Outdoor fabrics are specifically manufactured for outdoor use. This type of fabric is also synonymous to high-performance fabric because the textile is resilient enough against environmental factors and stressors. Specifically, it should be able to stand up to the different elements that it is exposed to when used outdoors, such as wind, rain, snow, and sun. But just because outdoor fabric is designed to be more resilient, it does not mean that it won’t require care and maintenance. In fact, outdoor fabric will require special handling requirements to ensure that it will endure.

There are several steps that you need to take if you want to add to the life of your outdoor fabric. Here are some of the things that you need to know about.

Care for Outdoor Upholstery

Outdoor fabric is most often used on upholstery, such as for sofa covers or cushion covers for your outdoor seating furniture. The use of outdoor fabric is crucial in maintaining the aesthetic value of your outdoor space. At the same time, it is essential to ensure that the fabric can protect the furniture and make it last for several years.

To take good care and extend the life of outdoor fabric upholstery, here are a few things to remember:

• You need to flip and remove your outdoor fabric cushion regularly. Do this once every two months (or more frequently as necessary). This will give you a chance to wash and clean the outdoor fabric. It will also help to minimize the wear on the removable cushions so they look good for as long as possible.
• Make sure that you cover your outdoor fabric upholstery when it is not in use. This will protect the fabric from environmental elements. It will also minimize the need for cleaning.
• During the off-season, such as during winter when you won’t be spending a lot of time in your outdoor space, cover your outdoor upholstery. If possible, you can keep it stored in a dry area. This is vital in not only prolonging the life of the outdoor fabric, but also of your outdoor furniture.

General Outdoor Fabric Cleaning Tips

The care and maintenance that you invest on outdoor fabric is crucial for its quality and your ability to preserve that quality. There are specific cleaning measures that you need to undergo in order to maintain your outdoor fabric. Here are some of the tips you need to keep in mind:

• Check the specific laundry instructions for the type of fabric you use. As with your clothing, each fabric type requires a different approach to cleaning and maintenance. It is important to understand the proper way to clean and wash your outdoor fabric to ensure that you won’t cause damage in the process.
• Most outdoor fabric types are resilient but require gentle washing. In most cases, the use of lukewarm water and mild cleaning soap is enough.
• When dealing with tough stains, use a brush with water and oxygen bleach. But before you use bleach, always perform a test in inconspicuous areas to avoid causing damage to the fabric. If possible, clean stains as soon as they appear. If the stain has hardened, it will be more difficult (if not impossible) to remove.
• For light overall cleaning, use a gentle brush to get rid of any loose dirt or dust.

What are the steps you take to ensure that your outdoor fabric will last for years?