Cleaning and maintaining garden cushions: the complete guide
Garden cushions live outside, and that takes its toll. Moisture, shade and warmth combine to cause discolouration and stubborn stains. The good news is that in most cases this can be dealt with effectively using the right approach and products.
In this article you'll learn why garden cushions discolour, how to clean them and what you can do to keep them in great condition for longer.
Why do garden cushions turn green or develop stains?
Outdoor cushions absorb moisture from rain, dew and humidity. When that moisture lingers, green or dark discolouration can develop. You'll often see this in spots that get little sun or where air circulation is poor — cushions stacked on top of each other or stored in a box, for example.
Alongside green discolouration, there's also everyday dirt: dust, pollen, bird droppings and stains from drinks or sunscreen. All of these work their way deep into the fabric if you leave them too long.
Step 1 – Cleaning: tackling discolouration and dirt
Always start by cleaning before you do anything else. Green discolouration and general soiling can be tackled with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo. Spray the product onto the wet cushion, work it in with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if necessary and allow the cushion to dry completely in the open air afterwards.
Avoid aggressive household cleaning products. These can damage the fabric or affect the colour, leaving your cushions looking worse than when you started.
Step 2 – Tackling other deeply set stains
Sometimes, after cleaning, other deeply set stains remain visible — stubborn marks from sunscreen, drinks or bird droppings in specific spots, for instance. This is separate from any green discolouration, which you addressed in step 1.
For these individual, stubborn stains you can apply Fabric Power Cleaner in a targeted way. Apply the product only to the affected area, leave it for a maximum of 15 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Never use this product over the entire cushion — apply it only to those remaining stains.
Always allow cushions to dry completely after cleaning before storing or covering them. Residual moisture is the main cause of new discolouration.
Can I leave garden cushions outside?
That depends on the material and weather conditions. Many outdoor cushions are made from polyester or acrylic and can handle a light shower. However, prolonged exposure to moisture, sun and dirt will always have an effect on the fabric.
If you leave your cushions outside, a few practical rules apply:
- Don't stack them while wet. Damp cushions piled on top of each other dry poorly and discolour more quickly.
- Store them away during extended periods of bad weather or over winter.
- Check regularly for moisture underneath the cushions or dampness on the underside.
Step 3 – Protecting: restoring water repellency
After cleaning, it's a good idea to restore the water repellency of the fabric. Use Sprayhood & Tent Protector for this. This product is suitable for synthetic outdoor fabrics such as polyester and acrylic. It helps water bead off the surface and reduces how easily dirt penetrates the fabric — which also helps prevent new discolouration.
Only apply Sprayhood & Tent Protector to clean, dry cushions. Protection doesn't work properly on a dirty surface, because it won't remove any soiling that's already present.
Do you have cushions made from cotton or canvas? In that case, use Canvas & Cotton Protector. This product is specifically developed for natural fabrics and keeps the material breathable.
How do I prevent garden cushions from fading in the sun?
UV radiation bleaches fabrics over time. There are no products that can prevent this entirely, but you can slow the process down:
- Store cushions away when they won't be used for an extended period.
- Use a protective cover or cushion box that blocks light.
- Keep the fabric clean, as dirt intensifies the effect of sunlight on colour.
What is the correct order for maintaining garden cushions?
A good approach follows three steps:
- Clean with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo: removes surface dirt, general soiling and green discolouration.
- Treat stains with Fabric Power Cleaner: only where needed, targeted specifically at other deeply set stains (such as sunscreen or drinks) that remain visible after cleaning — not intended for green discolouration.
- Protect with Sprayhood & Tent Protector or Canvas & Cotton Protector: applied to clean, dry fabric.
Don't skip a step. Protection only works properly on a clean surface. And if you clean without protecting afterwards, the fabric will pick up dirt again much more quickly.
Frequently asked questions about maintaining garden cushions
Can I wash garden cushions in the washing machine?
That depends on the cushion. Always check the care label first. Many outdoor cushions are not suitable for the washing machine due to their filling or finish. Hand cleaning with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo is the safe choice in most cases.
How often should I clean my garden cushions?
Once per season is sufficient in most cases. Also clean them in between if stains appear — the longer you wait, the harder they are to remove.
My cushions smell after winter. What should I do?
Start with Sprayhood & Tent Shampoo. Spray the product onto the wet cushion, work it in with a soft brush and rinse with plenty of water. Then leave the cushions to dry completely outside and air them thoroughly — in many cases this is enough to get rid of the smell. Finish with Sprayhood & Tent Protector on the dry fabric to better protect the cushions against new soiling and moisture.
Does Fabric Power Cleaner work on light-coloured cushions?
Yes, but always test it on an inconspicuous area first. Especially with light or bright fabrics, this lets you check how the material responds before treating the rest of the cushion.