Cushion Care

Grade A Cleaning– Fabric: Polyester

• To Clean: Most polyester fabrics can be machine washed and dried. Be sure to read the care instructions. Use a warm water cycle; fabric softener is recommended. Remove directly after the tumble cycle. Most polyester fabrics can be dry cleaned.

Grade B Cleaning– Fabric: Olefin

• To Clean:Avoid dry cleaning olefin; it can swell the fabric. Line drying and low tumble drying is recommended. Be sure to read the care instructions. Waterborne stains are easily resolved, while oil-based stains will prove difficult. Use lukewarm water with detergent or bleach to spot-clean stains. Avoid ironing, unless at extremely low temperatures. Depending on the filler or stuffing, many cushions featuring olefin fabric can be washed with a garden hose.

Grade C & D Cleaning– 100% Solution Dyed Acrylic

• To Clean: Machine wash using a warm (or lower) water cycle; add softener during the final rinse. Be sure to read the care instructions. Synthetic materials are heat sensitive, so low temperature is required throughout the cleaning of acrylics, particularly during the drying cycle. Remove directly after drying to avoid wrinkles. Many Grade C Fabrics offer water-repellent finishes that can be removed during cleaning. An application of a fabric guard is required after cleaning to maintain the fabric’s water resistance. Information on 303 High Tech Fabric Guard, a reliable fabric guard, can be found at the bottom of this page.

Maintenance

Many wear and tear problems can be avoided by simple care and maintenance. The following maintenance techniques will help you avoid potential cushion problems:

Regular Light Cleaning: Needed once every month, or once a year, depending on the home’s location and placement around the home (uncovered patio, under an arbor, etc.) Use mild soap and lukewarm water with a soft bristle, sponge or cloth. Let the cleaning solution absorb into the fabric and rinse immediately to remove the soap. If you notice any scuffs, mud or dirt, brush off immediately. Let air dry for best results.

Routine Spot Cleaning: A spray bottle is recommended. Mist with water and dab mild soap onto the spot. Slowly scrub the soap or cleaning solution with a rag, towel, toothbrush, sponge or soft bristle. Rinse immediately to remove the soap. Use a vacuum, dry towel or dry cloth to pick up the water and moisture from the rinse cycle. Let air dry and check to see if spot is gone. Repeat misting, dabbing and rinsing until spot disappears.

Stubborn Stains for Acrylic: A spray bottle is recommended. Mist the cushion with water, bleach and mild/hand soap blend (start with a gallon of fresh water - add 3/4 cup of bleach and ¼ cup of soap to start) and let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub the stubborn stain with a towel, toothbrush, sponge or soft bristle, and rinse immediately. Let air dry and check to see if spot is gone. Repeat misting, dabbing and rinsing until spot disappears. An increase in the bleach ratio will help with the most persistent stains.

303 High Tech Fabric Guard™: Most Grade C & D acrylic cushions feature a weather-resistant finish that protects the fabric from moisture. Thorough cleaning of acrylic fabrics can remove this protective layer. 303 High Tech Fabric Guard™ replaces this protective finish. View the 303 High Tech Fabric Guard page for instructions and directions.