9 Best Cleaner For Outdoor Cushions | Spray Away Mildew

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The official cleaner that keeps Sunbrella fabric looking crisp without voiding its warranty.

If your cushions carry the Sunbrella tag, this is the formula the brand itself tests and approves. It is a Non-PFAS cleaner that handles everyday spills — red wine, coffee, ketchup, dirt, and grime — without damaging the fabric’s integrity. Owners of beige Sunbrella cushions found it brightened spots and body oil stains after a simple spray-and-wipe routine. One reviewer noted that the Sunbrella fabric on their porch swing, which had developed mildew over the winter, cleaned up quickly with no damage to the material.

The limitation shows up on tough, set-in stains. Owners note that salad oil marks and stubborn spots did not lift completely. Additionally, a few buyers received a defective spray bottle that leaked — a packaging issue rather than a formula flaw.

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An enzyme-based formula from a family-run Colorado company that avoids harsh chemical fumes.

This cleaner tackles the organic messes that outdoor cushions collect — bird droppings, pet urine, suntan lotion, tree sap, and food stains. The enzyme formula is veterinarian-approved and made without harsh chemicals, making it a gentler option for homes with pets and kids. Owners used most of one 16-ounce bottle on two 4-year-old dirty cushion sets, spraying, waiting, scrubbing with a brush and hot water, then hosing off — and the blackish stains lifted easily. It also works on dried bird droppings on a Trex deck and railing, requiring hardly any scrubbing.

The downside is that it did not remove white spots on a table for one owner, so results can vary on non-porous surfaces. And while the scent is pleasant, heavy-duty mildew on thick canvas may need a second pass.

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The only cleaner on this list that leaves a protective barrier against UV rays and future stains.

STAR BRITE does not just clean — it adds polymers that shield fabric from UV damage and help repel new stains. That makes it a smart choice for cushions that sit in direct sunlight all summer. The 32-ounce spray works on polyester, canvas, and acrylic, and owners have used it on everything from a seven-year-old swing cushion that looked brand new after one treatment to white cushions that held dark blue bird droppings — sprayed, waited 30 seconds, wiped clean.

Where it falls short is mildew. Buyers found it did not remove mildew from outdoor polyester furniture covers, so it is best reserved for general stain removal and maintenance rather than mold remediation.

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A concentrated powder that transforms into 3 gallons of cleaner — perfect for big sections and awnings.

Iosso is a biodegradable, non-chlorine powder that you mix with water to make up to 3 gallons of cleaning solution. That makes it the most economical option if you are cleaning a large patio set, an RV awning, or a boat canopy. The formula handles mold, mildew, algae, leaf stains, and bird droppings on canvas, vinyl, plastic, and fiberglass without damaging colors. Owners removed 95% of severe mold and water stains from a pop-up camper’s canvas with an overnight soak, and thick black mold from a Sunbrella awning after two days of repeated spraying.

The process requires patience. Multiple applications and rinses are common for serious mildew, and one owner found it stripped green dye from their boat canopy. It is not a quick-spray-and-go product.

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The foam cleaner that lifts dirt without scrubbing — and works on everything from cushions to car interiors.

Tuff Stuff takes a different approach: a thick foam that clings to vertical cushion sides and lifts dirt without aggressive scrubbing. The 3-pack gives you 66 total ounces, making it a strong value if you clean multiple surfaces. Owners use it on outdoor furniture, car interiors, curtains, and even rugs. The foam rinses clean with no residue and no harsh odor, and it helps restore true color to faded fabric.

The catch is that it is an all-purpose cleaner, not a dedicated mildew remover. For black mold on cushions that have been wet for months, you will likely need the Marine 31 spray. This is best for routine dirt, pollen, and moderate stains.

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The spray that makes 10-year-old mildew-stained cushions look brand new in 20 minutes.

POFL is designed for the worst-case scenario — cushions that have sat through seasons of rain and mold. The formula requires no pressure washing and minimal scrubbing. Owners describe spraying it on old, tan sectional cushions that had mildew and dirt, and watching them return to near-new condition. Even 10-year-old cushions cleaned up with one bottle. Another owner in southwest Florida with off-white cushions that “inevitably turn black in spots” called it one of the best Amazon purchases they had ever made, saying it completely removes mildew.

The formula has a bleach-like smell, and there are scattered reports of discoloration on very light fabrics. Test on a hidden area first, especially with pale-colored cushions.

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Two bottles of the same top-rated formula for large projects or seasonal stock-up.

If you already know the Marine 31 spray works (and thousands of ratings confirm it does), the 2-pack saves you from reordering mid-project. It is the same 20-ounce spray bottles and the same fast-acting formula — spray on, wait 1 to 3 minutes, agitate, rinse. Owners use it on pontoon boat seats, awnings, and patio cushions, and consistently call it “the best” mildew stain remover they have tried. The formula works on vinyl, fiberglass, gel coat, and canopies without abrasive scrubbing.

The packaging has room for improvement. Some buyers reported cracked spray tops and leakage during shipping, so inspect the bottles on arrival. The strong bleach-like smell also means you will want to wear old clothes — one owner noted their husband stained his shorts.