share post

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

by | May 29, 2019 | Decorating Inspiration, Gardens & Outdoor Rooms, My Seattle House, My Side Yard

This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure Policy here

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

Hey friends! Thank you so much for all the kind comments on my refreshed side patio. It has been a long process for the past 3 1/2 years or so to get it to this point with our outdoor spaces!!! If anyone else feels like their home progress has been sloooowwww….you know I can totally relate, hahaha.

I can’t wait to take a look back and show you all the phases it went through. Remembering how crazy some of the situations were actually makes me laugh now! But at the time….I wasn’t that amused :). Stay tuned for that post in the near future, along with an update on where we’re at now with our gates and next outdoor projects.

But first….I’ve had so many questions about our outdoor cushions, rugs, furniture and spaces that I thought it would be good to answer a couple of FAQ!

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

Similar Wingback Chair Source

FAQ:

What do you do with all of your cushions and rugs when it rains?

We have our cushions and outdoor rugs out from about Mid-May through early November (or late October, depending on the weather). That’s about six months of the year!

We live in Seattle so obviously you might assume we have a lot of rain. So what do we do then? Honestly the weather has been pretty nice during those six months over the past few years, so it’s not been a big deal to have cushions out most of the time.

But, it does rain now and then, so here’s what I do when it does.

If it is just a brief rain, I don’t worry about it. All of the cushions and rugs we have are outdoor-friendly. They dry very well and have had no damage from a little rain.

But if we hear there is going to be a downpour for a day or a week :), we pile up the cushions on two outdoor “sofas” and put a tarp over each, tied down with a bungee cord so they don’t blow off in any gust of wind.

It doesn’t look beautiful but it does the trick. We used to bring them all inside but that’s a big pain, so tarps it is!

We do not worry about covering our outdoor rugs. We’ve had a few rugs in the past that didn’t do as well in a lot of rain, so we would roll them up and bring them in. But for the most part the rugs we have are fine in rain! And they clean up really well, too.

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

How do you get/keep your white outdoor cushions clean?

Believe it or not, we’ve had the same outdoor WHITE cushions for about FIVE YEARS! Yes, five years. And they look practically like new!

But what about …

Mud?
DOGS jumping on them with dirty feet?
Dirt?
Dust?
Beverages?
Food?

I’ve been asked about every possible scenario, so here’s my answer.

Yes, our dogs jump on our cushions. They get muddy or dusty footprints on them. Yes, people spill on them. Dirt ends up on them.

But when that happens, I simply use the same cleaner I use for my indoor white slipcovers (and basically every thing else in our house) and spot clean them as needed. It works so well!

I shared a quick video on Instagram the other day of my husband cleaning them, click HERE if you want to see!

Get the Thieves concentrate cleaner here. Trust. I promise you’ll love it all, it’s such good stuff for YOU and your HOME (and safe for your pets, too!).

Where do you store your furniture all winter?

We actually keep our furniture outside all year round. We do not have enough room anywhere else to store it, so almost all of it stays out in the elements! It has held up so well.

However, in the winter I do put the outdoor rugs and cushions in our little storage shed. No cute little “she shed” for me to work or lounge in. It’s jam packed with seasonal stuff. Click HERE to see our cushion storage shed in our yard.

Where did you buy your outdoor furniture, rugs, umbrellas and accessories?

A lot of it came from World Market. I love their price points and quality. We have this sectional in a different color. You can also order Replacement cushions …. although you may never need them since they seem to last forever! But since their furniture seems to last forever too, I recently ordered a couple of replacement cushions to have on hand, just in case.

Other FAQ on my outdoor spaces:

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

Do you still like your Trex deck?

YES!! We couldn’t be happier with it.

Find all the details on our Trex deck, the railing and the whole install process through Lowe’s along with the deck sources here.

Outdoor Cushion and Rug Care + Patio FAQ

How did you paint your concrete?

Find the answers here! >> How to paint your concrete steps or patio

Any other questions I could answer about taking care of our outdoor spaces or cleaning our outdoor cushions or rugs?

Shop My House and Latest Decor Finds here

16 Comments

  1. Sue osborne

    What a fabulous outdoor living space! Unfortunately, here in central upstate NY, we have had rain/storms almost everyday for over a month, so nothing seems to be getting accomplished at my own home.
    But, when I see all the tornadoes and historic high flooding in other parts of the US, I figure I can cope with my local weather issues.

    Thanks for the reminder that it doesn’t usually all come together in a day, a week or even a month or more.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Ugh…yeah we have definitely had seasons like that! It could be worse … but still, it is frustrating when you’re looking forward to some sunshine!

  2. Jeri Holcomb

    Enjoyed your article. I’ve been looking at the woven furniture for my outdoor area.
    I flip my seat cushions up vertically when it rains and the rains seems to roll right off. You can sit on them shortly after a rainfall.

  3. Linda

    Here in the Chicago area we’ve had so much cold and rain this April and May that I haven’t even bothered to put the cushions and pillows out! I keep a deck box on my patio and when we are expecting rain I put as much as I can in there–that’s also where I store a lot of the cushions and pillows over the winter. The cushions on my outdoor sofa have removable covers that I can throw in the wash–the secret is to put them back on while they are still damp so they don’t shrink up. I cover most of my outdoor furniture with tarps to protect them in the winter but a few things go into the garage.

    Not only does it take a while to get a house and garden to where you want them, but once you get there you realize there are still more changes you want to make! It’s an evolving process.

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      So true! You never really finish. It is an ever-evolving experience! Which I suppose it really part of the fun :).

  4. Teresa

    How much thieves do you add to water for cushion cleaning solution?

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Usually one capful to a full spray bottle of water but if there’s a lot of staining you can dilute a lot less …

  5. HomeDecorAZ

    Lovely outdoor space! So inviting. And, as positive proof, your dog seems to be enjoying it! Thank you for the tips.

  6. Jenny B.

    Thank you so much for this post! I have a new outdoor rug that should be arriving in the next week or so, and I can’t wait to freshen up our back patio. :)

  7. Karen Babb

    Melissa, I read your book Dwelling, and no other book with the e xception of the Bible has ever inspired me so much! It was like settling into my favorite recliner with a soft blanket! It also made my mind begin to while with all of the ideas for my own house! I am beginning with organizing! I love my home already, but I broke my leg and crushed my knee awhile back and things have gotten out of hand. Luckily it’s just my husband and me now, with an occasional visit from our two granddaughters. There are little piles here and there. Rooms have gotten disorganized. I’ve started in one room and going a room at a time! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Karen, this was soooo kind of you! Thank you so much for your encouragement. It means the world to me that you were so inspired by Dwelling! Thank you. I pray you’re healing well and enjoying the process of creating a home where you feel your very best. Blessings to you, Karen!

  8. Betsy Meehan

    Hi Melissa, Just wondering if there is a way to order just the Theives spray bottle from you, the one with “Theives” printed in red on the front? I already have a bottle of the cleaner and I love it!! Thank you, Betsy

    • Melissa @ The Inspired Room

      Hi Betsy! Are you a Young Living member? It might be available to order through your account (or if not, message me and I’ll see if I can help!).

  9. Su

    HI!
    Love your many sitting areas on your property. The side yard off your kitchen is cozy. No additional furniture
    needed there haha!
    The half patio umbrellas are great for privacy and shade of course. Your neighbors are right above you. Very clever!
    Always fun reading your blog😉

 

Decor Finds:

browse categories:

browse archives:

let’s stay connected!

Follow for daily
Home Inspiration:

get my free decorating guide

home decor inspiration, free downloads,
and more, straight to your inbox

css.php