The Sunny Side Up Blog

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
    • Disclosure
  • Home Tour
  • Home Sources
    • Entry
    • Living Room
    • Kitchen
    • Family Room
    • Dining Room
    • Bedrooms
    • Bathrooms
    • Office
    • Mudroom
    • Laundry Rooms
    • Playroom
    • Hallways
    • Yard
  • Categories
    • Home Decor
    • Organization
    • Fashion
    • Favorite Things
    • Family
    • holidays
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • Valentines Day
  • Serena & Lily Favorites!

May 19, 2020

How to clean outdoor furniture cushions

*affiliate links used
Beautiful faux lilacs (Sunny Side Up)

{Shouldered Clear Glass Vase/Similar Bowl here or here}

I’ve had some questions about how I clean my outdoor furniture cushions lately so I took a few pics when I cleaned them last week!  I love this time of year when the sun is shining and kids are swimming and it’s time to clean off outdoor furniture.  Also it’s lilac season!  Do you have lilacs blooming where you live?  We don’t see them much in San Diego (they are harder to grow in climates like ours that never get a long period of winter chill).  My grandma had a beautiful lilac bush in her yard and when I was little spending time at her house I remember how much I loved that bush and the way it smelled!  They have always been one of my favorite flowers.  Remember when I found lilacs in my grocery store for the first time and was so excited?

Beautiful faux lilacs (Sunny Side Up)

That excitement didn’t last long when they started to look like this the next evening!  I love lilacs.  But this?  I just can’t.  Those little purple petals were everywhere!

Beautiful faux lilacs (Sunny Side Up)

{faux lilacs/Artisan vase/similar wooden bowl/kitchen rugs/faux pink peonies/marble tray}

So I’ve gone faux and have never been happier.  How gorgeous is this arrangement!?  So realistic looking.  Plus they are huge!  I love them.  These purple stems are currently sold out but are still available in pink.  I did some hunting on-line and have found a few other fun options if you want mess free lilacs in your home this summer too!  Pair them next to a bowl full of lemons and you just updated your space for summer. :)  (This cute top and other favorites are linked in my last fashion post!)

Beautiful faux lilacs (Sunny Side Up)

My friend has these gorgeous faux lilac stems that are also beautiful!  A lot smaller and less expensive which is nice too.  I also found two other great realistic looking options here and here.  Such a fun and easy way to bring summer into your home!

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

{round rattan tray/diamond indoor/outdoor rug}

Now that we have the table arrangement covered it’s time to get our outdoor furniture cleaned and summer ready!  Last year we got this beautiful outdoor furniture set and because it sits on our back porch and is covered I didn’t even think about bringing the cushions inside during the winter.

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

That was a mistake I won’t make next year!  The white cushions were filthy!  Can you tell where the pillows were sitting on this couch?  Ha.

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

Two of the cushions I didn’t photograph were even worse with bird poop all over them!  So much fun right?

It’s actually really easy to clean outdoor furniture cushions so I’ll share my simple process!

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

First I spray off a section of my pavers with the hose so I’m not setting them down on more dirt.  Then I bring out all of my cushions and lay them flat and spray them off.  You can use a hose or a pressure washer for this.. I always just use our hose.  Some of the dirt will come off just from spraying them.

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

Then get a bucket and fill it about half full with a few squirts of mild dish soap and about a cup of Borax.   (I only filled this bucket 1/4 full because it’s huge!)  I used to just do this with mild dish soap but I once read that adding Borax makes a big difference so I’ve been doing it that way and it does!  Looks like Addison’s lingering slime supplies came in handy after all. ;)  You also need a good scrub brush with a handle!

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

Then just start scrubbing!  Kole loves to do anything that involves spraying things with the hose so when he saw me cleaning the cushions he hopped out of the pool to assist. :)  I like to start on one end of the cushion and just work my way across.. put some muscle in it and really scrub and keep rinsing off your scrub brush with the cleaning solution.  You’ll be amazed how clean you can get your cushions with a little soap and scrubbing!

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

When you’re done scrubbing spray off all of the soap.  Then flip the cushion and do the same thing on the other side!  After scrubbing both sides spray them off one more time holding them up off of the ground so you get ALL of the dirt off.  Then I fold them in half as best as I can to wring some of the water out.

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

After that just find a sunny spot in your yard to prop them up to dry!  They will sparkle so clean in the sun and you will feel oh so accomplished! :)

How to wash outdoor patio cushions (Sunny Side Up)

I love May.  Like many of you moms out there I’m usually running around to 368 end of the year activities with all of the school and extra curricular stuff for the kids winding down.  Some of that I miss this year (and my heart goes out to all of the seniors!).  But I don’t miss the stress, the overwhelm, the long days with a never ending to-do list and little sleep.  Over the past few years May has become even busier than December for me so while our current situation is hard, I’m trying to focus on the positive this month and enjoy a slower start to summer with my kids.  I hope you are all able to do the same.  We’ve got plenty of time to clean our outdoor furniture cushions!

