Hello Spring, Or Should We Say Patio Cushion Cleaning Season

The days are growing longer, the temperatures are inching higher, and the flowers are blooming—spring is officially here! That also means it’s patio cushion cleaning time! After a long, cold winter, getting outside, soaking up the sun, and breathing in some fresh air is good for the mind, body, and soul. However, in order to enjoy your patio, a bit of prep work is likely involved. Your outdoor furniture may be looking somewhat the worse for wear after being in heavy usage the last warm season. But there’s no need to worry about putting in the time and elbow grease to refreshing your cushions when you can count on a GreenEarth cleaner for your patio cushion cleaning needs (and do it expertly, might we add). If you’re a regular dry cleaning customer, you may know that your cleaner offers professional services for household items like bedding, curtains, and table linens. Patio cushions are so often overlooked, though. These pieces collect dirt, dust, pollen, and even mildew in some cases, and they beg for the same TLC given to your interior fabrics. Numerous GreenEarth Affiliates provide specialty cleaning for outdoor furniture, tackling any stains and odors without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals. The GreenEarth Cleaning process is made up of just one simple ingredient—pure liquid silicone, or essentially liquified sand. It’s non-toxic and non-hazardous, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sees no need to regulate its use. In fact, liquid silicone is the base ingredient in many of the shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cosmetics we use every day. And it’s better for fabrics too. Unlike petrochemical solvents used traditionally in dry cleaning, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t chemically react with textile fibers; it carries the detergent to fabrics and gently carries away soils. Items come back softer, brighter, and odor-free each and every time. When you entrust your patio cushion cleaning to a GreenEarth cleaner, you’re leaving them in the safest and most capable of hands. With the transformations we’ve seen over the years, we wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t even recognize your cushions after they’ve been cared for by the pros! Yeah, our Affiliates are that level of good. So, let’s get your patio ready for the warmer days ahead: search your nearest GreenEarth location here. Between cleanings at your local GreenEarth cleaner, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain your outdoor furniture.

• Use covers when the furniture isn’t in use or if you’re expecting a heavy downpour. Should your cushions be left out in the rain by accident, shake or wipe off any excess water after it stops and give them time to air out.
• Make it a habit to sweep off any surface dirt and dust from cushions to keep them looking in better shape for longer.
• If a stain does occur, you can mix ¼ cup of mild liquid soap with 1 gallon of water. Work that solution into the spot using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, then rinse and pat dry.
• During the off-season, cushions are best stored in a cool and dry environment. Plastic bags shouldn’t be used, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew to develop. You can actually purchase special storage bags for your cushions that allow air to flow while keeping out dirt and pests.