How Should I Clean Boat Cushions, Covers and Patio Cushions Before Winter Storage?

Clean boat cushions, covers and patio cushions in the fall using the method the care label allows. Removable fabric covers can often be laundered, foam inserts and marine vinyl generally cannot go in a washer, and all of it should be fully dry before it goes into storage. Ruby Tuesday’s Laundry cleans cushion covers, boat covers and awnings, priced on inspection, so request an estimate to start.

Why clean cushions and covers before winter storage?

A season outdoors or on the water leaves salt, dirt, bird droppings, sunscreen and body oils on fabric, and mildew can grow on that residue once the cushions sit somewhere damp. Sunbrella’s care pages say its fabrics do not promote mildew growth, but that mildew may grow on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric. Moisture is what lets that mildew take hold. The same reasoning applies to cushions from a boat and from a patio set.

Which cushion parts can go in a washer, and which cannot?

Removable fabric covers are the part most likely to be washable. Sunbrella’s guidance says some removable casings can be washed in a washing machine, but it advises consulting the furniture manufacturer before removing a casing because cushion construction varies. For its own fabric, it describes closing the zippers first and then washing in cold water on the delicate cycle with mild laundry detergent.

Foam inserts hold water, so they are usually left out of the washer unless the cushion’s care label says otherwise. Marine vinyl is a coated material that is usually cleaned by hand with mild soap, water and a soft cloth, so check the manufacturer’s care instructions before using anything stronger. Care guidance differs by material, including on whether bleach is safe, so follow the label for each piece.

How do I check the manufacturer’s care label?

Look for a care tag on the cover, often along a seam. It may name the fabric or brand, show washing symbols and indicate whether the cover is meant to be removed at all. If there is no tag, the cushion’s manufacturer is a good source for what the cover can take. Whatever the label says, it is worth testing any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first.

How dry do cushions need to be before storage?

Cushions should be dry all the way through before they are stored, including at the seams and piping. Sunbrella’s guidance for its fabric is to let it air dry. Moisture can stay trapped in piping and seams after the surface feels dry, so the surface is not a reliable test. Thicker cushions can take longer, and it is better to allow extra time than to pack them while slightly damp.

Can a laundry service clean boat and patio cushion covers?

Ruby Tuesday’s Laundry lists furniture cushions, boat covers, awnings and upholstery among the outdoor and marine items it washes. For cushions, the process is to strip the slipcovers from the foam, wash them, reassemble the cushions and return them packed for storage. The Saanich Peninsula service page describes these outdoor and marine items in more detail.

How do I get an estimate for cushion and cover cleaning?

Boat covers, awnings and cushions are priced on inspection, because size, fabric and condition vary so much from one item to the next. That is why they do not appear on the price list. Call 778-426-0020 or request an estimate, and the shop will look at the item and price it before any work starts. The services page covers the shop’s regular laundry services.

FAQ

When should I clean cushions before storing them?

Clean them in the fall, ahead of haul-out or before patio cushions are put away, and early enough that drying does not have to be rushed. If the covers are going to a laundry service, allow time for the estimate and the turnaround as well.

Is hosing cushions down enough?

A rinse with clean water removes loose salt and dirt, but it does not shift sunscreen, body oils or ground-in dirt. Visible soiling, mildew or sunscreen marks call for a proper cleaning according to the care label, since mildew can grow on residue that stays in the fabric.

Can large items such as boat covers and awnings be washed?

Yes. Boat covers and awnings are accepted and priced on inspection, so call in for an estimate.

How should I store cushions once they are clean and dry?

Store them somewhere dry where air can circulate, rather than sealed in plastic, so any moisture left in the fill has a way out.