How to Clean Garden Cushions (By Fabric Type)

Why Fabric Type Matters When Cleaning Garden Cushions

Not all garden cushions are made the same — and cleaning them the wrong way can cause fading, shrinkage, or permanent damage. The key is knowing what your cushion cover is made from before you reach for the cleaning products. This guide breaks down the best cleaning method for each common outdoor fabric type.

If you're unsure which fabric your cushions are made from, check the care label on the underside of the cover. When in doubt, always start with the gentlest method and test on a small hidden area first.

OLEFIN (Polypropylene) Cushions

OLEFIN is one of the best outdoor fabrics available — solution-dyed, fade resistant, water repellent, and naturally mould resistant. It's also one of the easiest to clean.

Routine clean: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a mild soap solution. Rinse with clean water and air dry.
Deeper clean: Mix 1 teaspoon of washing-up liquid with 1 litre of warm water. Scrub gently with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly, and stand upright to dry.
Mould or mildew: A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) can be used safely on OLEFIN without damaging the colour — rinse well afterwards.
Avoid: Tumble drying. Air drying is always best.

OLEFIN's solution-dyed construction means colour is locked into the fibre itself, so it holds up exceptionally well to repeated cleaning. Find out more about why OLEFIN is our fabric of choice for outdoor scatter cushions →

Polyester Cushions

Polyester is a common and affordable outdoor fabric. It's reasonably water resistant but more prone to UV fading over time than OLEFIN or acrylic.

Routine clean: Damp cloth with mild soap. Rinse and air dry.
Deeper clean: Hand wash in warm water with a gentle detergent. Avoid hot water — it can cause shrinkage or distortion in the filling.
Mould or mildew: White vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water) applied for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing is effective and safe on polyester.
Avoid: Bleach (can strip colour from surface-dyed polyester), tumble drying, and machine washing unless the care label confirms it's safe.

Acrylic Cushions (e.g. Sunbrella)

Solution-dyed acrylic is a premium outdoor fabric with excellent UV and weather resistance — similar performance to OLEFIN but typically at a higher price point.

Routine clean: Mild soap and water with a soft brush. Rinse well and air dry.
Deeper clean: A diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) is safe for solution-dyed acrylic and effective against mould. Rinse thoroughly.
Mould or mildew: The bleach method above works well. Leave the solution on for 15 minutes before scrubbing for stubborn spots.
Avoid: Dry cleaning solvents, machine washing, and tumble drying.

Cotton and Cotton-Blend Cushions

Cotton cushions are more commonly found in conservatory or occasional outdoor use settings. They're comfortable but require more care than synthetic fabrics.

Routine clean: Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Act quickly on spills.
Deeper clean: Remove covers if possible and machine wash on a cool, gentle cycle. Reshape and air dry flat — do not tumble dry.
Mould or mildew: White vinegar solution is the safest option. Avoid bleach on coloured cotton as it will strip the dye.
Avoid: Hot washes, tumble drying, and leaving damp — cotton holds moisture and is the most susceptible fabric to mould.

General Cleaning Tips for All Cushion Types

Always remove loose dirt with a soft brush before applying any liquid
Never use a pressure washer — it can damage stitching and force water into the filling
Ensure cushions are completely dry before storing — even slightly damp cushions will develop mould in storage
Dry in direct sunlight where possible — UV light is a natural mould inhibitor
For more on everyday care and storage, see our guide: How to Look After Your Garden Seat Cushions and Where to Store Them →

Shop Our Garden Cushion Range

All of our seat pad cushions are designed for outdoor use and built to last. Whether you need a replacement pad for a recliner, lounger, bench, or armchair, we have a cushion to fit:

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