Alright, let’s talk about choosing the detergent to wash outdoor furniture covers. You know, the ones that catch all the spills, dust, and who knows what else.
Cleaning them might not be your idea of a good time, but it’s gotta be done to keep your cover looking nice and fresh.
The trick is all about picking the right detergent to do the job. With so many options out there, it can get kinda confusing but don’t worry.
We’re here to break it down, making it super simple to choose the best laundry soap for your covers, no matter what they’re up against.
Let’s dive in and get those covers looking like new again.
Brands Of Detergents You Can Use
For washing outdoor furniture covers, which often need to handle tougher stains, mildew, and outdoor grime, it’s important to choose a detergent that’s both effective in cleaning and safe for the fabric.
Here are some brands known for their cleaning efficacy and suitability for a range of fabric types, including those used in outdoor furniture covers:
- Tide Free & Gentle: A well-regarded brand, Tide Free & Gentle is a good option for those looking for a detergent that’s effective on stains but free from dyes and perfumes, making it less likely to irritate skin or harm fabric.
- Persil ProClean: Known for its stain-fighting capabilities, Persil ProClean offers options that are tough on outdoor stains while being gentle on fabrics, making it a solid choice for outdoor furniture covers.
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear: For those preferring an eco-friendly option, Seventh Generation Free & Clear is made from plant-based ingredients and is free from dyes, synthetic fragrances, and brighteners. It’s effective for general cleaning and is gentle on the environment.
- Arm & Hammer Sensitive Skin Free & Clear: This is free from dyes and perfumes, making it a good choice for cleaning fabric without harsh chemicals. It’s suitable for outdoor furniture covers, especially if you’re concerned about skin sensitivity.
- OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover: While not a traditional laundry soap, OxiClean can be added to your regular detergent to boost its cleaning power, particularly effective against tough stains and mildew commonly found on outdoor furniture covers.
- Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent: This brand is known for its natural ingredients and effectiveness. It’s a good option for those looking for a cleaning agent that’s gentle on fabrics but can still tackle the dirt and stains outdoor furniture covers might accumulate.
- Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Detergent: An unconventional but eco-friendly option, Eco Nuts uses soap nuts to clean laundry. This is gentle, biodegradable, and effective for washing delicate outdoor fabrics.
When using any detergent, especially for outdoor furniture covers, it’s crucial to:
- Always check the care label on your furniture covers for specific washing instructions.
- Consider the fabric type and any specific cleaning recommendations from the manufacturer.
- Perform a spot test with the detergent on a small, inconspicuous area of the cover to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
Remember that some outdoor furniture covers may have specific care instructions or recommendations against certain types of cleaning solutions or methods, so it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Read related article: Can You Power Wash Waterproof Patio Furniture Covers?
How to Choose the Right Detergent
Outdoor furniture covers are made from a variety of fabrics, each with unique properties and care requirements. Choosing the ideal detergent for each type of fabric is crucial to ensure that the covers are cleaned effectively while maintaining their integrity and longevity.
Here’s a guide to the different types of fabrics used for outdoor furniture covers and the ideal soap for each:
1. Polyester
- Durable, water-resistant, and often treated with UV protectants to resist fading.
- Mild liquid laundry soap. Avoid bleach unless the fabric is white and can handle it without degrading.
2. Vinyl (PVC)
- Waterproof, durable, and easy to clean, making it popular for outdoor use.
- Mild soap or a specialized vinyl cleaner. Harsh chemicals can damage the vinyl, making it brittle.
3. Canvas
- Made from cotton or a cotton blend, canvas is tough but can absorb moisture if not treated for water resistance.
- Mild liquid detergent with a fabric protector additive post-wash to maintain water resistance.
4. Olefin (Polypropylene)
- Resistant to staining, moisture, and mildew. Often used in covers that require durability and fade resistance.
- Mild detergent is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, a cleanser with a mild bleach alternative might be used on light-colored fabrics.
5. Sunbrella® (Acrylic)
- Highly durable, fade-resistant, and mildew-resistant. It’s a premium fabric for outdoor furniture covers.