Such a gift. ;)

{POST SOURCES}





{OUTDOOR FAVORITES}




Author Signature

Free printable of the paint colors throughout my home!

Enter your name and email address to get instant access to my paint colors along with other free organizing printables. More will be coming soon!

Exclusive to subscribers!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Filed Under: Home Decor

Previous
Next

Comments

  1. sheryl says

    May 20, 2020 at 2:29 am

    Thanks Erin! Can’t wait to get started on mine.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:38 am

      Yea! I hope it works well for you Sheryl! xo

      Reply
  2. Jeanne says

    May 20, 2020 at 3:41 am

    Those are some pretty faux lilacs! As you know, I have a bush right outside my big picture window. I’ve so enjoyed the display this year and no little petals in the house. ;) Over the past few days there have been several butterflies flitting around the bush. Love it! Unfortunately, the bush only blooms once a year and soon the blooms will be done. But it’s been a wonderful show this year. Thanks for sharing how you clean your cushions. Looks very doable, especially if you have a great helper like you do. :) Can you tell now where the pillows were sitting or does this method clean all that off.? And congrats on winding down the school year quietly. I hear you on all the stuff that happens and what a different feeling this year has. My high schooler will be officially done tomorrow! What?! Crazy. Eek out all the joy you can during this very different season! :)

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:50 am

      Jeanne I think about your beautiful bush all the time! I’m so happy you’re enjoying it this summer.. it’s just dreamy! And yes! The pillows are sparkling clean! I should have showed a better “after” but they look like they did when I first bought them! Good feeling. Give your high schooler a high five for me.. so awesome she’s done! YEA!! Time to celebrate! :) xo

      Reply
  3. Kristy says

    May 20, 2020 at 3:41 am

    I saw on another blog I follow to just use the pressure washer on low pressure and it worked great! No scrubbing. removed all the dirt, mildew and gunk from Florida weather. It was so satisfying. The cushions look brand new.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:37 am

      That’s amazing Kristy! I’ve always found that I can get more off scrubbing but maybe I just need a new pressure washer. ;)

      Reply
  4. Shannon says

    May 20, 2020 at 4:59 am

    Wait, did I miss that you have a waterfall in your yard? I must have forgotten if its not new…LOL. I love you house and your yard. Beautiful!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:36 am

      Hi Shannon! You didn’t miss the waterfall! We just put that in this February. I need to share pics in a post soon. :) Thank you! I hope you and your sweet family are staying healthy and doing ok! xo

      Reply
  5. Riley says

    May 20, 2020 at 5:25 am

    Borax is also a wonderful laundry helper. Added to a load of sweaty clothes, it will take away that sour-sweat-not-quite-clean smell. I agree with you that May is busier than December. This May has been nice in that it’s been a lot slower than a usual year, but the Seniors have had to step up and take one for the team. History will reward them for their sacrifices.

    I enjoyed seeing your porch. It looks so summery. We are still having early Spring weather here. Very few Spring flowers / flowering trees this year. I miss that.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:34 am

      Such a good tip Riley! Thank you for sharing it! I hope you get some summer weather and flowers soon. Stay safe and healthy! xo

      Reply
  6. michras22 says

    May 20, 2020 at 7:08 am

    Thanks for the tip on how to clean the cushions. I have also forgotten to cover mine for the winter (s) and they now look gross and I’ve thought of tossing them… well, not until you shared your tips so thanks to you, I am willing to try to breathe life back into our cushions🙏🏻

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:33 am

      Definitely don’t toss them! You can get them looking so much better in no time. :) So happy this was helpful! xo

      Reply
  7. Betsy J. Harris says

    May 20, 2020 at 7:55 am

    Hi Erin, I saw your lilac post a week back and noticed the stems had not been smashed. I was going to send a note then, but got distracted. So…the deal is, lilac stems need to be smashed with a hammer, because they are woody and cannot absorb water very well unless they are smashed. Cutting them like the florist did, doesn’t really get it. In future, when you get them home, get a hammer, go outside to the driveway and smash about 3″ of the bottom of the stem. Put them in water, and they should hold up for at least a few days more!! Lilac’s are my husband’s favorite flower, and we have 11 bushes taking over our garden, all various shades. The double-pinks are my fav!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:32 am

      Oh my word Betsy I’ve never heard that! Such a great tip! I’m going to try that next time for sure. Thank you for letting me know! 11 bushes!? So heavenly.. I’m jealous! Enjoy them this summer! :)

      Reply
      • Jen says

        May 20, 2020 at 12:49 pm

        I cut the bottom inch of my lilacs with vertical cuts and peel the skin up. It’s a lot easier and no hammer. They lasted for 8 days and didn’t drop a single petal the whole time.

        I’m going to try your cushion cleaning tip next!

