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Tips and tricks for keeping your outdoor cushions looking fabulous all year round

Let’s face it, the only thing better than new outdoor cushions, are clean ones! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep them clean and fresh-smelling all season long. With a little bit of maintenance and choosing quality outdoor fabrics and foam, here are some tips for keeping your outdoor cushions in tip-top shape!

Outdoor cushions are exposed to a wide range of elements, dirt, dust, water, salt air etc. In addition, they are often used in areas with pets or children, which can add big messes! Whether you have a small set of outdoor cushions or an extensive collection, it’s always helpful to know how to easily clean them and look after them and not stress out about damaging your furniture, so you can sit back and enjoy your outdoor space.

I am sure it sounds obvious, but start with Quality OUTDOOR Fabrics

Benefits of Using Good Quality Fabrics

You’d be surprised about the difference in the quality of fabrics compared to your local bunnings outdoor cushion range for example.

Most people when they have the opportunity to touch and feel the fabric can tell which one is better quality. That old saying, you get what you pay for.. well, it couldn’t be more true for something like outdoor cushions.

They are not cheap, but they are well worth the investment and the little bit of time to maintain them.

Outdoor fabrics have unique technology that enables them to repel stain, pilling, and mold but also feel substantial and not rough or scratchy to the touch.

Quality Outdoor fabrics will have

UV protection: A quality outdoor fabric will also help protect your furniture from UV rays, which can discolour or fade the foam cushions over time. The fabric blocks the sun’s harmful rays, protecting them from fading or cracking.

Waterproof: A fabric’s ability to repel water and moisture even after exposure to rain, snow, or other types of precipitation is paramount.  This feature is what allows you to clean up spills quickly without worrying about damaging your furniture and replacing cushions after only one season of use.

Chlorine Resistance: If have a pool or spa, chlorine can cause yellowing and fading on poor-quality fabrics and cushions, which isn’t exactly what you want from something that is meant to be used outdoors!

Watch Out for the Foam

Outdoor foam

The other important factor that may not be as obvious, is what type of foam the cushions are using… a reticulated outdoor foam is really the only way to go, anything else and it will soak up water like a sponge.  

A reticulated outdoor foam allows water to flow through it and facilitates airflow to reduce any mold or mildew buildup.

But inevitably spills and marks happen so here are some hot tips for cleaning your outdoor cushions:

Remove any Stains or spills ASAP: this is really the first key to the longevity of your outdoor cushions. If you can include your outdoor cushions in your general house cleaning routine, you’ll be thankful later on. Also Flip your cushions if you can to promote air flow and avoid any moisture build-up.

 

Dust and Leaves: Dust and leaves are natural enemies of outdoor cushions. The best way to remove dust from the surface of your outdoor cushions is to use a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment. If you have loose leaves or other debris on the seat cushions, you can use a dry cloth or soft brush to wipe them away gently.

 

Spills: are bound to happen, often when we least expect them and especially on your white cushions! Luckily, there are some easy ways to clean them up:

        Non-Oil Based Stains

  1. Blot up as much of the liquid as possible with paper towels.
  2. Then if there is still some mess, use mild soap, such as Softly or Earth Choice, and water on a sponge to dab away.
  3. Then remove as much moisture as possible by pressing out excess water with a clean dry towel before allowing it to air-dry entirely in a covered outdoor area.
  4. Do not use dishwashing liquids

Oil Based Stains

  1. Blot up as much of the liquid as possible with paper towels
  2. Then if there is still some mess, use mild soap, such as Softly or Earth Choice, and water on a sponge to dab away.
  3. Clean the whole panel of the cushion, not just the spot area
  4. Then remove as much moisture as possible by pressing out excess water with a clean dry towel before allowing it to air-dry entirely in a covered outdoor area.

** Clean Oil-based Biro marks with Glen 20 **

How to Maintain your Outdoor Cushions

One of the best things about outdoor furniture is how long it can last if adequately cared for. When you’re hanging out with friends and family at a get-together or BBQ, you are happy you invested wisely in some durable cushions that will last for many years to come,

Maintenance Tips;

Don’t let them sit out in extended periods of rain: Rain and can eventually damage your outdoor cushions if they are left soaking in water long enough.

Protect them from the elements: Protecting your outdoor cushions from rain, snow, and UV rays is vital. If you have cushion covers, use them!

Alternatively, you can use a large outdoor slipcover if they are handy, but if you don’t have either of those things on hand, you could cover them with a cotton blanket or place them in a storage bag or crate so they don’t get dirty in storage between uses or moving them indoors when not in use (like into a shed or garage)

Ultimately, the only way a high-quality fabric will be waterproof and stain-resistant is by using a fabric that was developed that way in the first place. Not all outdoor fabrics are created equally, so consider this when making your next outdoor furniture purchase. The extra few dollars may end up being money well spent. Some advice to keep in mind

“buy cheap, buy twice.” or even thrice!

 

Our Recommendations!

Finally, we decided to give you a run-down fabric we love! We love them so much they deserve an entire paragraph of praise!

Warwick Sundec is an excellent example of quality fabric’s benefits for outdoor cushions. Their outdoor fabrics are engineered with outdoor living in mind, protecting from Chlorine, UV rays, rainfall and mold for many years.

Moreover, Warwick Sundec has been manufacturing outdoor furniture for over 20 years and is considered one of Australia’s leading manufacturers.

3Beaches fabrics are also one of our favorites, their fabrics 100% solution-dyed acrylic, which makes them water resistant, bleach cleanable, and UV & fade resistant as well as stunning designs and colour ranges.

At Cartia Collective quality is of utmost importance to complement any great design! So it’s no surprise we use only the best quality fabric for our hanging chairs and hanging daybeds!

If you want to see and feel the difference and would like swatches sent out to you, just email us at

hello@cartiacollective.com

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