Most people start planning basic cushion care as spring and summer approach in order to get their patio and porch areas ready to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
And while that is a good time of year to clean patio furniture and cushions, there are some basic maintenance tips that will help you extend the life of your furniture with relatively little effort required.
With nearly 40 years of expertise in outdoor furnishings at Summer Classics, we’re here to provide you with the ultimate cleaning tips and guide you seamlessly through the process of replacing cushions with our replacement cushion program.
Basic Care And Maintenance Tips
You’ll need to implement these cleaning instructions depending on how much you use outdoor living spaces and whether you have kids, pets, or frequent outdoor activities with family and friends.
At the very least, go through this process twice a year to keep your outdoor cushions fresh and clean.
Clean Outdoor Cushions With Mild Soap
No matter how careful you are, life's best moments are guaranteed to involve a bit of dirt and spills on your outdoor furniture, and the sooner you deal with it, the better.
The best way to clean outdoor cushions is to mix a mild cleaning soap with warm water and gently rub it over the fabrics with a soft cloth.
Use a PH-neutral cleaning solution—baby or mild dish soap is often the ideal option.
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains or dirt on removable covers, then it’s a good idea to wash the fabrics in a delicate wash cycle.
Always allow the covers to air dry, as clothes dryers can cause them to shrink and make it difficult to fit them back over outdoor cushions.
Apply A Water-Proof Sealant
Another step we recommend as part of regular cleaning is to apply a water-proof sealing spray. Not only will this protect patio cushions from rain, but it can also help to avoid stains from spilling drinks.
It’s not something you have to do every time you clean outdoor cushions, but we recommend doing this in spring and again in mid-summer for maximum protection.
Although our fabrics already offer unparalleled durability and UV protection, some of these sprays also offer UV protection to further help avoid sun damage.
Protect Cushions From Harsh Weather
Nothing is more frustrating than having the chance to use your outdoor space only to realize that your cushions are soaking wet.
In early spring and fall, or if you live somewhere with more temperamental weather in summer, it’s a good idea to protect your patio cushions and furniture from rain.
Our selection of outdoor furniture covers is designed to perfectly match our collections. With a waterproof layer, you won’t have to worry about your furniture and outdoor cushions getting wet and damaged.
Remove Cushions From An Outdoor Space In Winter
Unless you live somewhere with mild and sunny winters where you get to enjoy your patio, porch, or garden year-round, it’s always best to store outdoor furniture in a shed or garage for the cold and wet months of the year.
If you don’t have enough space for the entire furniture set, then at least make sure that you move your cushions to a dry place.
This can be a garage, basement, or attic space, and it will ensure that moisture in the air doesn’t saturate the fabrics and cause staining and mold.
Ordering Replacement Cushions For Outdoor Furniture
No matter how much you look after patio furniture, cushions will eventually show signs of wear. However, sometimes you might find that your chosen outdoor fabrics last for more than 10 years, and you simply want to add a fresh look.
Rather than spend a lot of money on completely replacing the furniture set, you could simply replace your outdoor cushions.
Here’s how our team can help you with the process.
Start With The Cushion Type
When you order from our outdoor furniture range, you get to customize the cushions based on multiple types of firmness and support.
You get the same choice of cushion type when you order a replacement set, and it’s always best to start with how soft or firm you prefer the cushions to be.
If you want a plush cushion that you can sink into, then our Dream Cushions are the ideal choice; alternatively, you can go for support with the Dream Cloud Firm cushion.
Check out our cushion guide to compare options before you make a final decision.
Consider Upgrading To A Different Foam
One of the main reasons our customers decide to order new patio cushions is that the foam may lose some of its support. This can happen if you make a lot of use of your outdoor furniture throughout the year.
However, some people also feel like they need to change the firmness of the foam cushions in order to get better support if they have developed back or joint problems.
If you fall into either of these categories, then meet one of our design team members who will be able to show you the different options available.
Explore The Range Of Fabrics
Once you’ve decided on the type of foam, it’s time to turn your attention to the cushion fabrics. Our team has put together a comprehensive selection of colors and patterns that range from classic to modern.
Choosing a different color and pattern is by far the easiest way to add a new look that will give the impression of brand-new furniture on your patio.
Get a better idea of what you can choose from in our textile guide, which gives you endless ideas for pairing colors and patterns.
Use Our Design Guides For Inspiration
If you’re struggling to visualize your new cushions, then our design guides will bridge that gap for you.
Start with the Timeless Forest or Chambray Echoes where you can see inspiration from different places and multiple seasons.
And if there are any combinations of outdoor furniture and fabrics that you’d like to see, our team can help you make the best possible choice.
Reach Out To Our Outdoor Furniture Design Team
Once you figure out the style you think will look best on your patio or porch, make arrangements to meet our interior design team for a complimentary consultation.
We will guide you through the decision process so that you make the best possible investment and you’ll get a chance to see the fabrics and experience the different foam options first-hand.
And don’t forget to set a reminder to clean the cushions before the off-season and on a regular basis throughout the year.
The more you look after the cushions, the more they will look like new for years to come.