- Mild liquid soapor one specifically recommended by Sunbrella® for their fabrics. Avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.
6. Solution-Dyed Acrylic
- Similar to Sunbrella®, this fabric is colorfast, UV-resistant, and durable.
- Mild liquid soap. It’s crucial to rinse thoroughly to prevent residue buildup that can attract dirt.
Spot Testing and Care Tips
Regardless of the fabric type, always perform a spot test with your chosen detergent on a small, inconspicuous area of the cover to ensure it does not damage the fabric. Also, follow these general care tips:
- Read Care Labels: Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions before proceeding.
- Water Temperature: Use cold to lukewarm water for most outdoor fabrics to prevent shrinking or damage.
- Drying: Air-dry when possible. Some fabrics can be damaged by high heat, so avoid using a hot dryer.
- Stain Pre-treatment: Address stains promptly with a stain remover that is safe for the fabric type.
By understanding the specific needs of each fabric type and choosing the appropriate solution, you can effectively clean and maintain your outdoor furniture covers, ensuring they continue to protect your furniture for years to come.
Performing a Spot Test
- Before using any cleaning solution, conduct a spot test on a hidden part of the furniture cover. Apply a small amount of the solution, follow with a rinse, and let it dry.
- Check for any discoloration, fading, or damage to the fabric. If the fabric reacts negatively, consider a different soap.
Additional Tips
- Water Temperature: Some brands are more effective in certain water temperatures. Check both the detergent and furniture cover care instructions.
- Concentration: Use the recommended amount of cleaning agent. Overusing the product can leave residue on fabrics, while underusing may not effectively clean the cover.
Selecting the right detergent for your furniture covers doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding your furniture cover’s fabric type, identifying the stain type, and conducting a spot test, you can ensure that you choose a solution that will clean effectively without damaging the fabric.
Always follow the care instructions provided with your furniture covers and the guidance on the packaging to achieve the best results.
Read related article: How Often Should You Wash Your Patio Furniture Cover?
What Are Harmful to Outdoor Furniture Covers
When cleaning outdoor furniture covers, it’s crucial to avoid certain types of soaps that can cause damage to the fabric, leading to fading, weakening, or even breaking down of the material over time.
Here are some key types of detergents to steer clear of:
- Bleach-Based Agent: While bleach is a strong cleaning agent, it can be harsh on outdoor furniture cover fabrics, especially those with color or made from natural fibers. It can cause fading and weaken the fabric structure.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Detergents with abrasive substances are designed to scrub away tough stains but can damage the surface of outdoor furniture covers, leading to premature wear and tear.
- Harsh Chemical Solution: Cleaners containing harsh chemicals like ammonia or chlorine can deteriorate fabrics, affecting their water resistance and colorfastness.
- Highly Alkaline: Extremely alkaline (high pH) detergents can break down fibers in the fabric, reducing the lifespan of your outdoor furniture covers.
- Solvent-Based Cleaners: Solvents are great for certain types of stains but can be too harsh for many outdoor fabric types, risking damage to both the texture and appearance of the covers.
By avoiding harmful detergent soaps and following fabric care instructions closely, you can keep your outdoor furniture covers in top condition, ensuring they continue to protect your furniture effectively against the elements.
Conclusion
Finding the right detergent to wash your furniture covers is super important to keep them looking sharp and in good shape. No matter if your covers are made from something sturdy or more on the delicate side, getting the right brand makes all the difference.
Just remember to peek at the washing instructions first, pick the detergent that fits your cover’s material, and you’re all set. A bit of attention here means your furniture covers will keep looking great for a long time.
So, next time you’re getting ready to clean those covers, take a minute to think about what they’re made of and how dirty they are. This will help you choose the best cleaning buddy for the job.
And don’t forget, doing a small test on a hidden part before you dive in can save you from a big headache later. Cleaning might not be the most fun chore, but with the right detergent in hand, it’s a breeze to keep your furniture covers fresh, clean, and ready for whatever life throws at them.
Happy cleaning!