Dear Netfah,
Every Memorial Day, my family has a big BBQ at our house. And every year, more and more friends and family attend. This year, my husband and I are celebrating our 10th Anniversary run for this event, and we want to do it in style. With food and entertainment a high priority on our list, the last thing I need to worry about is the condition of my outdoor patio cushions. They’re a 100% Acrylic Penny Stripe and I got them several years ago. I usually keep the cushions in a cool shed during the winter, and they’ve kept well. But when I pulled them out they had some remains of the days if you will, that showed their age and usage. They just need a little ‘pick-me-up’ without me having to launder the shells. So my question to you today is, how do I clean my darling but dusty lounge chairs in time for the big BBQ?
signed,
Darling but Dusty, Nashville-Tenn.
Dear Darling but Dusty,
First, give yourself credit for preserving your outdoor furniture so well thus far, storing your cushions in a cool place is a good way to prevent mold and mildew during the cold and rainy weather.
But don’t fret, out of all the fabrics, outdoor upholstery fabrics are the easiest to clean. Stains can usually be spot cleaned with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use bleach on your acrylic material though as it will cause the pattern to fade. Just hand wash and leave to dry in the sun. To prevent your outdoor upholstery fabric from becoming unevenly worn or faded during the spring/summer season, turn your cushions regularly. Acrylic fabrics are fade-resistant and should last for several years without significant fading. The color retention on most outdoor fabrics is really contigent on where they are being used. As far as coatings are concerned, most outdoor fabrics are fade-resistant and water-repellant… not fade and water proof. So a little work on your part is essential to maintaining the look and feel you desire year round.
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