Oct
Sometimes cushions are made by simply packing the fabric with stuffing which is all well and good, until it comes time to clean them.
Many cushions are made up of a cushion insert and a cushion cover, so when you need to clean your cushions, you can simply remove the cover and pop it in the wash. This process all comes unstuck however when your cushions do not have a cover. All is not lost though! If you have a favourite cushion which has a non-removable cover, there are methods you can use to keep them clean and extend their life.
How to clean cushions with a vacuum cleaner
If your cushion cover just needs a general clean, then possibly the best way to proceed is to use your vacuum cleaner. Most vacuum cleaners come with an upholstery attachment so use this to give your cushions a good once over. This will remove any dirt, hair or fur from your cushion cover.
Once you have done this, you may want to give it a quick wipe down. Use a slightly damp sponge that has been soaked with a very small amount of detergent and give your cushions a brief once over. You can then follow this by giving your cushion cover a quick spray with an air freshener product such as Febreze.
How to clean cushions with a steam cleaner
If your cushion cover requires a more thorough clean then you may want to consider renting a steam cleaner for the job. You can rent these from hardware stores or you can look online for a local supplier. Steam cleaners use heat to deodorise and sanitise so you can be sure to get a very thorough clean without impacting the bright colours of your cushions.
Your cushion cover will be damp after you have finished cleaning so you will need to dry it by either putting it in the sun or using a fan. Steam cleaners are very effective at cleaning many different types of furniture so while you have it, consider cleaning your entire sofa and your carpets as well. You will be amazed at the results.
The best way to spot clean stains on a non-removable cushion cover
Spills and accidents in the living room often result in a stained cushion cover, and this can be quite distressing when you can’t remove your covers to work on the stain. Never fear, we have some excellent tips and tricks to help you get rid of that unwanted stain.
The method you use will depend on what you have spilt and what fabric you spilt it on. The number one tip to remember is the sooner you get to the stain, the more chance you have of successfully removing it and saving your cushion cover.
1. Scoop and Dab
The first thing you should do is scoop up any remaining solids with a butter knife or a spoon. Then use a dry white cloth to blot the stain to absorb as much of it as possible.
Next, use another white cloth and dampen it with cool water. Use this to dab the stain on the cushion cover, working from the outside in so that you don’t spread it any further. Be sure not to rub the stain or press hard as this can do more harm than good.
2. Rinse, Wash, Repeat
Some stains will only need water to dislodge but most will require some further coaxing. Your next bet is to create a solution of either detergent and water or commercial stain remover and water. Be sure to only add a little detergent or stain remover and fully dilute it before you begin. You don’t want to make your cushion cover too soapy as you will need to remove this at the end.
Use the same white cloth to gently dab at the stain, again, work from the outside in to avoid spreading it. Once you have applied the solution, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes on your cushion cover before washing it off with a damp cloth with only water on it. Repeat this process as many times as possible until you have completely dislodged the stain.
3. Deodorise
If your stain was a smelly one and the odour remains even after the stain has vanished, then you may need to take further action. A simple solution for removing unwanted smells from a cushion cover is to create a mixture of equal parts baking soda and water.
Apply this paste to the offending area and let it sit for 5-10 minutes then rinse of with a damp cloth until it is all removed. An alternative to this is to use a commercial fabric deodorising spray such as Febreze. When you are done, put the cushion cover in the sun to dry or use a cool fan if need be.
You can also make a spritz at home using equal parts of vinegar and water and then lightly spray the cushions. Before doing this, make sure to test a small and inconspicuous spot on the cushion beforehand to ensure that the spritz will not cause any discolouration.
Vinegar is an acetic acid which means it can neutralise alkaline odours. The finer the mist you use, the better, because smaller droplets can cover more surface area to better remove the odour causing bacteria on your cushions.
Stubborn Stains
Some stains are more stubborn than others so we have a few tips on different types of stains that may appear on your cushion cover.
Oily stains: Sprinkle with cornstarch, wait for 15 minutes the scrape off. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess cornstarch.
Chewing gum: Use ice to freeze the chewing gum and then rub until it falls off.
Ink stains: Use rubbing alcohol immediately for any ink stains. For best results use a substance that has 90% alcohol and apply by dabbing it with a clean cloth. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol then try vinegar diluted with water and soap.
Special fabrics: If your cushion cover is made from fabric such as silk, satin, leather, vinyl or any fabric that is not cotton or linen, then you may want to consider taking it to a dry cleaner. Make sure you show and explain the offending stain and let the professionals do what they do best.
How to clean outdoor cushions
To clean the waterproof cushions you have on your patio furniture, you can combine one litre of lukewarm water with one teaspoon of dishwashing detergent and one tablespoon of borax. Dip your sponge in this solution and then scrub all sides of your outdoor cushions with it. You should then let the solution soak into the cushions for at least 15 minutes.
Once the 15 minutes have passed, you can use your garden hose to rinse your cushions and then stand them up the best you can so they can dry.
For stains and spills
If you notice a stain or you have spilled something, don’t hesitate to clean it up. The less time the stain has to seep into your outdoor cushions, the more chance you have of removing it. Before wetting any fabric, make sure to brush off any excess dirt. If there is any kind of dried up and caked on mess, this should be removed before introducing water as well.
General cleaning tips for outdoor cushions
Since outdoor cushions are usually made with more durable and weather-resistant fabrics and materials, you can use a soft bristle brush in circular motions to clean the cushions. Avoid scrubbing the fabric too hard or too much to avoid any unnecessary wear and tear on the fabric. When done, always rinse with clean water and give the cushions time to dry completely.
For the cushions to dry, they need to have an ample amount of airflow, or they could grow mould and mildew. Stand the cushions up on the side when possible and turn them a few times until they have had time to dry evenly and completely.
If all else fails… shop for cushion covers online!
Cleaning a non-removable cushion cover can be a difficult and frustrating process. If you have tried everything and you really can’t remove that stain then all hope is not lost. Before you throw your cushion in the bin in a rage, consider this: you could just buy a new cushion cover.
There are plenty of options to buy cushion covers online and you don’t have to get a whole new set. You can find cushion covers online in a wide range of colours and styles and you just need to pick one that fits in with your existing colour palette. This makes for a quick fix and, with a removable cover, cleaning becomes instantly easier.
If you don’t know where to start or don’t have the time to put together your own collection, we have curated some fantastic hand-picked sets that look great together. These will help you makeover your room in no time and the next time you face a stain, treating it will be simple!
Happy styling!
Simply Cushions Team