Cushions have the power to transform the appearance of your outdoor furniture, so it’s essential to maintain them properly to keep them looking their best.
Rust is not only a menace to metal objects; it can also leave unsightly marks on your outdoor cushions. Tackling these stains as early as possible is crucial for preserving their aesthetic appeal. Many homeowners, including myself, opt to cover outdoor furniture with protective coverings to shield them from the elements.
Despite these efforts, rust can still find its way onto outdoor cushions. As a result, we have received numerous inquiries about how to remove rust from outdoor cushions.
To help you address this common concern, we have compiled a comprehensive list of effective solutions for removing rust stains from your outdoor cushions, ensuring they remain attractive and inviting for your guests.
- 9 Tips to clean remove rust from outdoor cushions
- 1. Liquid toilet cleaner
- 2. How to clean patio cushions with lemon juice soap and salt
- 4. How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with vinegar
- 5. Instead of vinegar-add lemon juice
- 6. Cleaning outdoor cushions with OxiClean
- 7. How to remove rust from outdoor cushions using alcohol
- 8. How to use Carbona stain devils to remove rust stain
- 9. K2R 50ml fabric and textile stain remover
- FAQs
- Final thoughts
9 Tips to clean remove rust from outdoor cushions
Rust can damage your furniture cushions, especially when it’s about outdoor fittings. After applying different techniques we are here to present you with some reliable and easy methods to remove rust from outdoor cushions.
1. Liquid toilet cleaner
This may sound surprising but it is really all about the ingredients that do the magic. All you need to do is to apply a regular liquid toilet cleaner onto the stain. Here are the steps,
- Apply in drops exactly over the rusted satins of your outdoor cushions. Do not apply in areas that do not have rust on your outdoor cushion.
- Now, wait a minute for the cushion to soak up the liquid toilet cleaner.
- Use a wet toothbrush to dab onto some detergent powder and very gently scrub the area where you applied the liquid toilet cleaner.
- Apply some water to keep the fabric wet. This will help to make the cleaning easy.
- Also, keep dabbing your toothbrush onto the detergent powder once the fabric of your cushion has absorbed all the detergent powder.
- Keep scrubbing until the fabric of your outdoor cushion looks clean.
- As you scrub the fabric, you will notice the color of the liquid toilet cleaner will disappear from the cushion fabric.
- Now wash away the soap from the cushion cover with water very gently. Do not be harsh in using water by spraying water especially if the fabric of your cushion is thin. But you can spray if the fabric is strong.
2. How to clean patio cushions with lemon juice soap and salt
This is a classic recipe to save your outdoor cushion from that permanent rusted stain. Here is what you will need,
- A Toothbrush
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Liquid Soap
- Salt
Now follow the instructions downs described below,
- To a small bowl, add 2 teaspoons of salt.
- Now add 2 Tablespoons of Liquid Soap (the liquid soap used for dish-washing.)
- Now also add 2 Tablespoons of Vinegar.
- Mix this well using a spoon.
- Now add the juice of half a lemon. Once again stir this well.
- Once you have stored this well, use a spoon to scoop out a portion and pour it onto the area that contains the rust.
- Leave this wet mixture on your outdoor cushion. Let the wet mixture do its job by leaving it for 15 minutes.
4. How to Clean Outdoor Cushions with vinegar
This recipe includes only 2 main ingredients: Salt and Vinegar. In a small bowl mix a tablespoon of salt and vinegar. Then use a brush to gently apply the rust from your outdoor cushion. Now leave the outdoor cushion for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, check if the rust mark is all gone. If the markings are gone then rinse it off using warm water. Repeat the process needed.
5. Instead of vinegar-add lemon juice
If the above step does not work try adding lemon juice instead of vinegar and repeat the steps as stated above.
You can also leave this paste of mixture over the fabric and leave it out in the sun to dry and then rinse it out. Repeat this step if you need to. Another idea is to stretch it over a steaming pot of water while the mixture is on the cushion. Furthermore, you can consider stretching over a pot and pouring hot boiling water over the mixture that is on the cushion.
Keep in mind that you may have to repeat this step.
6. Cleaning outdoor cushions with OxiClean
This is not a natural way to remove your rust stain. But this is worth a purchase especially if you have MANY outdoor cushions.
