A luxurious outdoor space is defined by its comfort. Staple pieces like sofas and dining chairs are transformed by plush, high-quality cushions that invite you to sit and stay a while. But because they live outside, even the most durable fabrics require periodic care to stay fresh, hygienic, and vibrant.
While our custom-fit protective covers are your first line of defense against the elements, we know that life happens. Whether it’s a splash of red wine during a dinner party or the aftermath of a stormy week, sometimes a deep clean is necessary.
Here is the expert guide to maintaining the pristine look of your Sissonne Outdoor cushion covers.
Why Outdoor Fabrics Need Special Care
Outdoor cushions face a unique set of challenges that your indoor furniture never sees. Understanding these enemies is the first step to defeating them.
1. The Sun vs. The Fabric
Have you ever seen a rust-colored cushion turn pink, or navy blue fade to purple? That is the result of UV degradation on "garment-dyed" fabrics (where color is painted onto the surface).
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The Sissonne Difference: We exclusively use solution-dyed acrylics, The color isn't just a coating; it is integrated into the liquid fibre before it is even spun into yarn.
2. The Stain Spectrum
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Organic Stains: Bird droppings and pollen are acidic and can eat away at fabrics if left to sit.
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Oily Stains: Sunscreen and body lotions can leave invisible residues that attract dirt over time.
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The Party Aftermath: Red wine, salad dressing, and chocolate are inevitable guests at any good gathering.
3. Moisture and Mildew
While Sissonne fabrics are water-repellent, dirt trapped in the weave can hold moisture, which breeds mildew. Keeping the fabric clean prevents mould from finding a home.
The Cleaning Toolkit: What You Need
You don't need a chemistry set to clean your cushions. Most issues can be solved with simple household items or specialized performance cleaners.
The Essentials
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Mild Dish Soap: Gentle and effective for 90% of cleaning jobs.
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Soft-Bristle Brush: Essential for agitating the fabric without damaging the weave.
The Natural Alternatives
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White Vinegar: Great for killing mildew spores.
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Baking Soda: A powerhouse for neutralizing odors and lifting deep-set stains.
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Borax: An eco-friendly mineral that boosts cleaning power against stubborn grime.
3 Proven Methods to Clean Your Cushions
Method 1: The Hand Wash (Recommended for Routine Cleaning)
This is the safest way to refresh your covers without removing them from the foam core.
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Brush Off: Remove loose dirt and debris with a soft brush.
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Mix Solution: Combine 1/4 cup of mild dish soap with a gallon of lukewarm water.
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Scrub: Use a soft-bristle brush to work the solution into the fabric.
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Soak: Let the soapy mixture sit on the fabric for 15 minutes to break down grime.
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Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with a hose until the water runs clear. Do not skip this step! Residual soap attracts more dirt.
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Air Dry: Stand the cushions on their edge to dry completely.
Method 2: Machine Washing (For Deep Cleans)
Most Sissonne Outdoor cushion covers are removable and machine washable.
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Remove & Close: Take the covers off the foam cores and zip them back up. This prevents the zipper from snagging or breaking in the drum.
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Wash: Use a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild, color-safe detergent.
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No Softeners: Never use fabric softener; it coats the fibers and ruins the water-repellent finish.
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Air Dry Only: Never put outdoor covers in the dryer. The heat can shrink them, making it impossible to get them back on the foam.
Method 3: Spot Cleaning (For "Opps" Moments)
Spilled a drop of wine? Act fast.
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Blot: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot (don't rub!) the liquid.
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Spray: Apply a cleaning solution (soap/water) to the spot.
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Agitate: Use a soft sponge or brush to gently work the cleaner into the stain.
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Rinse & Dry: Rinse the spot with water and air dry.
The Golden Rule of Drying
Proper drying is just as important as washing.
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Air Dry Only: We cannot repeat this enough. Heat destroys the specialized coatings on outdoor fabrics.
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The "V" Shape: When drying cushions, stand them up on their side (like a V). This allows water to drain out of the zipper end and lets air circulate around the entire cushion, speeding up the drying process.
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No Direct Sun: While drying, keep covers out of direct, scorching sunlight to prevent uneven drying or water spots.
