how to clean outdoor cushions with mold
Kristina Davis

Do you know that there are favorable ways how to clean outdoor cushions with mold and prevent finding it difficult in the future?

Mold can be a difficult issue to deal with, Many people often find a buildup of mold or mold growth on the outside of their furniture.

And this article will show you exactly how!

To get rid of mold on your cushion, use your soft bristle brush to get rid of any extra dirt, mildew, or mold. Using a multi-surface cleaning product, spray the moldy spots, then leave the cushions for five minutes, rinse and dry in the sun.

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What Causes Mold Growth On Outdoor Cushions?

causes of mold growth

Mold is a common problem that can affect your outdoor cushions.

Mold is a fungus that can grow on fabric. It’s not harmful to humans or pets, but it does make fabric unattractive and uncomfortable if it grows too much. 

Mold can be caused by many things, most commonly, the weather and temperature in your area.

If it’s normally dry, but suddenly gets humid or wet, you may get mold growth on your outdoor cushions.

If you live in an area with a lot of rain and humidity, then chances are good that you will experience some mildew growth on your outdoor cushions.

Note: If it's hot and dry outside, then you're less likely to have problems with mildew growth on your cushions.

What Are The Factors That Causes Mold To Grow? 

factors that cause mold growth

Factor #1: Rainwater

The most common cause of mold on outdoor cushions is rainwater. Rainwater contains chlorides, which are toxic to plants but not humans. 

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When this water hits the surface of your cushions, it reacts with the materials in your cushion.

Then it creates an environment where mildew can grow.

Factor #2: Sunshine 

Another possible cause of mold growth on outdoor cushions is sunshine, but not just any kind of sunshine!

The type of sunlight that causes mildew growth is direct sunlight during the summer months.

Especially when temperatures are high and there is no wind or precipitation to keep the ground cool

Note: If you're noticing mold growth on your outdoor cushions, it's important to take care of the problem before it spreads!

How To Get Black Mold Out Of Outdoor Cushions

how to get black mold out

It’s not uncommon to see black mold growing on outdoor cushions.

The fungus, which can cause serious health problems if inhaled, thrives in damp environments. 

Here are the steps for getting rid of the mold:

Step #1: Remove All Cushion

Remove all the cushions from the furniture and clean them with a vacuum cleaner and mild detergent.

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Soak the cushions in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for several hours before rinsing them off.

Step #2: Spray Chlorine Around The Mold

Spray the area around the mold with a strong chlorine solution (such as 3% household chlorine bleach).

spray chlorine on cushion

Leave the area exposed to the air for at least 30 minutes, then scrub it clean with a stiff-bristled brush. 

Pour a few inches of water into the affected area and let it sit for 20 minutes before draining it away. Discard any contaminated materials.

Step #3: Treat Diseased Wood

Treat any structural wood that may be infected by black mold with an antimicrobial treatment such as PolyArmor or Boratex (available at hardware stores).

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and care.

Step #4: Replace Decaying Cushions

Replace any damaged or rotting cushions. Take care to choose ones made from nonporous materials such as foam or neoprene.

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This is so that moisture won’t build up inside them over time.

How To Clean Outdoor Cushions With Mold?

how to clean outdoor cushions

You might think that outdoor cushions are impervious to mold, that there’s no way to get it off of a cushion that’s been sitting in the sun for 10 minutes. Well, you’d be wrong.

Here are two ways how to get mold off of outdoor cushions.

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions with Bleach

Step #1: Remove All Your Cushions

Take off all of your cushions, this will make it easier to wash. But if you want to avoid damage to the fabric or padding, don’t pull on them!

Instead, use a towel to gently lift them away from the frame so that they aren’t twisting or bunching up while they dry.

But if you can remove them, then vacuum them thoroughly. 

Tip: Vacuuming will help get rid of any loose dirt or parts that may have been missed when cleaning them the first time around.
remove cushions

Step #2: Mix The Chemicals Together

Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of warm water in a spray bottle (or use one from home).

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Spray this mixture onto your cushions and let it sit for about 15 minutes before wiping it off with a damp cloth.

This will help break up any dry soil build-up on your cushions that may have gotten trapped.

It also cuts through grease from cooking or smoking sessions. It as well keeps dirt from building up over time due to weather conditions like rain storms or excessive sun exposure. 

Note: Make sure all nearby objects are clear of any standing water before using this cleaning solution on any type of furniture.

Cleaning Outdoor Cushions With Water And Soap

use soap and water

Here are some steps to follow when using the water and soap method:

Step #1: Get A Brush From A Hardware Shop Or Online

The first thing you need is a special brush. You can get one at any hardware store or online.

This brush will help you remove the mold from the surface of your cushion.

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So first, use the brush on an area where the mold has already begun to form and then move to another spot.

Be sure to wash off all dirt and debris from the surface of your cushions. 

Tip: Be thorough with this step because you don't want any particles left on them that could attract more mold.
outdoor chairs

Step #2: Wash Off Your Cushion

Hose down your cushions with clean water, not just any kind of water will do! Make sure it’s clear so that it doesn’t leave residual soap residue behind.

Residual soap may encourage mold growth again later on down the road.

Step #3: Cover It With Paper Towels Or Plastic Wrap

Then cover it with paper towels or plastic wrap (you don’t want any moisture left on the cushion).

This will prevent further mold growth as well as help keep out dirt and dust particles that could cause more problems down the road (like allergies).

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wrap cushions

Step #4: Wash In Warm, Soapy Water

After this process, wash your cushions in warm soapy water and allow them to air dry completely before using them again!

Tip: Use a disinfectant spray cleaner to get rid of any lingering bacteria or fungi that might have been hanging out on top of your cushions.

How To Prevent Mold On Outdoor Cushions

Mold can be a serious problem for outdoor cushions.

It’s caused by moisture and warm temperatures, so it can grow anywhere that you have a lot of water in your yard or garden.

You should regularly clean your cushions to prevent mold from forming.

prevent molds

There are a few things you can do to prevent mold on outdoor cushions.

Ensure That Your Cushions Are Clean And Dry

Make sure your cushions are clean and dry.

Any water left in the cushion will cause it to grow mold, so make sure they’re completely dry before using them again.

Moldy Cushions Should Be Replaced

Secondly, if you notice any signs of mold on your cushions, such as green spots or black spots, it’s time to replace them.

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Mold is pretty common in cushions because they’re exposed to the elements and often sit outside all day long.

You don’t want to risk getting sick from an allergen!

outdoor cushioned chairs

Replace Worn-Out Cushions Annually

Replace your cushions each year when they start looking worn out or tired out, the older they get, the more susceptible they’ll be to mold growth.

Conclusion

Cleaning outdoor cushions is a job that requires knowledge, patience, and tools. It can be done by anyone, but it’s much easier if you know what you’re doing.

The easiest way to prevent mold from forming on your outdoor cushions is to make sure that you clean the fabric regularly.

However, when mold has already formed, the methods above can help you eliminate it.

If you have any further questions or concerns on how to clean outdoor cushions with mold, don’t hesitate to contact a professional mold remediator in your area.