If you have patio furniture covers, then chances are you want to keep them looking clean and fresh for as long as possible. But dirt and debris from the outdoors are bound to accumulate over time which can be hard to remove with a simple brush or rag.
Fortunately, there’s an easy way to get your outdoor furniture covers looking almost like new again – by washing them in a washing machine! In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at how to wash patio furniture covers in washing machine, even if they’re made of delicate materials and highly decorated fabrics, so that they will remain vibrant and beautiful season after season.
What Is the Easiest Way to Clean Patio Furniture?
There are a few simple steps you can take to keep your patio furniture looking like new. Regularly dust, vacuum, and spot-clean them with warm water and soap or mild detergent. To deep-clean fabric patio furniture covers, remove the covers and put them in a washing machine on a gentle cycle using cold water and mild laundry detergent.
You should also hang the covers to dry rather than putting them in the dryer to extend their life. If there are any stubborn stains, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner or spot-treat the stained areas with an appropriate cleaning solution before putting it in the washing machine.
It’s important to make sure that all of the cushions and pillows for your patio furniture are completely dry before putting them back on the furniture to prevent mildew and mold. Finally, once the covers are dry, you can put them back on your patio furniture for a clean and refreshed look.
Taking these simple steps will help ensure that your patio furniture remains looking as good as new.
It’s also important to make sure that you store your patio furniture carefully when not in use. Cushions should be stored indoors in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight or other sources of heat. Covers should also be removed from the furniture and kept in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be used again.
Additionally, you can use a waterproof cover to protect the furniture from rain and other elements. With proper care and maintenance, your patio furniture will be looking good as new for years to come!
10 Methods How to Wash Patio Furniture Covers in Washing Machine
1. Check the Care Label
Before you wash your patio furniture covers in the washing machine, be sure to check the care label. The care label will provide important information about the fabric and how to best care for it. Pay special attention to washing instructions, such as the recommended water temperature and type of detergent to use.
If there is no care label on your cover, consult the manufacturer’s website or contact them directly for assistance.
2. Pre-treat Stains
If your patio furniture covers have any stains, be sure to pre-treat them before washing them. There are a variety of pre-treating products available, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Soak a clean cloth or brush in the mixture and rub it onto any stubborn stains.
Let the pre-treater sit on the stain for a few minutes before washing them.
3. Use Cold Water
When washing your patio furniture covers in the washing machine, be sure to use cold water. Hot water can cause damage to the fabric and may shrink or fade the colors. If you’re using a laundry detergent, make sure it is designed for use with cold water and that it does not contain any bleach.
If the cover is heavily soiled, you may want to run an extra rinse cycle. If the cover has any metal zippers, be sure to turn them inside out before washing. This will prevent the zipper from scratching against other items in the washer.
4. Use a Gentle Cycle
Be sure to use a gentle cycle when washing your patio furniture covers in the washing machine. A gentle cycle will prevent damage to the fabric and will help keep the colors from fading. Be sure to also use a mild detergent and cold water. Hot water can damage the fabric and cause it to shrink. Depending on what material your patio furniture cover is made from, some may require a special detergent such as Woolite.
Use the correct amount of detergent recommended on the label. Though a gentle cycle will be enough to clean most stains and dirt, a second rinse may be necessary for more stubborn stains. If your cover is especially soiled, you can also use a bleach-safe spot remover or pre-soak the cover in warm water with a small amount of detergent.
5. Hang to Dry
After washing your patio furniture covers in the washing machine, be sure to hang them up to dry. Do not put them in the dryer, as this can damage the fabric. Instead, line dry in a spot that is out of direct sunlight. This will help to preserve the colors and keep them looking like new for years to come.
If possible, you can also hang the covers in a spot that is slightly covered or shaded to help protect them from any harsh weather conditions.
When the covers are completely dry, make sure to check for any signs of fading or wear and tear. If necessary, you may need to apply a fabric protectant or waterproofing spray in order to help keep the material looking new and fresh. This will also help provide an extra layer of protection against any future wear and tear.
After applying the protectant, let the covers dry completely before putting them back on your patio furniture.
6. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Once your patio furniture covers are dry, be sure to store them in a cool, dry place. Do not store them in direct sunlight, as this can cause fading. If possible, store them in a sealed container or bag to keep out dust and dirt. Storing your patio furniture covers properly will help preserve their longevity and keep them looking great for years to come.
7. Inspect Before Use
Before using your patio furniture covers after they have been washed, be sure to inspect them for any rips or tears. If you find any damage, do not use the covers, as they could cause further damage to your furniture.
If you are unable to repair the cover or have any doubts about its integrity, replace it with a new one.
Otherwise, your patio furniture covers should be ready for use! Enjoy your clean outdoor furniture covers!
8. Use a Laundry Bag
If you are worried about damaging your patio furniture covers in the washing machine, you can use a laundry bag. Laundry bags are designed to protect delicate items during the wash cycle and can help prevent damage to your covers. Simply load your patio furniture covers into the laundry bag and then place it in the washing machine.
You should be able to find laundry bags at most department stores. Although they cost more than regular laundry detergents, they are well worth the additional expense to protect your covers.
9. Spot Clean as Needed
In between washings, you can spot-clean your patio furniture covers as needed with a mild soap and water solution. Be sure to rinse well and allow the covers to dry completely before using them again. Spot-cleaning can help prevent excess dirt or debris from accumulating on your covers, which could damage the fabric if they are washed in a washing machine.
Additionally, spot-cleaning can help keep the colors of your patio furniture covers looking vibrant and new. If you have a stubborn stain that won’t come out with spot-cleaning, you may need to use a more powerful cleaning solution. Be sure to always test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the fabric before applying it to the entire cover.
10. Use a Waterproof Cover
Finally, you can use a waterproof cover to protect your patio furniture from rain and other elements. This will help keep your patio furniture looking good as new for years to come!
Additionally, using a waterproof cover can help reduce the amount of maintenance you need to do on your patio furniture. Simply put the cover over your furniture when not in use and remove it when you’re ready to use your furniture. This will protect it from dirt and other damage that can accumulate over time.
By following these simple steps, you can easily wash your patio furniture covers in the washing machine and keep them looking their best. With regular care and maintenance, your patio furniture will remain beautiful for years to come!
Conclusion
Patio furniture covers can be a pain to wash by hand, but you can easily wash them in your washing machine. Just make sure to use the gentle cycle and cold water, and don’t forget to line dry the covers. With these tips on how to wash patio furniture covers in washing machine, your patio furniture covers will stay clean all season long.
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