Spring means it’s time to enjoy more time outdoors — including porches and patios. But first, let’s take a hard look at those seat cushions. Whether they’ve been exposed to the winter weather or tucked away in a closet, they may need an inspection and some TLC. After all, you want your outdoor furnishings to look (and smell) their best.
To get you started, the experts at Oceanside Cleaners answered some common questions about keeping patio cushions in tip-top shape.
We live in a mild climate where people may use their patios even in the winter. Is it okay to keep seat cushions outside year-round?
We recommend bringing cushions indoors or storing them in a protective outdoor container when not in use, no matter the time of year. That’s because exposure to weather can really take a toll.
If the cushions are in the sun, they can get sun damage. The fabric fades and becomes more brittle, increasing the likelihood of tears. In rainy or damp conditions, cushions can develop mold or mildew.
You’ll get a lot more life out of your cushions if you keep them protected.
If someone leaves their patio cushions outside and the cushions get soaked, what should they do?
If your cushions get wet, bring them to a warm, dry place as soon as possible and let them dry thoroughly. Then inspect them to see if any mold is developing. If it does, bring them to a professional cleaner like Oceanside right away for a thorough cleaning — not just the cover, but the whole cushion.
What about stains? Should I attempt to get them out myself?
Yes, if they are fresh stains, you can give it a try using a high-quality spot cleaner. We recommend Folex, which evaporates so it doesn’t leave a ring. Simply spray the stain, dab it with a clean white towel (don’t rub) and let the cushion dry. If that doesn’t work, bring it to us as soon as possible to see if we can remove it.
What are the worst stains you see?
The worst stains we see are mustard, juices and wine. These are especially bad if they are not treated right away because the stains oxidize. They turn a yellow or brown color and become harder to remove.
What is Oceanside’s process to clean patio cushions?
First, we inspect the cushions and pre-spot them. We remove the covers using special equipment. Then, depending on the type of stains, the fabric and the condition of the cushions, we determine whether to dry-clean or wet-clean the covers. (By wet-clean, we don’t mean machine wash. We use specialized equipment that uses water to clean.)
If the cushion cover is made of a delicate fabric, like wool, we can inject an agent that protects the fabric before we go after the stain.
The last step is to press the covers so they are wrinkle-free and replace them on the cushion.
For an additional cost, we can treat the cushions with fabric protectant, which gives owners extra time to blot up spills before they penetrate the fabric and create lasting stains.
Have you ever saved a seat cushion that the owner was about to throw away?
Yes! We had a customer who was quite certain we would not be able to get the mold out of her cushions. But when she picked up the cushions, she couldn’t believe how white they were.
It’s 100% worth giving professional cleaning a try before you throw a cushion away.
Anything else you want your Oceanside customers to know?
We offer complimentary pick up and delivery. That can be especially helpful if you have multiple cushions that would be a hassle to pack in your car. We will take care of it.