How to Clean a Papasan Cushion

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Remove stains and odors with these simple care tips
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With regular use, your papasan chair cushion can gather dirt, grime, and unpleasant odors. Luckily, it’s easy to wash the cushion at home in your bathtub with a bit of laundry detergent and elbow grease. In this article, we’ll also share other ways to clean the cushion if you don’t want to get your hands dirty and cover how to get rid of stains and odors with expert advice from cleaning specialist Elias Weston. Read on to learn how to clean a papasan chair cushion and keep it in great condition for years to come.

Washing a Papasan Chair Cushion

Vacuum the cushion. Then, soak it in a tub of lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes. Drain the tub, refill it with water, and add a splash of laundry detergent. Let the cushion soak and then step on it to agitate and clean it. Rinse out the cushion in fresh water and let it air dry in front of a fan.

Section 1 of 4:

Hand Washing a Papasan Chair Cushion

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  1. Place an upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, use it to vacuum up dirt, hair, crumbs, and other debris on the front and back of the cushion. [1]
    • Pay special attention to any crevices and folds to remove as much dirt as possible. Just use a thin nozzle vacuum attachment to get into the nooks and crannies.
    • If you have a cover on your cushion, remove it before vacuuming the cushion. Then, wash the cover according to the instructions on its care tag.
    • Ask a friend to help you clean your papasan cushion. The cushion can be heavy and hard to manage when it’s wet, so having someone help you can make the job easier.
    • Note : Check the care tag on the cushion before washing it. If the tag says not to hand wash it or get it wet, take it to a dry cleaner to get it cleaned.
  2. Fill your bathtub about ⅓ or ½ full with lukewarm water. Then, insert the cushion and push it down in the water so it’s fully submerged. Just let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
    • If you don’t have a bathtub, soak the cushion in a large container or a kiddie pool.
    • Soaking the cushion in water releases dirt and grime. As your cushion soaks, the water might turn brown or gray.
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  3. Step on the cushion with your feet or press down on it with your hands. This moves the water in and out of the cushion to help remove more dirt and grime. After a few minutes of agitating the cushion, drain the tub to remove all of the dirty water.
    • Flip the cushion once or twice as you agitate it so both sides are cleaned.
  4. Fill the tub with lukewarm water and some mild laundry detergent . With the cushion still in the tub, refill the bathtub with lukewarm water. Then, pour in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of a mild laundry detergent. Swirl around the water with your hands to help mix the water and detergent. [2]
    • Adding laundry detergent to the water helps lift more dirt, grime, and odors than just plain water.
    • Pour a few drops of detergent directly onto any dirty or stained spots on the cushion. Then, rub the detergent into the cushion with your hands or a cloth.
  5. Leave the cushion submerged in the soapy water to release built-up dirt and grime. Then, step on the cushion with your feet or squish it with your hands to get the soap deep inside the cushion. Just agitate the cushion for about 5 minutes. [3]
    • Flip the cushion once or twice to clean the whole cushion.
  6. Step on the cushion as you drain the tub to remove as much dirty, soapy water as possible. Then, fill the tub back up with lukewarm water. Step and press on the cushion to rinse out the soap and any leftover dirt. [4]
  7. Drain all of the water from the tub. Then, spend a few minutes stepping on the cushion to squish out as much excess water as possible; this helps your cushion dry faster. [5]
    • Do not twist or contort the cushion, as this can damage the filling and fabric.
    • Note : Rinse out the cushion a few times if it’s still full of soapy residue and grime. Simply refill the tub and step on the cushion until no more soap comes out of it and the water stays relatively clear.
  8. Take the cushion out of the tub and prop it up to allow air to flow over it on all sides. For instance, drape it over your porch railing, place it on a clothes drying rack, or hang it over the backs of a few chairs. Then, set 1 to 2 fans in front of the cushion to help it dry faster. [6]
    • Dry your cushion indoors or outdoors in a well-ventilated area. If you’re drying it outside, keep it out of direct light so it doesn’t fade.
    • Flip the cushion over several times to ensure both sides dry completely.
    • It can take several hours to days for your papasan chair cushion to dry. Do not use the cushion until it’s completely dry, as a wet cushion can encourage mold and bacteria to grow.
    • Alternatively, dry the cushion on top of several towels. Just replace the towels whenever they get wet from absorbing water.
    • To test if the cushion is still wet, place a few paper towels over the chair and then step on them. If the paper towels get wet, then the cushion still needs to dry.
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Section 2 of 4:

