How to clean patio cushions with mildew
Learn how to clean patio furniture, cushions, and umbrellas of mould and mildew. Mold and mildew can wreak havoc on your patio furniture, rendering it unfit for use. If you’re anything like me, every sign of filth or grime makes you jump. Mold and mildew, let’s face it, are unpleasant and repulsive. You don’t want this to be the first thing that comes to mind when people think of your home. To begin, I’d like to distinguish between mould and mildew. There is a distinction between the two types of fungi, despite the fact that they are both fungi. Mold thrives on cushions and the undersides of umbrellas, whereas mildew thrives on the actual furniture.
Mildew appears as a downy or powdery substance with a flat texture. Mildew is a sort of mildew that grows more frequently on patio furniture than on cushions. It begins out yellow and then turns brown in a downy appearance. Mildew can also cause respiratory problems and headaches, and in severe situations, it might start developing in the lungs.
Mildew on Patio Cushions: 5 Ways to Get Rid of It
- Inexpensive solution
This homemade mould cure can be used to get rid of mould and mildew. This is a gentler solution that isn’t as powerful as bleach or other cleaners. Water, dishwashing soap, borax, and baking soda are all required. In a bowl of boiling water, combine all of the ingredients and stir until they are completely dissolved. Then lightly scrub in a circular motion until the mould is gone.
- Nitrates
Ammonia is an easy-to-use cleaning agent. To make a mold-fighting solution, combine it with baking soda, vinegar, and water.
- Peroxide (H2O2)
Mold and mildew odors can be effectively removed with hydrogen peroxide. Don’t try to smell the mould! Mold contains spores, which can be breathed. When cleaning, wear a mask.
- Salt with Lemon
If you don’t want to use chemicals, you can use lemon salt as an organic mould and mildew remedy. It’s an easy solution: simply combine lemon juice and salt, and scrub away! 5. Scrub with a mild bleach solution
Bleach appears to work every time. Be careful not to dilute the solution too much or you’ll end up with discolored blotches on your cushions. Pour 1/2 cup bleach into a gallon of water and mix well. If you’re pregnant, avoid using bleach cleaning chemicals.
Mildew Removal from Patio Furniture
Mildew is significantly more frequent in furniture than it is in the air. Begin by brushing your furniture (do not use your brushes) before vacuuming the area. After that, you can go through it again. A solution of Lysol and boiling water, you can either mix the two together or apply the Lysol first and then rinse with water.
When It’s a Lost Cause, What Should You Do?
Mold and mildew can sometimes be so thick that attempting to recover your patio set is fruitless. To get rid of them, I’d try the methods listed above. If that doesn’t work, you can buy new cushions, but (and this is a huge but), make sure they’re made of mould and mildew-resistant textiles like these.
It’s no secret that Sunbrella is famed for its outdoor couches. I’ve already recommended it, and I’ll do it again. These cushions don’t fade because the thread is made of polyester.
Mold and Mildew Prevention for Patio Furniture
Get Rid of Moisture: Ascertain that there is a steady flow of air. If your patio furniture is in a sunroom or other enclosed location, a dehumidifier or a fan blowing air out of the room will help to reduce the amount of moisture in the space. Dark, wet, and humid environments are ideal breeding grounds for mould and mildew. To allow more sunlight to reach your cushions, move your furniture out of the shade or lower your patio umbrella. Now is the moment to prune that old tree you’ve been meaning to prune. If the furniture is covered, ensure sure the cover has vents and is made of breathable materials like these.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: The more often you clean your outdoor furniture, the more probable it is that it will not reappear. To keep the cobwebs at bay, I recommend a light cleaning 3-4 times a year.
Using a Pressure Washer
If you have a power washer, this procedure is a great way to get rid of mould and mildew while also restoring the natural quality of your outdoor cushions. This procedure works on all sorts of cushions and materials as long as you use your pressure washer properly. A pressure washer and a big, open, and hazard-free space are required for this procedure. You can buy, rent, borrow, or skip this step if you don’t have a pressure washer (no big deal; the other methods are also effective).
Tools & Supplies:
- Pressure washer
- Soap tip (for applying cleaner)
- For rinsing, use a 40° tip
- Hose
- Brush with a soft bristle
- Safety equipment
- Cleaner for pressure washers, such as Simple Green Total Outdoor Cleaner (available on Amazon)
Instructions
To avoid injuring the cushions, connect the pressure washer to an outside water supply and set the PSI to the lowest setting. After that, use the cleaner. Make horizontal, sweeping movements with the pressure washer wand. Suds will form as the soap builds up on the fabric.
Soak the cushions in water only.
Set aside for three minutes to allow the soap to enter the fabric. However, do not allow the soap to dry.
Scrub any mould and mildew-affected areas with the brush.
Rinse the cushions with water, eliminating all soap residues with the 40° tip.
Wring out the cushions gently to eliminate extra water and air dry in a bright location.
To protect the fabric from a power washer, keep it at least two feet away from the cushions.
