Can You Pressure Wash Outdoor Cushions? Protect Fabric and Seams

Only pressure wash an outdoor cushion if its maker's care directions clearly allow it. Some makers say no outright. Trex, for example, warns that pressure washing can damage the fabric and filling.

A cushion is not a hard chair frame. It has a fabric cover, sewn seams and a filling that soaks up water, so cleaning advice for hard patio furniture doesn't carry over. If the label prohibits pressure washing or doesn't mention it, hand-clean the cushion instead.

Can You Pressure Wash Outdoor Cushions?

For some cushions, the answer is a clear no. Trex cushion care says not to pressure wash its cushions because it can damage the fabric and filling. While that warning covers Trex cushions specifically, each cushion maker's directions should make the call before you pick up a wand.

Water-resistant fabric does not give you permission either. Sunbrella's outdoor-cushion fabric guidance describes its fabrics as water-resistant and recommends gentle soap and water. Those statements are about the fabric. They don't say an assembled cushion with seams and filling can take a pressure washer.

If your cushion's maker does allow pressure washing, go as gently as you can. Simple Green's patio-cushion pressure-washing directions call for the lowest available pressure setting to avoid tearing fabric. They also call for a 65° tip, or low-pressure mode on an adjustable tip. Start at least two feet from the surface, farther out at first, and keep the wand moving in horizontal sweeps. The guide then has you wet the cushion, let its cleaner sit 2 to 3 minutes without drying, brush stubborn spots with a soft brush and rinse top to bottom. Finally, press out excess water and let the cushion air-dry completely before use. This is a cleaner maker's method. It does not override a cushion maker's "do not pressure wash."

As an extra precaution, try the spray on a hidden spot first. Stop right away if the fabric frays or tears or a seam starts to open, and switch to hand cleaning. A clean-looking surface won't tell you how much water reached the filling, though. Drying time still matters. For help picking gentle equipment, our guide to balancing PSI and GPM explains how pressure and flow affect different surfaces. If you're shopping, see choosing an electric pressure washer for home tasks.

How to Hand-Clean and Dry Cushions

Hand cleaning works when pressure washing is ruled out or unclear. For Trex cushions, the Trex cushion cleaning instructions give these steps:

1. Brush away loose dirt and dust.
2. Mix ¼ cup of mild dish soap per gallon of warm water (1¼ cups for 5 gallons).
3. Apply the mixture to the fabric with a clean cloth.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
5. Prop cushions on their sides to air-dry.

Sunbrella fabric has its own method. Sunbrella's upholstery-fabric cleaning directions call for 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid per 1 cup of lukewarm water, misted lightly over the area. Then scrub with a soft-bristle brush, rinse off all soap residue and let the fabric air-dry. Sunbrella suggests cleaning seam to seam to avoid water rings. Afterward, blot excess moisture with a soft towel or wet-vacuum the fabric surface.

Use the recipe that matches your cushion's maker or fabric. Neither one is a universal formula. Both methods dry the surface, not the inside, so give the filling extra air-drying time before you sit on the cushion or store it.

FAQs

Does water-resistant Sunbrella fabric mean the cushion can be pressure-washed?

No. Sunbrella fabric care describes its fabric as water-resistant and easy to clean with gentle soap and water. That describes the fabric, not a finished cushion with seams and filling. Check the cushion maker's own directions.

Can I put a Trex outdoor cushion in a washer or dryer?

No. Trex's care tips say not to put its cushions in a washer or dryer. Other brands may give different directions, so follow the label on your cushion.

Can I use bleach on an outdoor cushion?

It depends on the maker. Trex says not to use bleach on its cushion fabric. Sunbrella says its cushion fabrics are durable enough to clean with bleach after prolonged exposure to messes or liquids. Follow the directions for your specific cushion and fabric.