Whether you’re relaxing under your awning at a campground or enjoying a lakeside sunset, comfy camping chairs or patio cushions make your outdoor living space much more inviting.
Unfortunately, these also collect pollen, dust, bird droppings, tree sap, mildew, and food spills much faster than many RVers realize.
Keep ‘em clean
Learning how to properly clean canvas camping chairs and patio cushions can extend their life by several seasons. That’s good news for your wallet because quality outdoor chairs and cushions can be expensive to replace. A little routine maintenance also saves time by preventing stains and mildew from becoming permanent.
Benefits of cleaning
RV camping chairs and patio cushions are frequently exposed to changing weather conditions while traveling. Dust from gravel roads, campground pollen, humidity, coastal salt air, and unexpected rainstorms can all take a toll on outdoor fabrics.
Keeping chairs and cushions clean isn’t just about appearance. Dirt trapped in fabric fibers can wear down materials over time. Moisture encourages mildew that creates unpleasant odors.
Regular cleaning helps preserve both the fabric and the cushion filling, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor setup longer without buying replacements.
Care label
Before reaching for any cleaning solution, check the manufacturer’s care instructions on your chairs and cushions. Some covers can be removed and machine-washed, while others require hand cleaning only. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations reduces the risk of fading, shrinking, or damaging water-resistant coatings.
Gather supplies
Most patio cushions can be cleaned with items you probably already carry in your RV. A garden hose, bucket, mild dish soap, Borax, a soft and stiff-bristle brush, and clean water are usually all that’s needed. If you’re camping with full hookups, this project can often be completed right at your campsite, provided campground rules allow it.
Choose the right place
Lay cushions on a driveway, concrete pad, deck, or other solid surface before cleaning. Avoid placing them directly on grass because mud and grass stains can transfer back onto damp fabric. Starting on a clean surface prevents extra work later.
Camping chairs can be cleaned almost anywhere. I prefer a solid surface.
Remove loose dirt first
Use your hand or a soft-bristle brush to remove pollen and surface dirt from your RV camping chairs.
A garden hose will remove loose debris from patio cushions. If you have a pressure washer or a high-pressure hose nozzle, even better!
Getting rid of loose dirt is a simple step that prevents grinding dirt deeper into the fabric while scrubbing. The cushions should be damp but not completely soaked before applying your cleaning solution.
Mix cleaning solution
A simple homemade cleaner works well for most outdoor fabrics. Experts recommend mixing two tablespoons of dish detergent with one-half cup of Borax in a bucket filled with water. This combination helps loosen grime without using harsh chemicals that may damage many outdoor fabrics.
Note: If you notice mildew, mix equal parts vinegar and water, and apply it to the affected area. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
Caution: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can discolor and damage the canvas fabric.
Scrub
Dip a stiff-bristle brush into the cleaning solution and scrub the entire patio cushion surface using gentle, even pressure. (A soft bristle brush or clean cloth is better for camp chairs.) Give extra attention to seams and stained or mildew-prone areas.
Avoid overly aggressive scrubbing that could damage fabric fibers. Let the cleaning solution remain on the cushions for several minutes to loosen embedded dirt before rinsing.
Rinse
Use a garden hose with good water pressure to rinse the fabric thoroughly. Soap residue left behind can attract additional dirt and leave the fabric feeling sticky. Continue rinsing until the water runs completely clear.
Thoroughly dry
If possible, shake the camping chairs or use a towel to blot excess water. Place the camp chair in a well-ventilated area to finish drying.
Press excess water from the cushions with your hands instead of twisting them. Stand them upright against a wall or another surface that allows air to circulate around both sides.
Never return damp chairs or cushions to storage compartments until they’re completely dry. You don’t want trapped moisture to encourage mildew growth.
Note: It’s best to dry your cleaned chairs/cushions in a shaded area to prevent fading.
Prevent future stains
Once your chairs and cushions are clean, a few simple habits will keep them looking fresh longer.
- Brush off loose dirt after each camping trip.
- Wipe up spills quickly.
- Store chairs and cushions inside your RV or in a weather-resistant storage container whenever severe weather is expected.
- Allow chairs and cushions to dry after rain to reduce the chance of mildew developing.
Optional: Once dry, you may want to spray the fabric with an outdoor fabric protector. It will help repel water and stains in the future. Follow the product instructions for application.
Routine maintenance
Replacing outdoor camp chairs and cushions for an RV patio setup can become surprisingly expensive. Spending an hour cleaning them once or twice each season helps protect your investment and keeps your campsite looking welcoming.
Regular maintenance also means you’ll spend less time tackling stubborn stains before your next adventure and more time enjoying the outdoors.
Do you have additional tips for cleaning camp chairs and patio cushions? Share them in the comments below, please!
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RVT1270
Our chairs are never left opened when we are not using them. If we leave for a day trip or even to go out for a meal, they are put away.
You never know when a sudden storm will roll though, or even high winds.
Your chairs may end up in someone else’s site or rolling down the road. Plus the fact that they may be damaged, bent and twisted.
It’s the same as leaving an awning extended and unattended.
We were staying at one campground when a thunderstorm hit. Three awnings were destroyed with two of them ending up on the RV’s roof.
Thank you for the discussion, Gail. We vacuum the chairs and cushion before trying to clean them. Then we do what you suggest. Have a great week and safe travels!