How To Clean Outdoor Cushions: A Guide to Garden Furniture Cushions

Forgotten your outdoor cushions in the shed over winter? Mouldy patches, bird droppings, and grass stains are all common issues—but thankfully, easy to sort.

Outdoor bench cushions are a great luxury and accessory to have for your garden furniture. However, much like anything else you have in the garden, garden cushions need maintaining too. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean outdoor cushions, step by step, using simple tools you’ve probably already got at home. Whether you’re dealing with light marks or stubborn grime, we’ll explain how to wash outdoor cushion covers properly, when to avoid the washing machine, and how to keep your garden furniture cushions looking fresh all summer.

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Prepare For A Heatwave

Hosting a garden get-together? Or simply soaking up some sun? Either way, grubby outdoor cushions can spoil the look—and the comfort—of your garden setup.

But why bother cleaning outdoor cushions? Outdoor cushions go through a lot—sun, rain, bird droppings, BBQ grease, and even muddy paws. Over time, that grime can soak into the covers and leave them looking (and smelling) worse for wear. Knowing how to clean garden furniture cushions properly will keep your garden space inviting and help your cushions last longer.

If left uncleaned, outdoor cushions can develop mould and mildew, especially if they’re stored in damp sheds or left out in the rain. Regular cleaning prevents this build-up and keeps the fabric soft and comfortable to use.

Before you begin cleaning outdoor cushions, check the care label on the tag. Most outdoor fabrics, like polyester or acrylic, are made to handle a bit of scrubbing—but some have coating or padding that needs extra care.

What You’ll Need

Before we get into how to wash outdoor cushion covers, start by gathering a few basic supplies:

• A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
• Mild laundry detergent or washing-up liquid
• A sponge or microfibre cloth
• A bucket of warm water or a hose
• A vacuum or hand-held hoover

Avoid strong bleaches, rough scourers or pressure washers unless you’re absolutely sure your covers can handle it.

Prep Before Cleaning

• Remove the covers (if possible): Most covers unzip and can be cleaned separately. This avoids soaking the cushion inside, which takes longer to dry.
• Check for stains or damage: Before starting, spot any problem areas like mould patches, greasy marks, or worn seams.
• Set up a cleaning space: Work outside on a flat surface like your patio or lawn. It makes rinsing and drying much easier.

Not just dirt—spiders love hidden corners of garden cushions. Find out how to keep spiders off patio furniture and enjoy your seating without any surprise guests

How To Clean Outdoor Cushions

Once your space is set up and your supplies are ready, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cleaning outdoor cushions. 

The following steps will guide you through how to clean garden furniture cushions safely and effectively, using products you likely already have at home.

Step 1: Vacuum or Shake Off Debris

Before applying any water, vacuum the cushions to remove dust, pollen, and loose dirt. If you don’t have a vacuum at hand, give them a good shake outside or pat them down with your hands. 

This helps prevent rubbing grime deeper into the fabric during washing.

Step 2: Scrub Gently with Soapy Water

Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Using a soft-bristled brush or sponge, gently scrub the surface of the cushion cover. Focus on any stains or discoloured patches. 

When learning how to clean garden cushions, it’s important not to oversaturate the fabric—especially if the covers are still on the cushion inserts.

Pro Tip: Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach here, especially on printed or coloured fabrics. They can cause fading or fabric breakdown.

Step 3: Rinse with Clean Water

Once scrubbed, rinse your outdoor cushions with clean water using a hose, watering can, or a fresh bucket. Be thorough, but don’t blast them with a pressure washer—this could tear stitching or damage the surface.

This step is key when figuring out how to clean outdoor cushions without leaving behind soap residue, which can attract more dirt later on.

Step 4: Dry Properly

Use a towel to press out excess moisture. Then leave the cushions or covers to dry naturally—ideally outdoors in a sunny spot. 

Most polyester or synthetic cushion covers dry quickly, often within a few hours. Always make sure they are completely dry before using or storing them to avoid mildew.

Can You Wash Outdoor Cushion Covers in the Washing Machine?

A common question when deciding how to wash outdoor cushion covers is whether you can use your washing machine. 

As mentioned earlier, check the label on the outdoor cushion cover first. If the label allows, you might be able to machine wash the covers on a gentle cycle. Otherwise, stick to handwashing to stay on the safe side.

Can You Use Bleach or a Pressure Washer?

