Yes, you can wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine but don’t forget to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Outdoor pillows or patio cushions are made of durable material to make cleaning easier and more efficient.
But wait; can I wash every outdoor pillow in the washing machine? The answer is no, but some precautions and care tips can help you maintain the shape and quality of outdoor cushions.
Washing Outdoor Pillows in Machine
Patio cushions and other outdoor pillows are exposed to sunlight, dust, open air, and many other pollutants for longer. Deep cleaning an outdoor pillow seems impossible after every two weeks.
Pillow manufacturers use special machine-washable materials for outdoor pillows. Whether you can wash outdoor pillows in the machine depends on the fabric and the manufacturer’s instructions.
For an outdoor pillow with machine-washable fabric, you can simply throw it in the washing machine and then use the dryer after washing. Place a pillow in the sunlight for a day after the wash.
What if Outdoor Pillow is not Machine Washable?
Some outdoor cushions are made of leather. For such pillows, try using other cleaning methods as the company recommends. You must have a basic understanding of the material used for the pillow.
In the next sections, we will explain everything related to washing outdoor pillows without ruining their shape and color.
How to Wash Outdoor Pillows or Patio Cushions?
First, choose patio cushions that are machine washable. This smart move will make it easier to keep them clean and fresh.
It is advised to wash outdoor pillows 2-3 times a year, depending on environmental conditions and exposure to dust. Here are a few important steps to follow when washing outdoor pillows in the washing machine or without a machine.
Step 1: Prepare Outdoor Pillows for Wash
Remove the patio cushions from chairs or furniture. Removing dust and debris with a soft brush will make them cleaner after washing. A hand-held vacuum can also remove the dust trapped inside the cushions.
Step 2: Spot Cleaning Cushions
Washing outdoor pillows in the machine may not remove visible spots and stains. It is important to spot-clean outdoor cushions before machine washing; you can use a clean cloth to spot-clean outdoor cushions.
Mix detergent with water, apply the mixture to the stains, and gently rub the cloth on the stains. Don’t use harsh cleaning products or chemicals, as they may damage the surface.
Also, don’t spill the detergent directly on the pillow. Once you have cleaned the spot, use a damp towel to remove the excess detergent.
Step 3: Wash Outdoor Pillows
Are outdoor pillows made of machine-washable fabric? If there are no specific wash instructions, remove the external cover, close the zipper, and set the machine on a normal cycle. Here are a few key points about washing patio cushions in the machine:
- Use mild detergent and warm water
- Set the machine on delicate, low-spin settings
- Close the zipper before wash
- Don’t use bleach or any other harsh chemical for pillows
Let the machine run for 30 minutes, and once done, use the automatic dryer on low-spin settings. While washing pillows, don’t rush.
For leather pillows or patio cushions with delicate fabric, you can wash pillows by hand. Leather pillows usually require spot cleaning only. Once the outer surface of leather cushions is clean, you don’t need to wash the inner pillow.
Step 4: Drying Outdoor Pillows
The best results are achieved using an automatic dryer at low spin settings. Some manufacturers require pillows to be dried away from direct sunlight.
While pillows are slightly damp, reshape and fluff them to maintain the support. High heat is bad for all types of pillows. Fabric may shrink due to high heat.
Place the pillow in the open air for a few hours for better results and a fresh feel. Airing out the pillow removes the odor from the pillow.
Cleaning Outdoor Pillows by Hand Wash
Manual efforts may seem hectic, but with the right materials and knowledge, you can easily clean or wash patio cushions by hand. There are different outdoor pillow cleaning agents available in the market.
These sprays speed up the cleaning process and help you easily remove spots or stains from leather pillows. Making a leather pillow cleaning solution at home is also easy. You only need a normal detergent, mild dish soap, borax, and warm water.
Mix these in a bowl or bottle and use a clean cloth or spray bottle. Simply spray the cleaning solution on leather cushions and let the solution sit for 15-20 minutes. You can gently rub the solution with a soft brush or cloth.
