How to Clean Fabric on Outdoor Chairs
Fabric used for outdoor chairs is designed to withstand the hazards of outdoor use. Most fabrics are made to be water- and mold-resistant. Unfortunately, this does not guarantee that these fabrics will remain spotless; all the weather protection in the world can't stop you from spilling ketchup on the fabric during a picnic. Like any fabric, outdoor chair material will need a thorough cleaning occasionally to keep it looking good and feeling comfortable. Fortunately, cleaning this material is relatively easy to do. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Machine Washing
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Read all instructions and warnings regarding cleaning processes. Most fabrics will come with a tag indicating the best process for cleaning. While most of these fabrics are machine washable, there are always exceptions. Read all directions and warnings before attempting to clean.
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Wash the outdoor chair fabric in a washing machine if the instructions indicate that it is safe. Wash these materials in the gentle cycle with warm water and mild laundry detergent.
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Add bleach to the wash cycle if your fabric is white; this will brighten the color and prevent mold and mildew.
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Allow material to air dry on a clothesline or hung over a railing. Do not machine dry, as this may cause wrinkling or shrinkage.
Hand Washing
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Clean the fabric by hand if machine washing is dangerous for the material. Fill a sink, bathtub or bucket with warm water and mild detergent.
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If the fabric is white, add bleach to brighten the color and prevent mold and mildew.
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Agitate the materials by hand in the soapy mixture. Wear protective gloves if you have used bleach, as the chemical may burn skin and is harmful if ingested.
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Rinse the clean fabric thoroughly with clean, cool water.
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Allow material to air dry on a clothesline or hung over a railing. Do not machine dry, as this may cause wrinkling or shrinkage.
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Tips & Warnings
Store fabric for outdoor chairs indoors in a cool, dry place during rain or winter weather. This will protect the material from damage, mold and mildew, giving it longer life and reducing the need for large-scale cleanings. If the fabric stretches to cover the outdoor chair, stretch the material back into place before it has completely dried. This will help to prevent shrinkage. If the fabric is stained, use fabric spot remover for a stronger clean. Be aware that some of these cleaners contain bleach, which can only be used on white fabrics; read all ingredients and instructions before using.
Remember that bleach will stain fabrics and is harmful if ingested. Only use bleach on fabrics that are plain white. Wear protective gloves and use bleach in a well-ventilated area.
