Before you purchase new outdoor chair cushions, you should take some time to learn about their care. Knowing how to take care of the cushions you buy can help you to make an informed decision concerning which outdoor chair cushion will best fit your need.
First, consider the covering of the outdoor patio chair cushions you are looking to purchase. Cushions covered in poly acrylics offer the feel of cotton, but are resistant to mildew and water repellent. In addition, polyesters in an open weave fabric that is coated with PVC offer easy care. These very strong and durable fabrics are tough enough that you can leave the cushions outside for the summer with little worry.
Most outdoor furniture chair cushions sold today are filled with polyester. Polyester does not hold water and is mildew resistant. Look for cushions that are stitched using polyester thread. Adding buttons to the cushion allows water to drain from the cushion.
One of the fastest ways to ruin an outdoor cushion is to sit on it when covered in suntan lotion. The oils from the lotion will soak into the toughest of fabrics and cause stains to form when allowed to sit in the ultra-violet rays of the sun. Using a towel as a cover can prevent the lotion from soaking into the cushion.
After a summer rain shower, you can help the cushions to dry quickly by standing them on their sides out of the frames. Rapid drying of the cushions in this manner can help to lengthen their lives and keep them looking great.
If you have older cushions that have urethane foam fillings or cotton covers, you should realize that these cushions could be damaged by the rain. Either cover these cushions to protect them from the rain or store them inside when they are not in use.
Cushions can be cleaned using any mild detergent. After washing, rinse the cushions. Read the directions on the cushion and if recommended flush the cushion using a hose. Allow the cushions to dry completely before putting them into storage at the end of the season. Do not wrap the cushions in plastic before you store them. Make sure that your storage area will remain dry.
If recommended by the manufacturer, you may want to deep clean the cushion at the end of the season using a solution of chlorine bleach, laundry detergent and water. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for the solution. Cushions can be washed on a clean driveway and allowed to soak for half an hour to destroy the mildew inside.
If necessary, stains can be scrubbed using a plastic brush on polyesters or a synthetic sponge on acrylics. Afterwards, rinse using cold water. Allow the outdoor chair cushions to dry for a few days in the sun until the cushions are completely dry before you store them. Remember this process is only to be used if approved by the cushion manufacturer. In addition, you should never use undiluted bleach to clean the cushions as it may cause damage that is irreversible.