How to Clean Outside Cushions

Mix a small amount of liquid dish soap and warm water in a spray bottle. Shake the ingredients together.

Remove cushions that can be untied from chairs and swing frames. If they can't be removed, they can be cleaned in place.

Spray the soapy mixture heavily on both sides of your outside cushions. Some people make the mistake of only cleaning the visible side, but mildew and stains can build up even more on less-visible areas.

Let the mixture soak into the fabric of each cushion.

Scrub the cushions firmly but gently on both sides, using a scrub brush. The brush will get deep into the cushion fibers and remove mildew, stains and odor.

Wash off the cushions with a hose, removing all soap along with the surface mildew, dirt and grime.

Lay the cushions up against a wall, fence or other structure in the sun until each side is dry. You may need to flip the cushions over to dry them evenly. Do not try and dry any cushions in a clothes dryer, as this can ruin the fabric.

Spray a generous amount of outdoor fabric protection spray on the surface of the outside cushions. This will prevent mildew buildup and help preserve the fabric until your next cleaning.