Although the OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover is popularly branded for washing your sweaty clothes, they can also be used to remove rust stains from your outdoor cushions. Simply place the covers of your outdoor cushions into the washing machine and add the Oxiclean into the washing machine. Make sure you use warm water for this to work. Your cushions are not only going to look new but they will also smell great.
7. How to remove rust from outdoor cushions using alcohol
In a bowl, make a mixture by mixing rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and dish soap. Apply this to the rusted area. Then let it sit for half an hour. Finally, rinse this in warm water.
8. How to use Carbona stain devils to remove rust stain
Here is another commercial item that can remove rust stains from outdoor cushions.
This product does not require you to remove rust stains by cleaning the entire cushion. You simply open the zipper of your cushion and then remove the cushion padding.
Now place a small plate INSIDE the zipper cover under the area where the rust stain is located. Now pour the Carbona Stain Devils solution over the rusted stain area and dab with your fingers. Do not pour the Carbona Stain solution all over the cushion. You only need to pour over the area that has a rust stain.
Let the area soak in the stain for half an hour and then rinse off with warm water.
You can find this item on Amazon. There are many versions of this stain remover so it is easy to get lost when searching online. There are many categories of Carbona Stains- in this case, make sure you are using the Carbona Stain Devils #9 Rust & Perspiration.
Ensure the stain title is Carbona Stain Devils #9 Rust & Perspiration.
9. K2R 50ml fabric and textile stain remover
If none of these natural solutions work out, you can use the K2R 50ml Fabric and Textile Stain Remover For Rust & Deodorant Stains. This is a poisonous material so do be careful when using this. Drop some of the solutions onto the rusted parts and the colored rusted stains should disappear. I once had a pillow cover that had metal buttons that rusted and stained the surrounding fabric.
So I dropped some of this solution onto the cushion fabric and the stain went away.
How to Repair Your Outdoor Furniture Fabric Within 6 Steps?
FAQs
What type of liquid toilet cleaner did you use to clean the rust from the cushion fabric?
When selecting a liquid toilet cleaner for rust removal from cushion fabric, ensure it’s specifically designed to be gentle on fabrics and does not contain bleach or harsh chemicals. Products labeled as safe for use on various surfaces and that specify rust removal capabilities are ideal. Testing on an inconspicuous part of the cushion ensures the cleaner won’t harm the fabric before applying it to the entire stained area.
What if the liquid soap is colored?
Using colored liquid soap could potentially lead to dye transfer onto the fabric of your cushions, which might result in unwanted staining. It’s recommended to use clear or white soap to mitigate the risk of additional stains. This preventive measure helps ensure that the cleaning process does not inadvertently introduce new stains while trying to remove the original rust marks.
Can I use ketchup to remove rust stains?
Ketchup, with its mild acidity from vinegar and tomatoes, can surprisingly be effective against rust stains on fabrics. Its natural ingredients can help break down the rust without harsh chemicals. Apply a layer of ketchup to the stain, allow it to sit for several minutes to penetrate the rust, and then rinse thoroughly. This method is especially useful for delicate fabrics where harsher chemicals might cause damage.
How often should I clean outdoor cushions?
Maintaining outdoor cushions requires regular cleaning to prevent buildup of dirt, debris, and potential stains. Cleaning at the beginning and end of the outdoor season is recommended for general maintenance, with additional spot cleaning as necessary when spills or stains occur. This routine helps prolong the life and beauty of your cushions, keeping them fresh and inviting for use.
Can I spray water with force onto the fabric?
While using a forceful stream of water can be effective in removing surface debris from fabric, caution is advised with delicate materials. High-pressure water can potentially damage fabrics, especially those not designed to withstand such force. Opt for a gentle spray setting and approach the cleaning process with care to ensure the fabric’s integrity and appearance are preserved.
Final thoughts
I personally see cleaning as a way fun way to keep your house looking clean and neat. It is important to quickly attend to any rust you see because rust stains are very stubborn. So do not delay cleaning your rust for too long.
Remember, anything that looks clean will add details to your home whether it is outdoors or indoors. So how do you clean outdoor furniture fabric? This list includes many items that are most likely in your home right now. So you do not have to leave your home right now.
You can also use the above-mentioned methods to clean stubborn rust for your indoor furniture fabrics.
Have a wonderful day!