's best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings.

Sunbrella stain guide

Sunbrella has produced a guide to treating a wide range of specific stains such as sunscreen, wine and coffee. You can find this guide, along with instructional videos, at the Sunbrella Stain Chart. More cleaning videos are available on Sunbrella's YouTube channel.

Retreating Sunbrella fabric

Sunbrella fabrics are treated with a proprietary water and stain repellent finish designed to last for several years, but it may require replenishing after a thorough cleaning or significant use. Sunbrella recommends 303® Fabric Guard. Outdoor Elegance does not currently stock this product, but it's available from several Australian retailers and easily found with an internet search.

Applying the retreatment

1. Clean the Sunbrella fabric using one of the cleaning methods above.
2. Allow the Sunbrella fabric to completely air dry.
3. Apply the retreatment in a well-ventilated area, following the instructions on the container.

Helpful hints

• With spills and stains, get in quick and try the hose first.
• When cleaning a cushion, clean from seam to seam instead of rubbing the fabric in a circular motion on the stain — this helps avoid water rings.
• We do not recommend removing the fabric from the foam when cleaning. Cleaning the Sunbrella fabric while it's on the foam is easier and preferable.
• Sunbrella air-dries very quickly — do not machine dry. A warm environment is preferable.
• Protect the area around your Sunbrella fabric when using a bleach solution, as bleach may discolour non-Sunbrella fabrics and other surfaces. Always rinse Sunbrella thoroughly to completely remove bleach and other cleaning products.
• Do not use a steamer or an iron set to steam on Sunbrella fabric.

Sunbrella 5-year warranty

Sunbrella offers the original purchaser a 5-year warranty on their fabric. This warranty protects against Sunbrella fabric becoming unserviceable due to colour or strength loss from normal usage and exposure conditions, including sunlight, mildew and atmospheric chemicals.

This warranty does not cover damage from misuse or abuse, improper installation, or the cushion foam or fill.

Spun polyester fabric care

Spun polyester is an easy-care fabric that should be cleaned regularly to keep it looking new and fresh. It's a great fabric for outdoor furniture, being water, mould and mildew resistant. However, spun polyester is less colourfast than solution-dyed options like Sunbrella. If exposed to the sun for prolonged periods you'll experience fading — and if a lounge setting gets only part sun, you'll get uneven fading. We highly recommend keeping spun polyester fabric in under-cover areas. Fading will eventually occur with spun polyester outdoor fabrics, so if your outdoor furniture is fully exposed, we recommend upgrading to Sunbrella high-performance fabric.

General cleaning

Spun polyester outdoor fabric requires regular cleaning. We highly recommend keeping the cushion slip on when cleaning — do not remove the foam. This is a much easier process and helps maintain the integrity of the cushion, the covers and the zips.

1. Brush off loose dirt.
2. Spray on a cleaning solution of water and mild soap.
3. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
4. Allow the cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed. A hose is recommended.
6. Air dry in a dry, warm environment.

Removing mould and mildew

Spun polyester fabrics do not promote mildew growth, however mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances if not removed from the fabric.

1. Mix one part vinegar with nine parts water.
2. Spray the solution on the entire area and allow to soak into the fabric for 15 minutes.
3. Clean the entire surface area with a sponge, clean towel or very soft bristle brush.
4. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. A hose is recommended.
5. Allow to air dry.

It's best to clean the entire surface area of the fabric to avoid water rings and stains.

Helpful hints

• We do not recommend removing the fabric from the foam when cleaning — cleaning spun polyester fabric while it's on the foam is recommended and much easier.
• Do not machine dry.
• Spun polyester is best suited to an under-cover outdoor area. Be aware of UV exposure and use a cover to protect the fabric. If it will be uncovered with unavoidable UV exposure, we highly recommend investing in a set with Sunbrella cushion covers for easier maintenance and better fade protection.
• Clean regularly to minimise embedded dirt and reduce the ability for mildew and mould to form.
• Do not use bleach.

Spun polyester warranty

Outdoor Elegance offers the original purchaser a 1-year warranty on spun polyester fabric. This warranty protects against the fabric breaking down when used in regular residential conditions without prolonged UV exposure.

This warranty does not cover fading, discolouration, or damage from misuse or abuse, improper installation or usage, or damage from chemicals or other substances.

Caring for zippers

Our cushion covers feature zippers so they can be removed when necessary. Like all parts of outdoor furniture, these zippers will require some maintenance — the degree depending on the environment. Those living in coastal, high-saline areas will need to pay particular attention to zippers to ensure salt build-up doesn't cause sticking and corrosion.

Cleaning zippers

• Use fresh water to rinse off any salt build-up.
• Use a dry, clean towel to wipe up excess water.
• For significant build-up of salt or other material, use a stiff brush, taking care not to damage the zip or surrounding material.
• Avoid using steel wool.
• Periodically apply a zip lubricant such as a silicone spray. Avoid WD-40 or petroleum-based products like vaseline, which attract dirt.

Frequently asked questions