There’s a myth that outdoor fabrics don’t need protection because they are made to withstand harsh elements. While they are less prone to fading and moisture than regular fabric, they require regular washing and maintenance.
Let’s discuss why outdoor fabric needs care and a few tips for washing and protecting them. This guide will prepare your outdoor furniture for summer, winter, fall, and spring.
Do You Need to Protect Outdoor Fabric?
Outdoor fabrics need care and protection despite being designed to withstand outdoor elements. Like regular fabric types, solution-dyed acrylic, PVC, and other outdoor materials also get dirty.
Outdoor fabric is more low-maintenance than other fabrics. You only need to clean or dry-clean it four times a year, which will ensure it stays looking as new as the day you bought it.
Applying sun shields and other protectants to your outdoor fabric will also make it last longer. Remember that no fabric is strong enough to withstand the UVA and UVB sun rays for a long time. These products should also offer water-repellency to outdoor materials.
Is Outdoor Fabric Waterproof?
Most outdoor fabrics are only water-resistant instead of waterproof. That means it can only protect the cushions from water to a certain degree.
An outdoor fabric’s ability to repel water also depends on its type. Most manufacturers prefer producing water-resistant outdoor fabrics that remain breathable.
Waterproof fabrics not only stop water from penetrating, they also hinder air from coming inside. However, this can be problematic for covers.
For example, covering your outdoor appliances with waterproof outdoor fabric will trap heat and moisture inside, which could lead to mold and mildew growing on the appliance.
If breathability is important to you, pick a water-resistant outdoor fabric instead of a waterproof one.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Waterproof fabrics do not let water penetrate them, while water-resistant fabrics allow some water to repel.
There are no official guidelines or standards on categorizing any material as waterproof or water-resistant. But the best way to describe a waterproof fabric is a jacket that won’t wet your skin when walking in the rain.
Water resistance offers only a low level of protection from water. If you have a “water-resistant” jacket, the fabric layer typically becomes a weak barrier between you and the rain. It tends to seep into the skin if the rain is too heavy, so it’s only suitable for light showers.
A third confusing term is “water-repellant,” meaning water does not penetrate the fabric because of specific treatments like coating. Also known as hydrophobic fabrics, water-repellent fabrics form water beads on the material’s topmost layer.
Does Outdoor Fabric Fade?
Solution-dyed polyester and olefin are fade-resistant outdoor fabrics. Before the manufacturers spin them, these materials are typically saturated with powerful UV-stabilized pigments.
Some outdoor fabric types are more prone to fading because of the cheap materials and processes they undergo. Polyester, for instance, can easily degrade quickly because the color is not inherent within the fibers of the yarn.
Look for the textile’s color-fastness to know if it quickly fades. This measurement indicates how much sun it can withstand before giving off a faded look.
Tips for Washing and Protecting Your Outdoor Fabrics
Outdoor fabrics only need seasonal washing and protection if they are kept under the shade. Here are some tips for caring for these materials.
Treating the Stains
Remove the stain from your fabric as soon as you see it. Do not wait until your next laundry task to treat it.
There are many ways to remove these tough marks. The most common stain outdoor fabrics encounter is bird dirt. Try mixing one spoon of laundry detergent with 6 cups of warm water. Adjust the measurements according to your needs.
Put the mixture in your spray bottle and spray it on the tough stain. Scrub the area with a soft bristle brush and rinse with warm water.
If your stain has mold, use a mixture of four parts warm water and one part baking soda. Wipe the outdoor fabric with a cloth, then wait a few minutes before rinsing with water. If baking soda doesn’t work, try one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide.
Removing Oil
Outdoor fabrics are prone to grease, especially after a BBQ party. This dense fluid isn’t challenging to remove, especially if your material is water-resistant.
Remove the excess oil with a microfiber cloth, then add cornstarch or baking soda. Let it stay for ten minutes, and remove the powder.
Regular Handwashing
After spot-treating your fabric, brush the rest of the material with a scrub and water. Mix some detergent liquid and water, then get a cloth to brush it carefully.
Do not over-scrub the fabric to avoid damaging the fibers. Then, rinse the soap residue off. Wipe the fiber with a clean, dry cloth and let the fabric air dry.
You can also vacuum the fabric with a soft bristle attachment. This will remove dirt and dust that has penetrated between the fibers.
Machine-Washing Outdoor Fabric
The machine-washing procedure on outdoor fabrics depends on the type of fabric you’re using. Check the instructions for the material, then follow them.
If there are no instructions, use a gentle, cold setting on the washer. Do the same for the throw cushions. But don’t allow them to dry completely.
I recommend using a low, cool heat setting for the dryer to keep the fabric slightly damp. Alternatively, you can allow the outdoor fabric to air dry. Just put the material under the sun and wait for a few hours.
Keeping Your Fabric Under the Shade
An outdoor fabric must be under the shade unless you’re using a furniture cover. Try putting your outdoor couches under an umbrella for permanent shade. Doing so will extend the fabric’s lifespan.
Apply a Protectant
There are several types of protectants you can use for outdoor fabric. The most essential type is the sun shield, which guards it against harmful UV rays.
The most famous sun shield is 3M’s Scotchgard. It blocks UVA and UVB and can protect four outdoor cushions.
It prevents your outdoor fabric from fading and staining. If you spill gravy on the material, you can wipe it off with a cloth.
Bottom Line
Despite its durable properties, outdoor fabric can still be vulnerable to Mother Nature. Bird droppings, harsh sunlight, and rain can reduce its life span, so protect it regularly.
Immediately remove stains from your outdoor fabric and wash it four times a year. Don’t forget to spray it with a protective coating to restore its water-repellency. With the right outdoor fabrics, you can make various sewing projects, so check out our selection and get started!