Easy Ways to Remove Mildew from Outdoor Cushions Without Harsh Chemicals

Spring is here, and that means more time outside, relaxing on the patio or hanging out in the backyard. But there’s nothing worse than pulling out your outdoor cushions and finding them covered in mildew.

That gross, musty-smelling stuff makes cushions look bad and can even trigger allergies.

The good news? You don’t need to use bleach or harsh cleaners to get rid of it. Simple, natural ingredients work just as well—maybe even better.

The Best Natural Ways to Remove Mildew from Outdoor Cushions

Forget the bleach and chemical sprays. You probably have everything you need at home to clean mildew off your cushions. These methods are safe, easy, and actually work.

1. White Vinegar Spray (The Simple, No-Scrub Solution)

White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that kills mildew and removes the smell. Plus, it’s cheap and safe to use on almost any fabric.

What You Need

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush or cloth
• Hose for rinsing

How to Do It

1. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle—no need to dilute it.
2. Spray the mildew spots until they are completely soaked.
3. Let the vinegar sit for at least an hour.
4. Scrub lightly with a brush or cloth.
5. Rinse the cushion with water and let it dry in the sun.

2. Baking Soda Scrub (For Tough Stains)

Baking soda is great at lifting stains and absorbing odors. When mixed with a little water, it turns into a natural scrubbing paste.

What You Need

• ½ cup of baking soda
• A little water
• Scrub brush
• Hose for rinsing

How to Do It

1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thick paste.
2. Spread the paste over the mildew stains.
3. Let it sit for about an hour.
4. Scrub the area with a brush.
5. Rinse with water and let the cushion dry in the sun.

3. Lemon and Salt (The Sun-Powered Cleaner)

Lemon juice is naturally acidic, which makes it great for killing mildew. When you mix it with salt and let it dry in the sun, it works like a natural bleaching agent.

What You Need

• Fresh lemon juice
• Coarse salt
• A sunny spot

How to Do It

1. Squeeze lemon juice directly onto the mildew spots.
2. Sprinkle a good amount of salt over the lemon juice.
3. Leave the cushion out in the sun for a few hours.
4. Brush off the dried salt and rinse with water if needed.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide and Water (For Stubborn Mildew)

Hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on most fabrics and works well on deep-set mildew stains.

What You Need

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush

How to Do It

1. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle.
2. Spray it directly onto the mildew spots.
3. Wait 10–15 minutes.
4. Scrub gently and rinse with water.
5. Let the cushion dry completely in the sun.

Warning: Test this on a small area first. Some fabrics may fade with hydrogen peroxide.

How to Dry Outdoor Cushions the Right Way?

Once you clean your cushions, drying them properly is just as important. If they stay damp, mildew will come right back.

• Always dry cushions in direct sunlight.
• Stand them up instead of laying them flat so air can flow around them.
• Flip them over after a few hours to make sure both sides dry evenly.
• If cushions have covers, remove them and dry them separately.

How to Keep Mildew from Coming Back?

Cleaning mildew is one thing, but keeping it from coming back is even better. Here are a few easy tricks to prevent mildew in the future:

✔ Store cushions indoors when they are not being used for long periods. A dry garage, shed, or storage box works best.
✔ Use waterproof cushion covers to protect them from rain and moisture.
✔ Let cushions dry completely after rain or spills. Do not let them sit wet.
✔ Spray cushions with vinegar once a month as a natural mildew blocker.
✔ Keep outdoor furniture in a sunny spot when possible. Shade traps moisture, which mildew loves.

Final Thoughts

Mildew on outdoor cushions is annoying, but it does not have to ruin your patio setup. White vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide are all easy, natural ways to clean mildew without using harsh chemicals. The best part? These methods actually work, and they will not ruin your cushions.

Keep your cushions clean, dry, and stored properly, and you will not have to worry about mildew coming back. Now that your outdoor space is fresh and ready, go enjoy some sunshine!