Most people want to make the most of the fine summer weather, and to spend as much time possible outside. To maximize comfort and enjoyment, you spend a lot of time selecting the ideal patio furniture and the perfect outdoor fabrics. You want your cushions, rugs, umbrellas and other fabric-covered items to look good for many seasons — while withstanding the elements and a lot of use.
People clean their outdoor fabrics at the end of the season; which is fine, however, you should not wait until the end of summer to clean stains. Stains caused by grass, tree sap, sunscreen and bird droppings should be removed or treated to ensure they don't sink in and become hard to move.
Clean with a mixture of ¼ cup of mild soap per gallon of lukewarm water. Scrub with a soft brush. Rinse and air dry. Clean stubborn stains and mildew with a solution of 1 cup bleach and 2 ounces of mild soap in a gallon of warm water.
Below is a quick cheat sheet guide to cleaning various types of outdoor fabrics.
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Guide created by Fabric Guru