• Bleach: Avoid it. Even diluted bleach can fade patterns and damage the fabric. A better option for deep stains is a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water, which is much gentler.
• Pressure washers: Only use them on a very low setting and never directly on cushion inserts. Spot cleaning remains the best method when learning how to clean outdoor furniture cushions without causing damage.

How to Dry Outdoor Cushions Safely

Line drying is best. Hang covers or stand cushions upright to help them dry faster. Never tumble dry unless the label specifically says it’s okay. 

Polyester covers usually only need a few hours in the sun before they’re ready to use again.

How to Tackle Common Cushion Stains

Sometimes, knowing how to clean garden cushions isn’t enough—especially when you’re dealing with stubborn stains like mould or bird droppings. Here’s how to sort those tougher spots and keep your cushions looking decent all season long.

How to Remove Mould from Outdoor Cushions

Mould and mildew love damp, dark corners—exactly where many outdoor cushions end up during the off-season. You might notice green, grey, or even black patches forming across the fabric. To remove mould safely:

• Scrape off surface mould with a blunt edge like a ruler or spoon
• Work in a well-ventilated outdoor space
• Spray undiluted white vinegar onto the mould and leave it for 10 minutes
• Scrub with a brush, then rinse with warm water and a drop of detergent
• Air dry fully before placing the cover back on the cushion

When learning how to clean outdoor furniture cushions, drying them properly after this process is key to stopping the mould from returning.

How to Remove Algae from Outdoor Cushion Covers

Algae thrives in damp, shady gardens and can stain your outdoor cushion covers with a greenish tint. If you notice any build-up:

• Use a diluted vinegar mix and apply it to the stain
• Let it sit for around 10 minutes
• Scrub gently using a soft-bristled brush and warm soapy water
• Rinse and repeat if needed—just keep an eye out for colour fading

This method works well on most polyester fabrics, which are commonly used in garden cushions.

How to Remove Bird Poo on Outdoor Cushions

Bird droppings are not only unpleasant but can be acidic and stain the fabric if left too long. To clean them:

• Scrub with dish soap and water after removing any loose bits
• Repeat with a sponge or soft brush if needed
• If the stain is stubborn, a steam cleaner can also be used carefully

This step is often overlooked when thinking about how to clean outdoor cushions—but it makes a big difference.

How to Remove Grass Stains from Outdoor Cushions

Grass stains are common if your outdoor furniture sits on the lawn. To get rid of them:

• Apply undiluted detergent directly to the stain
• Gently scrub and leave for 5–10 minutes
• Rinse thoroughly with a hose or clean bucket of water
• Let dry fully in the sun

These steps will help restore your covers without needing harsh stain removers.

Got yellow pollen stains stuck to your outdoor fabrics? Try this guide on how to remove pollen stains from cushions.

Keeping Outdoor Cushions Cleaner for Longer

Cleaning outdoor cushions once or twice a season is good—but prevention is even better. Here are some easy ways to protect your garden furniture cushions and reduce the need for regular deep cleaning:

• Dry brush or hoover weekly: This stops dirt building up in the fabric
• Always clean before storing: Even if it’s just a wipe-down, don’t store dirty cushions
• Flip cushions upright after rain: It helps them dry quicker and stops moisture soaking in
• Act fast on spills: Dab fresh stains immediately using cornflour or salt to lift grease
• Use covers or store indoors: During bad weather or winter, store cushions in a shed or waterproof box

These simple habits can keep your cushions looking fresh without needing to constantly figure out how to clean garden furniture cushions from scratch.

In conclusion, keeping your outdoor cushions clean doesn’t need to be a hassle. With the right tools and a simple routine, you can deal with stains, stop mould from spreading, and keep your garden looking its best. Whether you’re learning how to clean garden cushions for the first time or just freshening them up for summer, regular care goes a long way. A quick clean, a proper dry, and smart storage will keep your outdoor furniture cushions looking great all year round.

Cleaning is only half the job—keeping cushions protected matters too. Learn how to weatherproof outdoor furniture to help your cushions last through every season

FAQs

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Sources

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Quinn, D., (2025) How To Remove Pollen Stains From Outdoor Furniture. Southern Living. [online] Available at: https://www.southernliving.com/how-to-remove-pollen-stains-from-outdoor-furniture-11703812 [accessed 12/05/2025]