It’s springtime and you are anxious to set up the outdoor living areas.
You pull out the furniture frames and set them out. Then you bring out the cushions and take them out of the bag. Oh, the question that I hear the most this time of year is how do you clean a set of cushions? There is a difference in materials and how to treat them.
The “textilene” type fabrics have been the standard in the industry for many years. They are among the most durable fabrics available. This category consists of a polyester thread coated with colored vinyl and woven into a pattern.
The open woven series has a visible space between the weaving and the stuffing of the cushion shows through. Solids and stripes are the most common patterns. The shade series and the jacquards have a tighter weave and more intricate patterns are available. The suggested cleaning method is wipe with a soapy rag and rinse with water. If mildew is present, create a cleaning solution using one part bleach as three parts water and a capful of mild soap or detergent. A nylon brush is also helpful in the cleaning process.
Power washing is not recommended as the pressure of the water could peel the vinyl coating off the threads.
The synthetic Olefins fabrics are appropriate either indoor or outdoor. The fabrics are very durable and naturally resistant to mildew and stain. This material makes great chair pads for the porch or the kitchen table due to the properties of the material.
The 100 percent solution dyed term yarn should be cleaned with mild soap and water but diluted bleach can be used if necessary to remove stubborn stains.
The bleach will not affect the fabric color however to prolong the life of the fabric, rinse thoroughly with clean water and air dry. Most olefin will have about a two-year fade or material warranty.
Acrylic fabrics are also appropriate for indoor and outdoor. The solution dyed fabric features a soil and stain resistant finish that can be cleaned with a solution of natural soap in lukewarm water.
Solution dyed acrylic, best known by the brand name “Sunbrella” although there are many other manufacturers. Acrylic does not promote mildew growth, however mildew may grow on the dirt and body oils that are allowed to stand on the fabric. For mildew stains prepare a mild solution of one gallon water, one cup bleach, and two capfuls of a natural soap.
Using a sprayer, spray the area with the solution, let is stand a few minutes, scrub and thoroughly rinse with clean water and air dry. Since the synthetic fabric is solution dyed the bleach will not affect the color of the material. Most fabrics of this type will have a three to five year fade warranty.
All materials should be handled with care, but the printed fabrics are the most delicate. Printed fabrics are used both indoor and outdoor but there are limitations.
The prints have vivid colors and patterns and the material is constructed of 100 percent polyester yams. It is durable outside but the inks used to print the patterns on the polyester will fade. You cannot use bleach to remove mildew or other stains. The colors on this type of fabric will fade within a season or two.
If you are unsure about the type of material you have, take it to an experienced retailer who can advise you on the type of material and its cleaning methods.
If your cushions are so far gone that you have to replace them, do a little homework before you go shopping to save yourself a lot of time and repeated trips.
First, take measurements. There is no such thing as an industry standard size. Almost each manufacturer has a different size for their chairs.
Measure the width, length, seat size, back height, thickness of the cushion, etc.
If you measured the chair instead of the cushion be sure to advise your salesperson of that fact. The measurements have to be altered to get a cushion size that will fit.
If your cushion has a curve to it either take the cushion with you or make a paper cutout of the curve. Most manufacturers of custom cushions will require this.
Second, know the application for your cushion and select a material appropriate to its use. Don’t get side-tracked by pretty. The prints are beautiful, but will not hold up around the pool area.
Select a darker pattern textilene for areas using suntan oils so the stains will not show.
Third, always ask if the cushion contains foam. If a cushion is all Dacron or polyester fill it will flatten when you sit on it and after a season or two it is squashed out. Foam inside the cushion helps keep its shape and its longevity.
(The above was submitted by Kathleen Giuliano of Totally Casual.)
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