OxiClean is a multi-purpose household cleaner that has been on the market since 1997. It is a chlorine-free, color-safe, and environmentally friendly product that can be used to clean and remove stains from a variety of materials. OxiClean is a great choice for cleaning outdoor cushions due to its ability to remove dirt and deep-set stains while also leaving behind a pleasant scent. This guide will provide instructions on how to clean outdoor cushions with OxiClean, including tips on the dos and don’ts when using it. Additionally, this guide will also answer frequently asked questions about using OxiClean for outdoor cushions.
What is the main ingredient in OxiClean?
The main ingredient in OxiClean is sodium percarbonate, which is a combination of sodium carbonate (a natural cleaning agent) and hydrogen peroxide (a bleaching agent).
Why use OxiClean for outdoor cushions?
So, how can you use Oxiclean to clean outdoor cushions?
OxiClean is a great choice for cleaning outdoor cushions due to its ability to remove dirt and deep-set stains while also leaving behind a pleasant scent. Additionally, since it is color-safe, it won’t fade or damage the fabric of the cushions. It’s also an environmentally friendly product that can be used to clean and remove stains from a variety of materials.
You can use Oxiclean to remove dirt and stubborn stains from your outdoor cushions. However, to use Oxiclean to get the best results, you need first to know the kind of fabric you’re dealing with. Also, it is important to define the kind of stain to be cleaned. Having established all the facts, you can proceed to clean your outdoor cushions.
The following guide will take you through step-by-step procedures on how to clean outdoor cushions with Oxiclean.
To get started, you’ll need the necessary materials, tools/equipment. These include warm water(warm or hot can do), a bucket, gloves, and OxiClean solution.
For the stains and cleaning of outdoor cushions covered in this guide, mix one part of OxiClean to proportionate four parts of water. The water can be cold or warm. Note that for effective and better results, warm water is preferred to cold water.
Mix them well in a bucket until the right concentration is formed. You can as well add detergents to the solution if you wish to. However, this is optional since OxiClean alone could be enough to remove the stains.
For tougher stains, you’ll need a more concentrated solution of OxiClean. However, for outdoor cushions, this ratio will just be right to rid them of any stains.
Use gloves to apply or spray the solution on the surfaces with stains. The brush is used to scrape and blotting of the stains when washing the cushions.
Whenever the stains are tough to remove, always ensure you give the solution of OxiClean the recommended waiting time to effectively get rid of the stains.
Before using OxiClean, you’ll need to make sure that all the fabrics you’re to deal with are water washable. Oxiclean can only apply to water-washable fabrics.
And when mixing the OxiClean with water, be sure to follow the right measures for better results and also for your protection. If your fabric doesn’t have such instructions, you can check with the manufacturers.
Using the washing machine
Step 1: Check the care tag on the outdoor cushion to determine the best washing cycle, temperature, and detergent.
Step 2: Pre-treat the cushions by applying OxiClean pretreating solution on large stains.
Step 3: Load the cushion covers in the washing machine and add the recommended amount of detergent and OxiClean solution according to the care label instructions.
Step 4: Set the washing machine cycle and temperature, then start the cycle.
Washing by hand
Step 1: Dust off the cushions or use a vacuum to get rid of dust and loose dirt.
Step 2: Soak the cushions in OxiClean solution for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours depending on how dirty they are.
Step 3: Rinse the cushions down using a garden hose, then hang them out to dry in direct sunlight.
Here’s how you can use OxiClean to clean your outdoor cushions as well as remove stubborn stains whenever they appear on them
How to Clean Bird droppings/dirt?
Outdoor cushions will from time to time have bird droppings and if not removed in immediately stains can form. Whenever these wastes land on your cushions, you may remove them immediately. However, if they’ve already dried up and formed stains on the cushions, cleaning them should not be that hard. You may remove the pillows from the cushions if at they’re removable. Then remove the dry solids with a soft bristle brush. This is followed by soaking the cushions in a mixture of warm water and OxiClean. This solution can be done by mixing one part of the OxiClean with 4 parts of water. A stronger concentration can be prepared for stronger stains or as per the manufacturers’ guidelines. Soak the cushions for between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Wash thoroughly until all the stains are gone.
