How to Clean Outdoor Pillows
The short version: spot clean only, or dry clean. Do not put an outdoor pillow through a washing machine.
Why not the washing machine
This is the question people ask most, so it is worth answering honestly rather than vaguely. Our pillows are finished with a sewn seam closure instead of a zip, which is what keeps rain and grit out of the fill. It also means the cover and the fill go through the machine together. A washing machine drum stresses that seam and forces the polyester fill into clumps that never fully recover their shape. The pillow comes out looking worse than the stain you were trying to remove.
The good news is that spot cleaning works better on this fabric than it does on cotton, because spun polyester does not absorb. Most marks sit on the surface rather than soaking in.
Routine cleaning
- Brush off loose dirt, pollen and cobwebs with a dry soft brush.
- Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid into lukewarm water.
- Dab, do not scrub. Work from the outside of the mark inwards so you do not spread it.
- Wipe the area with a cloth dampened in clean water to lift the soap.
- Stand the pillow on its edge in open air until it is completely dry.
That last step matters more than any of the others. A pillow left flat to dry holds damp against the seat underneath it, and that is where mildew starts.
Removing mildew
Mildew appears as grey or black speckling and it needs damp that never dries in order to grow. To remove it, spot clean the affected area with a mild soap solution, wipe with clean water, and dry the pillow fully in open air and, if possible, sunlight. Do not reach for bleach. It will lift the mildew and take the colour with it.
Preventing it is much easier than removing it. Give a wet pillow airflow rather than leaving it pressed against a cushion, and never store one that is still damp.
Bird droppings, tree sap and pollen
Deal with these quickly rather than letting them dry. Lift as much as you can with a blunt edge first, then spot clean. Sap responds to a little rubbing alcohol on a cloth, applied to the sap rather than the surrounding fabric.
Storing over winter
Make sure the pillows are completely dry, then store them somewhere that stays dry. A deck box that collects condensation is worse than a shelf indoors. Cold does not damage them; trapped moisture does.
Frequently asked questions
How do I clean outdoor pillows?
Spot clean with mild soap and lukewarm water, dab rather than scrub, then air-dry completely. Dry cleaning is the alternative for a whole-pillow refresh.
Can you wash outdoor pillows in the washing machine?
No. The sewn seam closure and the polyester fill are not made for it, and the pillow will come out misshapen. Spot clean instead.
Can outdoor pillows get wet?
Yes. The fabric is water-resistant and rain will not damage it. Let a soaked pillow drain on its edge and dry fully before storing it.
How do I remove mildew from outdoor pillows?
Spot clean with mild soap, rinse lightly with clean water, and dry completely in open air. Avoid bleach, which strips the colour.
How can I keep outdoor pillows clean and fresh?
Brush them off weekly, deal with marks the day they happen, and never let one sit damp. Those three habits prevent almost every problem.