Sofa cushion makers and upholsterers layer polyester batting between the outside upholstery fabric and the pillow filling; collectively, the three form a comfortable, durable indoor or outdoor cushion. Once covered with upholstery, polyester batting handles various kinds of cleaning nicely, allowing you to dictate your method from the material of the upholstery fabric rather than the internal materials of the cushion. But when the pillow covers are removable, polyester batting requires a heavier touch.
Covered Outdoor Cushions
Patio sofa cushions using durable covers stand up nicely to excess water and a cleaning. The fabrics used are thick and resist fading, and the polyester batting maintains its shape and dries quickly. Consistently sweep the cushions using a broom or eliminate dirt and debris using a vacuum to reduce staining. After per year or as needed, hose down the pillows thoroughly and wash them using 4 tablespoons of clear liquid detergent mixed with 1 gallon of cool to lukewarm water. A nylon scrub brush works well oftentimes, but follow manufacturer instructions. Rinse the cushions as thoroughly as possible when you’re done; leaving behind any trace of detergent produces a dirt-attracting sticky layer. Sun-dry the pillows, flipping them often, before placing them back to the furniture or storing them.
Covered Indoor Cushions
For indoor pieces, polyester batting offers a low-cost, durable means of increasing plushness while creating a durable cushion. When the cushions don’t have a removable cover, thoroughly vacuum them after weekly to keep both the upholstery and inherent batting clean. Treat any stains or spills immediately. After per year or as needed, deep wash the couch cushions according to the care tag. If the tag includes a “W,” use water-based techniques like shampooing or steam cleaning. Because polyester batting dries relatively quickly, it stands up to the excess moisture. An “order” also indicates water-based cleaning, but restricts you to cold water only. If the fabric is dry-clean just, noted by an “S” on the tag, you could be able to take the pillows to a dry-cleaner and then spot-treat any stains using a dry-cleaning solvent.
Uncovered Cushions
Both indoor and outdoor cushions may have removable covers, allowing you to clean the upholstery fabric and the polyester batting covered cushion separately. Remove the cover and launder and air dry or dry-clean it according to the tag instructions. Clean out the batting by wrapping the end of a vacuum attachment using cheesecloth. Secure the cheesecloth with a rubber band and suction dirt and debris from the cushions that are bare. The cheesecloth acts as a buffer between the vacuum and the batting, preventing harm. Dilute 1/4 teaspoon of mild laundry soap in 4 cups of water and wash the bare pillow using the solution along with a soft rag; don’t use a brush or any other abrasive instrument. Recover the pillows after the batting, foam and covers are completely dry. Unless there was a large accident, you don’t need to wash out the polyester batting regularly or in any way. The upholstery fabric is usually thick enough to guard the batting.
Spot Treatments
Immediately managing spills decreases the chances that the fluid will soak through the fabric and to the batting. Eliminate as much of the fluid as possible with clean, absorbent towels, pushing to the pillow to absorb the humidity. Depending on the magnitude of the spill, you may need to use several towels. Eliminate stains on cushions using an “order” or “W” on the tag with the suds created by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of mild soap with approximately two cups of warm water. Combine both ingredients and agitate the solution to generate lots of bubbles. Dip the rag in only the suds and use this to wash; avoid wetting the upholstery using the water underneath the suds.
Dry Cleaning Solvent
Use dry cleaning solvent or unflavored vodka for tags marked with an “S.” Wet a white cloth with the merchandise in accordance with manufacturer directions or by covering the bottle’s opening using the fabric and temporarily tilting it over. Dab the stain using the fabric until the mark disappears. Do not pour or use the solvent or vodka right on the upholstery. Absorb excess moisture and odors by sprinkling the area with baking soda while it’s still wet from the treatment. After dry, vacuum the area.