Outdoor furniture is great for providing a comfortable place to lounge and enjoy some fresh air while reading a book, entertaining guests or spending quality time with family. Unfortunately, outdoor furniture cushions often get dirty over time because they are exposed to environmental conditions. The good news is that cleaning outdoor cushions in South Amboy, NJ can be very effective when it’s done right. Keep reading to learn about the best ways to keep your outdoor cushions clean.
How to clean outdoor cushions
Using the right techniques can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning outdoor cushions. Here are some of the best and most effective ways to keep outdoor cushions clean in South Amboy, NJ:
- Use the right cleaning solution: For the best cleaning results, make sure to start with the right cleaning solution. There are plenty of commercial cleaning products on the market for cleaning outdoor cushions in South Amboy, NJ, but DIY cleaning solutions can be very effective, too. Make a solution out of a mixture of bleach, lukewarm water and gentle soap. Use a ratio of one quarter cup of soap and one cup of bleach per gallon of water.
- Gather the right materials: To deep clean outdoor cushions, gather a clean sponge or cloth and a bucket for mixing your cleaning solution. It’s also a good idea to get a scrub brush to get rid of stains and gunk on the cushions and zippers.
- Rinse the cushions: Before going in with your cleaning solution, rinse all the cushions off with a garden hose to wash away any loose debris or grime. This will prep the surface for cleaning and make it easier to target staining and discoloration without any debris getting in the way.
- Apply the solution to the cushion: Next, apply the cleaning solution to the cushion using a clean sponge or cloth. Dip the sponge or cloth in the solution and apply it all over the cushion while scrubbing it in. Scrub thoroughly, but use gentle pressure to avoid tearing the cushion fabric.
- Let the solution sit: After scrubbing all the cushions, let them sit for about 10 minutes to give the cleaning solution a chance to soak in. Waiting before rinsing the solution is a great way to maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning solution and ensure a deep clean.
- Rinse: Next, rinse the cushions thoroughly using a garden hose. Make sure to get rid of any soapy residue that’s left over after cleaning.
- Let your cushions dry: Finally, it’s time to let the cushions air dry. Make sure to set the cushions out on a dry day and set them on their sides for the quickest drying. It’s also best to place the cushions with the zipper side down for faster drying.
Professional furniture cleaning
For professional help cleaning outdoor cushions in South Amboy, NJ, reach out to Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We offer comprehensive cleaning services, including professional furniture cleaning, to keep all the surfaces in your home looking their best. As a locally owned and operated company, we are dedicated to the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. Find out more about everything we have to offer and get your furniture looking brand new by giving our experts a call today.
Most homeowners in South Amboy, NJ aren’t sure how often they should clean outdoor cushions. Chances are, they’re not cleaned often enough! This means you’ll be able to get less use out of the cushions due to mildew and stain accumulation. Below are some other reasons why outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions.
Wash away dust, mildew and food stains
Outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions because they’re exposed to the elements. The cushions on your patio furniture are usually made from weather-resistant materials, but they’re still a magnet for grime throughout the seasons. They need a good scrub down after collecting a summer’s worth of dust and mildew.
Homeowners in South Amboy, NJ should clean their cushions once the cold weather hits. This is especially true for those who enjoy dining outdoors and hosting summer barbecues. Without a regular cleaning schedule, outdoor cushions become dingy over time. No one wants to sit on last season’s ketchup stain!
If you’re wondering how often you need to clean outdoor cushions, it depends on how much you use them and whether the household includes pets and children. The experts recommend cleaning outdoor cushions at least once or twice a year. Families with small children and furry companions, meanwhile, should clean them three or four times per year.
Cleaning helps extend their life
A biannual cleaning of outdoor cushions ensures they’ll last a longer time. Homeowners save money in the long run because they won’t have to frequently replace the cushions. With the help of a few common household items, you can keep outdoor cushions looking like new for longer.
Even though outdoor cushions need cleaning more often than indoor cushions, the time investment is worth it. One afternoon of cleaning will make those cushions look like they just came home from the store. Plus, you can reduce how often you need to clean outdoor cushions by storing them away for those South Amboy, NJ winters.
How to maintain your outdoor cushions
Cleaning outdoor cushions at home is very simple. To create your cleaning solution, mix a little bit of dish soap with half a cup of Borax, then fill the bucket with water. Lay the cushions on your patio or driveway and hose them down until they’re damp but not soaked. Scrub with a hard-bristled brush, let the solution sit for five minutes, rinse and set them aside to dry.
Of course, the most effective way to clean outdoor cushions is by calling your local upholstery cleaner in South Amboy, NJ. Having an expert take care of your outdoor cushions saves you time and ensures the job is done right the first time.
If you need someone to clean your outdoor cushions, look no further than Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center. We have all the right tools necessary for restoring the appearance of carpet, upholstery and more. Read more about our furniture cleaning services to discover how we make homes look new again, then call to schedule an appointment!
If you own any furniture, you likely know that spills on upholstery should be cleaned as soon as possible so you have the best chance of preventing a stain from setting in. But what about the old stains that you didn’t notice or weren’t able to clean right away? What are the steps you can take to remove those older stains from your upholstery?
Here’s a quick overview of the steps you should take in safely cleaning upholstery in South Amboy, NJ:
- Vacuum: The first step is to vacuum the upholstery. You might even find that simply vacuuming the furniture will help you fade the stain away. But it’s also helpful to vacuum so you can keep the fabric in good shape and prevent dust and crumbs from settling into the upholstery, where they will become more difficult to remove. This should always be the first step in dealing with a stain so you can get a sense of just how bad it actually is, and how deep it’s set in.
- Read the instructions: Your furniture will have a tag somewhere on it that will contain a full set of cleaning instructions. It might be inside the upholstery covers, or underneath the cushions. There are some pieces that might be able to be cleaned with water, but others might need solvents for cleaning. Whatever the instructions dictate, you should first test on a hidden piece of the upholstery to make sure you’re able to get the cleaning done without doing any additional damage to the surface of the furniture.
- Use steam: If your furniture is capable of being cleaned with water, you might first try using steam to loosen up the stain, which can help make it more responsive to the next steps you use for treatment. You can fill up your iron and use the steam button—you don’t have to use a steamer for small stains.
- Begin the cleaning process: Follow the cleaning directions provided on your furniture. If you’re using water and a cleaning solution, be careful to blot the stain rather than rubbing it. If you rub or wipe, you don’t necessarily need to worry about the stain setting in deeper any more, but you will start to weaken the fabric, which you absolutely don’t want to happen. If you can’t use water to clean your furniture, you can try vodka or vinegar to blot at the stains. Don’t worry about the smell—it will disappear once the area dries.
- Heavy cleaning: If gentle cleaning doesn’t work, you’ll need to use some tougher cleaners. Just make sure you don’t use any particularly abrasive cleaners that could damage your upholstery—if possible, it’s best to find green cleaning solutions that won’t weaken the fibers of the fabric.
- Rinse and repeat as necessary: Remove the cleaner and then repeat as necessary if the stain is fading, but still present.
For more information about safe upholstery cleaning in South Amboy, NJ, we encourage you to contact Lov ‘N Kare Carpet Center today.
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