With spring here and summer just around the corner, it is time to pull out your outdoor furniture, get the grill going, and enjoy the outside as much as possible. The last thing you want to worry about once the nice weather comes is if your cushions are stained, dirty or moldy. Outdoor fabric is more durable to the conditions, but it still needs some TLC to keep it nicer longer. Check out some of the different ways to care for your outdoor fabrics.
An outdoor fabric we like to work with is Sunbrella. They have great colors, patterns, durability and some really helpful information on how to keep your fabric looking great year after year.
Check out this chart to help with all different types of stains and how you can get them out! Stain Chart
Just because you do not have a stain on your cushions does not mean you do not need to do anything. Outdoor fabric or not, things need to be cleaned every now and again. A great habit to get yourself into is sprits the cushions with the hose once a month. If they need a little refresh you can even mix mild soap with water and scrub them lightly with a soft brush then hit them with the hose. 
To dry your cushions just set them on their side to let the water run off and put them in the sun to dry. Do not put your cushions in the dryer or have them dry cleaned, it will take the protective cover applied to the fabric right off.
Another way to keep your fabric for longer is by preventing Mold on your outdoor fabric. Mold is made by the combination of humidity, heat, spores and nutrients. By eliminating at least one of these four issues, you will cut down the possibility of mold. If you are already experiencing mold on your cushions, here are a few ways to clean it.
- Prepare a solution with 1/10 bleach, 2/10 soap, 7/10 water.
- Scrub the fabric with the solution and a soft brush.
- Allow the solution to act for 15 minutes.
- Remove the solution using a sponge or a clean towel.
- Allow the fabric to dry in the open air.
- It is essential to use a mold-proofing treatment to restore the fabric’s original waterproof properties.
There are so many more things you can do with great outdoor fabric besides cushions. Check out these great Outdoor Furniture Projects to start your next project.