Rinse them in clean water and dry them in the sun. If instead, the cushions have no zippers, it may take longer for them to dry. But this will mostly depend on the weather and other factors.
Cleaning grass and plant sap stains
Plant sap and other stains are common dirt particles when you’ve outdoor cushions. If the cushions are removable, start by removing them from the cushions. Next, soak the cushions in a solution of water and OxiClean. Always make sure it is mixed as per the right instructions. Wait for it to soak for a period of 30 minutes to 1 hour. The OxiClean stain remover works by mixing the chemicals like hydrogen and detergents to destroy and remove the stains of grass and plant sap. You can then use the soft brush bristles to scrub and remove the stains completely from the surfaces. Rinse in warm water and hang them in the sun to dry.
Cleaning mildew and mold stains.
Mildews are living organisms and they attach themselves to the surfaces of the cushions. This can also destroy the fabric if not cleaned immediately and thoroughly. To clean mildews and molds, you need to rub them off the fabric of the cushions first. Then, have them soaked into a solution containing water and OxiClean. This should be able to dislodge and remove all the mildews. After this, you’ll need to use a soft brush and scrub the cushions to rid of all the dirt. As required, rinse them thoroughly in clean water and then finally dry them in the sun.
Removing Oil stains
Your outdoor cushions may get oil stains from foods and sunscreen which will need to be removed. Using OxiClean to remove oil screens, first soak the stain with a microfiber cloth. Then, apply the solution made from OxiClean and water and allow it to absorb the stains for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Using a soft bristle brush, scrape the oils from the fabric. This should be able to remove the stains completely. Rinse the cushions with clean water and finally allow them to dry in the sun.
To clean and remove stains from outdoor cushions, using OxiClean has benefits since it works to remove and give your cushions a brand-new look as before. Oxiclean is also preferred as it removes bad odors that may have developed on your outdoor cushions due to their exposure to bad weather and other factors. The good news is also that OxiClean can remove stains and removes solid soil from the cushions. This means no accumulation of solid dirt during washing.
And maybe it may come as a concern what effects can this product has on you as well as the environment.
Interestingly, OxiClean is environmentally friendly and when used, it has minimal impact on the surroundings.
It also doesn’t have extreme reactions with your hands even when no gloves are used while handling it. It is, however, reasonable if you could prefer using gloves. It comes as an added advantage.
There is also an advantage of using OxiClean on outdoor cushions since it does not damage the fabrics and it leaves your cushions as they were.
Therefore, when used well OxiClean is sure to give your outdoor cushions that appealing smart look. It restores the original colors of your outdoor cushions and removes bad odors hence restoring their nice smell.
So, next time you notice your outdoor cushions having those stains that you wish still don’t go away, get OxiClean versatile stain remover, and you're ready to go. When used correctly, the results can be great.
How do Keep your outdoor cushions clean?
One way to avoid facing the hectic routine of cleaning stubborn stains from your outdoor cushions is by simply keeping them clean. And this could even be the most effective way. If you can manage to keep your outdoor cushions clean, then there won’t be any need to worry about stubborn stains. So, which are some of the ways to keep them clean? Let’s look into some simple ways you can keep your outdoor cushions clean and free from stains
- Regularly brushing your outdoor cushion with a brush
You can use a dry brush to dust off any type of plant debris, dust particles, and dirt from the seams of the cushions and their fabric. This will go a long way in ensuring that the fabric maintains its original colors and avoid building up stains. Molds and mildews will certainly be eliminated since they’ll have no medium to grow on.
- Remove moisture whenever it covers your outdoor cushions.
