The Most Common Stains Found on Patio Cushions and Why Professional Cleaning Works Best

Your patio cushions make outdoor living comfortable, inviting, and stylish but they also take the brunt of sun, spills, pets, pollen, and weather. Even with regular care, outdoor cushions naturally collect stains that are difficult or impossible to remove with home cleaning methods.

Understanding what causes these stains can help prevent them, but when they happen, as they inevitably do, Parkway Custom Drycleaning and Christopher’s Rug & Upholstery (now part of the Parkway family) have over 30 years experience cleaning, restoring and repairing patio cushions along with outdoor umbrellas and textiles – much more effectively than any DIY approach.

Tree Sap

Tree sap hardens into a sticky, dirt-collecting residue that bonds tightly to fabric fibers. Once it sets, home washing rarely removes it. DIY scraping or harsh solvents can also damage outdoor fabrics.

Professional cleaning dissolves and extracts sap without discoloring or weakening the material.

Bird Droppings

Bird droppings are acidic and can quickly fade colors or break down protective coatings. They also carry bacteria, so safe removal is essential.

Parkway’s specialized sanitation and stain-neutralizing treatments fully clean and disinfect affected cushions.

BBQ Sauce and Food Grease

Grease and sauces easily penetrate outdoor fabrics and foam, leaving behind dark spots and lingering odors. Hot water or scrubbing can set the stain permanently.

Our advanced degreasers lift oils deep from the fibers without leaving rings or residue.

Mold and Mildew

Moisture exposure leads to mold and mildew, visible as dark spots and accompanied by a musty smell. Beyond appearance, mold can damage fabrics and trigger allergies.

Our controlled cleaning process eliminates mold at the source while preserving fabric strength and color.

Wine and Beverage Spills

Wine, coffee, soda, and juices contain dyes, sugars, and acids that quickly absorb into cushions, causing discoloration and sticky patches.

We remove pigments and residues safely without the fabric fading or damage bleach can cause at home.

Dirt from Shoes or Pets

Mud, oils, and dirt from shoes and pets grind into outdoor fabrics, creating dullness and uneven staining. Surface cleaning can’t reach embedded soil.

Parkway’s deep-clean extraction thoroughly removes dirt, oils, and odors for a true refresh.

Suntan lotions and perspiration stains

Suntan lotions and perspiration can immediately discolor cushions. These stains will typically not completely evaporate, leaving oils and acidity that can oxidize and permanently discolor cushions if not treated.

Parkway has decades of experience eliminating these oily and acidic stains so that your outdoor textiles are restored and refreshed.

Pollen and Outdoor Dust

Pollen and airborne dust settle onto cushions all season long, creating a yellowish film and triggering allergies. Over time, these particles work into the weave and dull the fabric.

Professional cleaning lifts deeply embedded particles and restores the original color and brightness.

Water Stains from Rain

Trapped moisture and mineral deposits cause water rings, mustiness, and discoloration, especially when cushions stay damp or are stored incorrectly.

Our moisture-extraction and deodorizing process eliminates stains and prevents long-term damage.

Restore Your Outdoor Cushions with Parkway Custom Drycleaning

Don’t let stains, odors, or weather wear down your patio cushions. Parkway Custom Drycleaning has the specialized equipment, expert stain-removal techniques, and controlled cleaning processes that outperform any home remedy or DIY method. We safely clean:

• Patio cushions
• Chaise lounge cushions
• Outdoor sofa and sectional pillows
• Poolside and porch cushions
• Patio umbrellas
• Cushion covers

Each item is hand-spotted, professionally cleaned, sanitized, and restored at our facility. Fabric protection and mold/mildew treatments are also available. We also offer repair services, including patching, sewing up tears, and replacing zippers. Additionally, we can replace very damaged cushion cores and exteriors.

Pickup & Delivery along with Seasonal Storage Available

Pickup, Delivery & Seasonal Storage Made Easy

Parkway Custom Drycleaning and Christopher’s offer complete patio cushion care, including professional cleaning, fabric protection, repairs, and seasonal storage throughout the Greater Washington, D.C. region, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. We also service Baltimore, Annapolis, and the Eastern Shore.

The Christopher’s team will coordinate and schedule your pickup. For maximum convenience, our crew removes your cushions directly from the furniture frames, documenting their condition and noting any needed repairs. Your cushions are then transported to Parkway’s 10,000-sq-ft North Bethesda facility, where they receive expert cleaning, fabric protection, and optional off-season storage.

We can deliver your cushions back in protective bags for you to store or, if we’re storing your cushions and umbrellas during the Winter, our team will reinstall every cushion on your patio & pool furniture so your outdoor space is ready to enjoy the following Spring.

Schedule your Outdoor Cushion & Umbrella Cleaning today:
Phone: 240-792-8603
Email us: genmgr@mychristophers.com