How to Remove Mold from Outdoor Cushions
Entertaining guests on the patio is an event to eagerly anticipate—but spirits can dampen when the outdoor cushions show signs of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. Many homeowners must deal with mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More on patio furniture at some point. Here’s how to remove mildew from outdoor cushions without resorting to bleach.
What is Mildew?
A type of moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More is a commonplace nuisance. MildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More easily develops when environmental conditions are right: an abundance of darkness, dampness, and warmth. Outdoor cushions that are exposed to rain or humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More can develop mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More, even if the cushions are high quality.
MildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More appears on outdoor cushions as a powdery gray, white, or black growth. While mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More discolors the patio furniture, it also emits an offensive, musty odorAn odor is a smell, often detectable by the human nose, whic... More. Homeowners and their guests are naturally put off by the sight and smell of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More; plus, it’s unhealthy to be exposed long-term to mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.
Similar to moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More, mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More is nourished by organic materialsOrganic materials are derived from living organisms, such as... More. Natural materials, such as cotton, silk, and wool, can sustain mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth. Despite high-quality outdoor cushions being manufactured to withstand the weather, they, too, can become victims of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth.
What is Mold?
MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is a type of fungus that grows in warm, damp places and can be found both inside and outside. It spreads by releasing tiny sporesSpores are microscopic reproductive units of fungi or mold t... More into the air, which can settle on different surfaces. While moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More is important for breaking down dead plants and organic matter in nature, it can be a problem when it grows in our homes. MoldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can damage buildings and materials, and it can also cause health issues, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.
How to Remove Mold & Mildew from Outdoor Cushions | Video
Removing mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More is a simple process, and homeowners have multiple cleaning options from which to choose. The best method will depend on what type of materials the outdoor cushions consist of. Regular cleaning and dryingDrying is the process of removing moisture from materials, s... More will keep the outdoor cushions clean, fresh, and attractive.
Avoid using bleach to clean the outdoor cushions since not all outdoor materials can withstand a bleach solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More. Applying bleach to outdoor cushions has the potential to discolor the fabrics. Plus, the fumes emitted by bleach can be harmful to those using it. Following are eco-friendly ways to remove mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More.
Apply Borax – A Natural Cleaner
Borax is a homeowner’s go-to solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More for natural cleaning. The product, which is a mineral salt known as sodium borate, is effective in removing mildew from outdoor cushions; an additional benefit is that it requires minimum effort to produce maximum results.
Borax both removes mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More and disinfects. Mix one cup of Borax and a few drops of dish soap. Dip a hard-bristled brush into the solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More. Using the brush, scrub the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains along the cushion vigorously. Allow the solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More to sit for five minutes and rinse with a garden hose.
Use White Vinegar – A Non-Toxic Option
A household staple, white vinegar is an environmentally friendly way to clean outdoor cushions stained with mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. White vinegar is also non-toxic. However, this method works only on cushions with light mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth. Severe mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains require removal via a pressure washer.
Removable outdoor cushion covers can be laundered in the washing machine along with one cup of distilled white vinegar. If the cushions are not removable, spray the white vinegar onto all sides of the cushions and allow it to sit for ten minutes.
Dissolve a tablespoon of dish soap in three cups of warm water. Scrub the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More away using a spongeA sponge is a porous material used to absorb liquids or clea... More dipped into the soapy solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More. Use a clean, damp cloth to rinse the cushions. Air dry the cushions. Spritz more white vinegar onto the dry cushions to prevent further mildew outbreaks.
Rent a Pressure Washer – A Powerful System
A pressure washer is an ideal method to eliminate tough mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More stains. Attach the pressure washer to an outside water source. Be careful to hold the pressure washer at least two feet away from the cushions and set the PSI to the lowest setting to protect the material.
First, soak the outdoor cushions in water. Upon pouring the cleaner into the pressure washer soap reservoir, use a horizontal, sweeping motion to cover the cushions in soap suds. Allow the soap to remain on the fabric for three minutes (do not allow the soap to dry).
Using a brush, scrub the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More off the outdoor cushions. Rinse the cushions with water, being sure to remove all the soap residueResidue is any leftover material, such as soot, dust, or che... More. Wring out the cushions to remove the excess water and let the material fully air dry in a sunny spot.
Cleaning can be challenging when your skin is sensitive to chemicals. Read How to clean your house if you have contact dermatitis to find the best solutionA solution is a homogeneous mixture of two or more substance... More for cleaning your house.
What Prevents Mildew Growth on Outdoor Cushions?
Cleaning mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More from outdoor cushions is relatively straightforward. But preventing mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth in the first place will save the homeowner the trouble of removing the mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More. Waterproof cushion covers, for instance, reduce the risk of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth (although they won’t completely prevent mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More).
High humidityHumidity is the amount of moisture or water vapor present in... More levels and rain in the forecast should prompt homeowners to bring the outdoor cushions inside. Maintaining dry and clean cushions serves to prevent mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth. In the event the cushions become wet, absorb the moisture with a towel and let them air dry.
When storing the cushions for the winter, ensure they are fully dry so that mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More has zero chances of developing. The storage space should have adequate ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More, too. Upon taking the cushions out in the springtime, clean them using any of the abovementioned methods.
While spraying the outdoor cushions with white vinegar will help prevent mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More growth, this method may not work for more severe cases of mildewMildew is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces, typi... More or moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More. When you need professional help in eliminating a moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More problem, trust mold remediation experts.
Teams of experienced moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More cleanup technicians will arrive promptly to your home or business and inspect the affected areas. After an initial assessment, they prepare a mold remediationMold remediation is the process of identifying, removing, an... More plan. The affected areas are contained to prevent cross-contaminationCross-contamination occurs when harmful substances, such as ... More to other parts of the building.
Skilled crews then utilize effective solutions to eliminate all traces of both hidden and visible moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth. Professional techs will locate all moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, whether it grows under wet carpeting, in basements, behind walls, around HVAC units, or in attics with poor ventilationVentilation is the process of exchanging or circulating air ... More.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, water damage, fire and smoke damage, moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restorationRestoration is the process of returning a property to its pr... More to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like floodingFlooding is the overflow or accumulation of water in areas t... More, fire, smoke, and moldMold is a type of fungus that grows in damp or humid conditi... More can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
