Having company on the patio is a joyous occasion, but emotions can be dampened when the outdoor furniture begins to show signs of mildew. Mildew on patio furniture is an issue that many homeowners face at some time. This is how to clean outdoor cushions without using bleach.
What is mildew?
Mildew, a kind of mold, is a common source of irritation. Mildew develops quickly under favorable conditions, such as a lot of darkness, dampness, and warmth. Even high-quality outdoor cushions exposed to rain or humidity can develop mildew.
Mildew shows as a powdery gray, white, or black growth on outdoor cushions. Mildew not only discolors patio furniture but also emits a musty stench. Mildew is inherently unappealing to homeowners and their visitors; also, long-term mildew exposure is hazardous.
Organic molecules promote both mildew and mold. Mildew may develop on natural fabrics such as cotton, silk, and wool. Even though high-quality outdoor cushions are designed to endure the elements, mildew can form on them.
Here's how to remove it.
Mildew removal is a straightforward technique, and homeowners may choose from a variety of cleaning solutions. The outdoor cushions' materials will determine the optimum strategy. Outdoor cushions should be cleaned and dried on a regular basis to maintain them clean, fresh, and welcoming.
When cleaning outdoor cushions, avoid using bleach because not all outdoor fabrics can withstand it. Bleaching outdoor cushions may discolor the fabric. Furthermore, bleach fumes may be dangerous to individuals who use it. The following are mildew removal methods that are safe for the environment.
Apply Borax – A Natural Cleaner - The natural cleaning product borax is popular among homeowners. The chemical, sodium borate, is a mineral salt that assists in the elimination of mildew from outdoor cushions; it also needs less labor to attain the finest results.
Borax both eliminates and disinfects mildew.
- 1 cup of Borax + a few drops of dish soap
- Dip a brush with a stiff bristle into the solution.
- Scrub the mildew stains along with the cushion vigorously with the brush.
- Allow the solution to remain for five minutes before rinsing thoroughly with a garden hose.
Use White Vinegar – A Non-Toxic Option- White vinegar, a common home item, is an environmentally friendly approach to clean mildewed outdoor cushions. White vinegar is non-toxic as well. This procedure, however, is only effective on cushions with minor mildew growth. A power washer is required to remove severe mildew stains.
Outdoor cushion coverings that are removable can be washed in the washing machine with one cup of distilled white vinegar. If the cushions aren't detachable, spray them with white vinegar on both sides and lay them for 10 minutes.
- In three cups of warm water, dissolve one spoonful of dish soap.
- Using a sponge immersed in the soapy solution, scrub the mildew away.
- Rinse the cushions with a clean, wet cloth.
- Allow the cushions to air dry.
- Spritz with more white vinegar to help prevent future mildew from growing.
Rent a Pressure Washer – A Powerful System- A pressure washer is an efficient tool for removing stubborn mildew stains. Connect the pressure washer to a water source from outside. To protect the material, keep the pressure washer at least two feet away from the cushions and set the PSI to the lowest level.
- Soak the outside cushions in water first.
- Upon putting the cleaner into the pressure washer soap reservoir, employ a horizontal, sweeping motion to cover the cushions in soap suds.
- Allow the soap to remain on the fabric for three minutes (do not allow the soap to dry) (do not allow the soap to dry).
- Scrub the mildew from the outdoor cushions using a brush.
- Rinse the cushions well with water to eliminate all soap residue.
- To remove excess water, wring out the cushions and allow them to fully air dry in the sun.
What prevents mildew growth on outdoor cushions?
Mildew may be easily removed from outdoor cushions. Preventing mildew growth, on the other hand, saves the homeowner the time and trouble of eradicating the mildew. Waterproof cushion coverings, for example, help to decrease mildew formation (but do not totally prevent mildew growth).
What prevents mildew growth on outdoor cushions?
Because of the forecast high humidity and rain, homeowners should move their outdoor furniture indoors. Keeping cushions clean and fresh helps to avoid mildew growth. If the cushions become wet, absorb the moisture with a towel and allow them to dry naturally.
When storing cushions for the winter, keep them completely dry to minimize mildew growth. The storage area should be adequately ventilated as well. Use any of the procedures outlined above to clean the cushions when you pull them out in the spring.
While spraying white vinegar on outdoor cushions can help prevent mildew growth, it may not be useful in severe mildew or mold infestations. Mold remediation professionals can help you get rid of mold professionally.
Professional mold removal crews will inspect the damage to your home or workplace as soon as feasible. They develop a mold treatment strategy after doing an initial evaluation. To prevent cross-contamination to other parts of the structure, the damaged sections have been isolated.
Then, trained technicians use powerful treatments to erase all evidence of mold formation, both hidden and visible. Mold development may be detected by professionals whether it is located under wet carpets, in basements, behind walls, around HVAC equipment, or in attics with poor ventilation. If you detect mold in your home, call RAK Mold Removal right away.
