How to Clean Moldy Outdoor Furniture Cushions

How to Become a Furniture Dealer
Published: Apr 26, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Things You Will Need

  • Liquid soap
  • Rag
  • Laundry detergent
  • Liquid bleach

Mold grows in moist areas with poor ventilation at temperatures between the mid 60 degrees and the upper 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Mold does not feed on the synthetic cushions; instead, it attaches itself to skin cells, dirt and pollen on the fabric. There are a few different types of fabric used on patio furniture, including acrylic-based fabric, olefin, polyester and PVC-coated polyester or vinyl, and mold can be removed from these fabrics fairly easily.

  1. Mix a small amount of liquid soap with warm water for acrylic-based cushion fabrics. Wipe the entire cushion down with the solution, rinse thoroughly and let the cushions air dry.

  2. Wash olefin cushions with a solution of a mild laundry detergent and warm water. Olefin is able to resist mold and mildew stains for the most part.

  3. Create a half-and-half solution of liquid soap or detergent and water for polyester cushions. Wash the stained area with a cleaning rag. Rinse, then let the cushions dry.

  4. Mix together three parts water, one part bleach and about a 1/2 cup of water for PVC-coated polyester or vinyl. Dip a cleaning rag in the solution and wash the cushion, then rinse and let air dry in the sun.

Tips

For stubborn mold, mix a solution of 1 cup of bleach, 1 cup of soap or detergent and 1 gallon of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and soak the cushion with the solution. Let it soak for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a sponge. Rinse with water and let air dry.

Warnings

Never use bleach on olefin or printed polyester fabric. Do not wash acrylic-based fabrics in temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Photo Credits

furniture image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com

furniture image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com

Elizabeth Chaplin

Elizabeth Chaplin has been writing professionally since 2005 and has published articles with various websites. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration and works as a graphic designer. Her experience also includes crafting, interior…

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