By the very virtue of always being outside, outdoor cushions experience all types of weather. Rain and any moisture can be one of the worst sources of stubborn stains as far as outdoor cushions are concerned. Moisture is the source of the most stubborn stains in outdoor cushions since it attracts molds and mildews and it can easily result in the discoloring of the fabrics. Therefore remove any moisture that comes into contact with your outdoor cushions immediately. You can press the water so they dry up immediately. Also, you can place them in a way that they can dry on their fast on their own by placing them by their sides with their seams upside. With minimum moisture, stains will be less likely to form too. If they have zippers, it is always good to remove the pillows to give them enough room to dry up.
- Spills to be cleaned up immediately
Foodstuffs, water, and other drinks are occasionally likely to spill causing stain spots on the surfaces of your outdoor cushions. Whenever this happens, use a microfiber cloth to blot out the stains immediately. If need be apply water detergent and clean out the whole area affected by the stain. You can blot and rinse the surface affected then dry it in the sun.
- Rotate your pillows regularly
You may have pillows to use in the sun and others in the shade. Or you may still have different cushions for different occasions, used interchangeably. If this is the case, you will do them good by interchanging them regularly. This helps in reducing the exposure to scorching by sun and discoloration that could stain the outdoor cushions.
- Protect your outdoor cushions with water sealants
Water sealants and fabric protectants can go a long way in protecting your outdoor cushions. You can apply these regularly to prevent them from fading in color, keeping them stainless as it can easily prevent spills and other stains from forming on their surfaces.
- Clean your outdoor cushions before storing them.
Whenever you have to store your outdoor cushions; either when you have bought new ones or you don’t want them exposed to extreme weather, it is always to clean them and pack them neatly. By doing this you avoid piling them with stains like mildew and molds that can damage the fabric.
Dos and Don’ts when cleaning outdoor cushions with OxiClean.
The dos
• Do read and follow the care label instructions for your outdoor cushions before starting any cleaning process
• Do pre-treat large stains with an OxiClean pretreating solution
• Do rinse off the OxiClean solution with cold water after washing
• Do hang out the cushion covers to dry in direct sunlight
• Do launder cushion covers according to care instructions
The don’ts
• Don’t use hot water when washing with OxiClean
• Don’t mix OxiClean with other cleaners or detergents
• Don’t expose cushion covers to direct heat or flame
• Don’t use bleach or fabric softener when laundering cushion covers
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is OxiClean environmentally friendly?
Yes, OxiClean is an environmentally friendly product that can be used to clean and remove stains from a variety of materials without harming the environment. It is chlorine-free and biodegradable, so it breaks down quickly into harmless substances once it has been used.
Can you use OxiClean on couch cushions?
Yes, you can use OxiClean on couch cushions as long as you follow the care label instructions for your furniture piece.
Can you use Oxiclean on Sunbrella fabric?
Yes, you can use Oxiclean on Sunbrella fabric as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and caring for your fabric.
Can you mix OxiClean and Dawn dish soap?
No, mixing OxiClean and Dawn dish soap is not recommended as it could cause unwanted reactions that could damage your fabrics or surfaces.
How long can you soak something in OxiClean?
It depends on how dirty your fabrics or surfaces are; however, you should generally soak items in OxiClean solution for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours depending on how dirty they are.
Can you use vinegar with OxiClean?
No, vinegar should not be used in conjunction with OxiClean as it can cause unwanted reactions that can damage fabrics or surfaces.
Conclusion
Outdoor cushions may require extra care to maintain them clean, have them retain their original colors as well as avoid nasty stains over time. The very fact that they are always outside and exposed to every kind of extreme weather could prove an unending headache for you. But there is always a way out. You can practice washing them regularly and avoid stubborn stains forming on the surfaces and leading to their colors fading and their quality deteriorating.
Oxiclean is a powerful stain remover and solution used to clean stubborn stains and other dirt from your outdoor cushions. When used well it will give excellent results and save the cost of buying new cushions. You’ll not only get a good-looking cushion but OxiClean protects the fabric of your outdoor cushions as well.