Don’t let the pillows completely dry after spraying the solution. Once pillows are clean, use a clean, dry cloth or towel to wipe the solution and let the pillows dry in open air for a few hours.
Washing Outdoor Pillows- Responses by Other Participants
Can I wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine? It is a commonly asked question on different discussion forums. After reviewing the queries and confusing replies from different users, the P for Pillow team decided to do this detailed post.
While different users shared their best practices and what worked for them, here are some useful responses that can help you determine if you can wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine.
Response 1: Washing and Drying Outdoor Pillows
You can wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine if the manufacturer provides no specific instructions. Once washed, you can use the dryer or let the pillows dry in the open air. For better results, try both drying methods.
Response 2: Washing Patio Cushions without Zipper
Some outdoor pillows don’t have zippers, and material is stuffed inside the outer cover. Removing the pillow stuffing for a wash will be a disaster. After washing the outer cover with no zipper, you won’t be able to refill the material.
The user explained that she relies on available safe cleaning agents for spot cleaning, and it usually works best for pillows with no zippers.
Response 3: Washing Pillows without Professional Service
Hiring a professional pillow or sofa cleaning company may seem like a great idea. It is a great idea, but only if the budget is not an issue. You cannot afford to hire a professional cleaning company to only wash and clean a few patio cushions or outdoor pillows.
A user advised to clean the spots as soon as possible. Cleaning a stain while fresh will reduce the effort required to clean it once it is dried. If there are no visible spots or stains, simply use a hand-held vacuum cleaner to remove the dust particles from the pillows.
How to Clean Tough Stains on Outdoor Pillows?
No matter how careful you are, spots and stains are inevitable for outdoor pillows and patio cushions. While you cannot protect these pillows against possible stains, you can try keeping them clean and fresh.
Some stains don’t go away even after a machine wash. It is normal and nothing to worry about. As the overall pillow is clean, you only need to target the tough stains. Repeating the wash cycle may not treat the tough stains.
Steps to Treat Tough Stains on Outdoor Pillows
We want you to have super clean and fresh outdoor pillows at the end of this guide. We will discuss every possible problem and solution you might encounter while cleaning outdoor pillows. Here is how to treat tough stains that did not disappear after washing.
- Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a spray bottle
- You can also use readily available pillow cleaning sprays, if available
- Spray the cleaning solution on the stains and let it sit for a few minutes
- Gently rub the stained area with a damp towel or piece of cloth
Make circular movements while cleaning the stains, and don’t apply too much pressure Repeat the process if required, and the stain will disappear. Now, wipe the cleaning solution with a damp towel and let the cushion dry for a few hours.
Can I Wash Outdoor Pillows in the Washing Machine? Final Words
The final verdict depends on the fabric quality, type of stuffing, and pillow tag instructions. Most outdoor pillows are machine washable, except a few that need to be cleaned by hand.
If machine wash has damaged the surface, shape, or color, avoid washing again. Pay attention to the manuals provided by the company to avoid any damage to your product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs that might answer most users’ queries. For more details, don’t forget to browse through other articles and pillow reviews on P for Pillow Blog.
Can I put outdoor pillows in the washing machine?
Yes, you can put outdoor pillows in the washing machine. Set the washing machine on low-spin settings and use warm water with a mild detergent.
How to wash outdoor pillows?
You can either wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine or use the spot cleaning method with a mild detergent solution of pillow cleaning spray.
Why can you not machine wash outdoor cushions?
You cannot machine wash outdoor pillows if they are made of leather or any delicate material. Wash them by hand or follow an alternate cleaning method for such pillows. Other pillows with normal fabric are good for machine wash.
How often to wash outdoor pillows?
The frequency of washing outdoor pillows depends upon usage and the environment. Houses with pets and kids may need more frequent wash for pillows. Washing outdoor pillows twice a year or during peak season is good.
