
How to Clean Glider and Rocker Cushions
The cushions on the rocker are soft, plush, and smooth. There is no question why everyone at home wants to sit on them all the time. They are well-designed with beautiful patterns and pretty colors. Cushions complement really well to the whole area, giving your home a more beautiful and cozy feeling.
However, if you will not give proper care and properly maintain the cushion, they will become an eyesore overtime. That’s why it is very important to clean your glider rocker cushions regularly to maintain its beautiful appearance.
How to Clean Glider Rocker Cushions
Cleaning may seem easy, you just put the cushions into the washing machine then dry them out, right? NO. Not all covers can be unzipped from the cushions and some cushions are too large to fit in a washing machine.
You must learn how to clean the glider rocker seat cushions in order to keep the pillows looking good, fresh and new.
Below are the steps to follow to help you clean off those baby spits, stains, germs, and bacteria.
Things needed for cleaning cushions:
- vacuum cleaner with nozzle and attachments
- steam cleaner
- baby wipes
- dish soap
- clean cloth
- hydrogen peroxide
- spray bottle
OPTION 1: Vacuum.
The vacuum cleaner is an essential tool for cleaning glider cushions. Its nozzle is specially designed to get to hard-to-reach areas/crevices, including hidden areas of a pillow. It removes possible dirt, crumbs and more debris that may have accumulated there.
OPTION 2: Wipe with baby wipes.
Baby wipes is also a great furniture fabric cleaner. Think of spit-ups and those other things that come from babies. Then think of germs and bacteria. Not a good sight, however imaginary, right?
Baby wipes already contain cleaning agents. With baby wipes, cleaning rocking chair cushions may be somewhat a breeze. The moisture evaporates rapidly so the wiped area will dry again in no time. Of course, that would depend on the fabric, but normally, baby wipes are the go-to cleaners especially in times of emergency.
One other thing about baby wipes is that it always leave a lovely smell.
OPTION 3: Use stain-removing solution.
There are many solutions that can be bought from the market. You may also opt to create a homemade stain-removing solution instead. It’s only a two-step process, although care must be taken.
- Mix dish-washing liquid and hydrogen peroxide. The ratio should be 1:2, in respective order.
- Transfer mixture and slightly shake.
Now do it! For cleaning rocker cushions, spray the solution on the stained areas thoroughly. Let it stay for a few minutes (five to ten is usually enough) until the stain is dissolved. Then wipe off any excess with a clean damp cloth. If some more stains remain, just repeat. It’s really an effective microfiber furniture cleaner.
When buying a product for stain-removal, though, avoid those with bleaching agents. They might cause more damage than good. Meanwhile, to avoid any discoloration when cleaning rocking chair cushions, test any stain-removing solution first (homemade or otherwise) on a small, not-too-visible area of a cushion.
OPTION 4: Blot up the stain.
This is another alternative. First, immediately blot up fresh stain (especially breastmilk stain) — do not rub. Check the manufacturer’s instructions and see what upholstery cleaner they recommend, which is probably available at home already. Clean the affected area well from the outside then to the inside. Then blow-dry.
OPTION 5: Use an enzyme cleaner for old milk stains.
Here’s how to clean rocking chair cushions with set-in milk stains: use enzyme cleaners. Breast milk proteins make strong bonds with other materials. Washing and bleaching are usually not enough for cleaning rocking chair cushions with milk stains. And so the best way to remove those stains is to break the strong bonds using enzyme cleaners.
- Remove cushion covers and soak them in water for a while.
- Add the enzyme cleaner.
- Toss in the washing machine.
- Dry.
No removable covers?
- Apply the stain remover (not detergent) directly to the stain.
- Leave them for a few hours. Apply more remover if it (remover) begins to dry.
- Pour enough water over the affected area.
- Blot dry.
- Then blow-dry.
OPTION 6: Use the steam cleaner.
This is not required but is a highly-recommended option. The steam cleaner removes dirt and grime. More importantly, it rids of bacteria and viruses. That should be more than enough reasons to steam clean especially with a baby and/or kids around. They are more susceptible to sickness after all.
What if the problem is there is no steam cleaner at home? Easy. Home improvement stores and manufacturers allow rentals.
OPTION 7: Dry-clean.
The final option is to dry clean the cushion. This involves the use of chemical solvents and water. This is probably the best way when it comes to cleaning glider chair cushions, as it very thoroughly cleans cushions and rids of dust and various allergens.
Yes, it will cost more, but one-time dry-cleaning can last pillows half the year till the next dry-cleaning session. So in the long run, it’s cheaper and also saves you time and energy. It’s a practical way to take when cleaning microfiber.
Now that you already know how to clean glider cushions in various ways, all that is needed, as emphasized earlier, is your commitment. Most of these options do not demand much anyway.
Dry cleaning makes cleaning glider chair so much easier and keep cushions clean, safe and always looking brand-new!