        Reply
        • Erin says

          May 20, 2020 at 5:40 pm

          Oh that’s a good tip too Jen! Thank you!! 8 days!? Wow. I think mine lasted 3.. ha! xo

          Reply
  8. Noreen says

    May 20, 2020 at 11:24 am

    Hi I hope you are all staying safe these days! Thank you for the tip on cleaning the cushions. I laughed so hard when I saw the lilac mess……sorry. But it made me laugh so hard because I don’t cut my lilacs anymore because of the mess. I am definitely going to look into the fake ones they look sooooo much better. So much cleaner then the real ones. Kole is such a good helper!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 11:31 am

      Ha.. glad I gave you a laugh today. I came around the corner of my kitchen that night and was like.. “k WHAT just happened!?” :) Needless to say I’m thrilled about my faux lilacs! I hope you’re staying safe too! So fun to hear from you today Noreen! Thank you! xo

      Reply
  9. Shelley says

    May 20, 2020 at 4:19 pm

    Great job Erin. I may have to try that. We are heading into Winter though in AUS.
    Lilacs look gorgeous and very real.
    I have never noticed your waterfall before, it looks relaxing. Where is that located in your yard?
    Hope you are all well and safe over there in San Diego!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 8:53 pm

      Thank you so much Shelley! We actually just put that waterfall in a few months ago! I’ll share more pics in a post soon. I hope everyone is safe and healthy in your neck of the woods! Stay warm! :)

      Reply
  10. Chelsea says

    May 20, 2020 at 5:29 pm

    Lol I just cleaned my cushions this past weekend!! Definitely going to try the borax and dish soap method next time :) Does this work for darker stains? I have a couple small molded stains that I couldn’t get out for the life of me!! Love your posts as always!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 8:54 pm

      Thank you so much Chelsea.. wish I would have had this post up a few weeks ago for you! I would definitely try them! Hopefully this little mixture will take care of them for you. :)

      Reply
  11. Trista says

    May 20, 2020 at 7:43 pm

    Scotchgard has a great protectant spray for outdoor cushions, pillows, umbrella, and even grill covers. It repels moisture and helps with uv fading. I use it on my outdoor cushions and it wipes any dirt and food up from my toddlers right up! You can find it at Lowes or Amazon. $8-10

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 8:56 pm

      So cool Trista! I’ve never heard of that! Looking into it for sure. Thanks for the tip! :)

      Reply
  12. Dianne says

    May 20, 2020 at 8:59 pm

    Erin thanks for the cushion cleaning tip. I have 2 very long (5’) custom made cushions and 2 backs. I used this method to clean them and stood them up vertically to dry. By the time the water had mostly dried there were water spots all around the bottom. I think it wasn’t hot enough outside to dry quickly and also too much ‘distance’ for the excess water to travel. I think I need a hotter day and to lay them horizontally next time. Any thoughts?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 20, 2020 at 9:07 pm

      Oh shoot Dianne! I’m so sorry you had that issue! I was thinking the same thing before I read what you wrote. You need a hot, sunny day and yes! Lay them horizontal! I’ve never done this with a long cushion.. mine are always square size and dry quickly, but I bet if you change those two things you’ll be set. :)

      Reply
  13. Alannna Lifferth says

    May 21, 2020 at 2:54 pm

    The lilac stems from potter barn are on sale for $23.50!!!!
    They only have the pink, but they are very pretty as well.
    Thanks Erin.

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 23, 2020 at 9:22 pm

      I agree Alanna! SO pretty and YEA for such a great sale! Enjoy! :)

      Reply
  14. Kristen Woolsey says

    May 21, 2020 at 5:42 pm

    This could not have come at a more perfect time! My cushions look terrible!

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 23, 2020 at 9:23 pm

      So happy it was helpful Kristen! :)

      Reply
  15. Mona says

    May 25, 2020 at 8:30 am

    Wow epic waterfall!! Love it. And love the lilacs

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 25, 2020 at 10:43 pm

      Thank you Mona! xo

      Reply
  16. Mary says

    May 28, 2020 at 11:10 am

    hi! what color paint did you use on the kitchen island?

    Reply
    • Erin says

      May 30, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      Hi Mary! You can find all of my paint colors here:

      https://www.thesunnysideupblog.com/join-printable-library/

      Reply
  17. Katrina says

    September 13, 2021 at 6:10 pm

    Hi Erin!
    I was looking through your posts to see if you had any outdoor furniture cover recommendations? We are currently looking for some new ones and automatically thought of you, ha ha!!
    Thanks so much!
    Katrina

    Reply
    • Erin says

      September 14, 2021 at 6:56 am

      Hi Katrina! Love that you thought of me! Ha. :) We bought some from Restoration Hardware that go with our outdoor furniture although most of the time we just bring the cushions in our garage and store them inside for the 3-4 months we don’t use them. I would try looking online at Amazon, Home Depot, RH, Wayfair, or Frontgate. :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Welcome to Sunny Side Up where I share my obsession with organization and my love for home decor and fashion! You can read all about me and my blog here.
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

JOIN THE NEWSLETTER

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Visit Pinterest's profile on Pinterest.

Archives

Privacy Policy
INSTAGRAM @erin_sunnysideup
Follow
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2022 · The Sunny Side Up Blog · site design by Your Marketing BFF

Never miss a post! Get Sunny Side Up right in your inbox!
Just leave your name & email address below!
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.