Steam-Cleaning or Machine-Washing a Papasan Chair Cushion

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  1. Go over the papasan chair cushion with a steam cleaner . To steam clean upholstery , cleaning specialist Elias Weston says to put a small fabric attachment on the steamer. Then, he recommends you “prepare the steam cleaner according to the model’s instructions” by “pouring water and soap into the machine.” Simply drag the fabric attachment over the cushion using quick, overlapping strokes to ensure you clean the entire surface.
    • Vacuum and precondition the cushion with a soil emulsifier before steaming it. The pre-conditioner helps the steamer lift off more dirt and grime. [7]
    • Let the cushion air dry in a well-ventilated spot outdoors or inside. Drape it over a railing or drying rack and set a fan in front of it to help it dry faster.
    • Weston says steam cleaning “not only removes dirt and stains, but it also sterilizes surfaces and eliminates germs, allergens, mites, and bed bugs.”
    • Note : Read the care tag on the cushion to ensure it’s safe to steam clean or get wet. If it isn’t, get it professionally dry-cleaned.
  2. If you don’t want to hand wash or steam the cushion, clean it in a washing machine with a large drum. Simply choose a delicate washing cycle using cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild laundry detergent . [8]
    • Most laundromats have large-capacity washing machines if you don’t have one at home.
    • Either air dry the cushion or place it in a large-capacity dryer to dry on low heat.
    • Note : Check the care label on the cushion to see if it’s safe to machine wash or get wet. If it isn’t, take it to a dry cleaner.
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Section 3 of 4:

Treating Stains and Odors on a Papasan Chair Cushion

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  1. To remove tough, dried-on stains, Weston recommends blotting the spot with cold water. Then, make a paste by mixing “½ cup [136 g] of baking soda with ¼ cup [59 ml] of liquid dish soap and 4 cups [1 L] of water.” Dip a clean cloth into the mixture and soak the stain. Simply “take another clean, dry cloth and blot the area to lift the stain from the upholstery.”
    • Weston says to “alternate between saturating the area with the baking soda solution and blotting with the clean cloth until the stain is gone.”
    • Alternatively, use a commercial upholstery stain remover to treat the stain.
    • Note : Test the mixture (and any other cleaners) on a hidden part of the cushion to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage the material before applying it all over.
  2. Remove pet stains and odors with an enzyme-based cleaner . Enzymatic cleaners remove protein-based stains like urine and blood. [9] Simply follow the instructions on the bottle to apply the cleaner, which typically involves spraying the stain, letting it sit, and then blotting it with a towel. [10]
  3. Baking soda naturally lifts and neutralizes odors. If your cushion is smelling funky, sprinkle on an even layer of baking soda. Let the baking soda sit overnight and then vacuum it up with an upholstery attachment. [11]
  4. Spray the cushion with fabric spray to add a pleasant scent. To freshen up your papasan chair cushion, spritz it with a fabric spray in your favorite scent. Many fabric sprays also help get rid of unpleasant odors. [12]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Keep a Papasan Chair Cushion in Good Condition

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  1. To keep your papasan chair cushion dirt-free and smelling fresh, vacuum it regularly. Just use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to remove dirt, hair, and other debris that accumulated over the week. [13]
  2. Cover the cushion with a slipcover . Placing a slipcover over your papasan chair cushion helps protect it from dirt, stains, and general wear and tear. Simply choose a fabric and design you like and then pull the cover over the cushion. [14]
    • Wash the slipcover every few weeks to keep it in good condition, too.
    • It’s easy to make your own slipcover for your papasan chair cushion, if you prefer.
  3. Blot fresh stains and spills with a clean cloth. Then, apply a homemade stain remover or commercial product on the spot. Let it soak into the stain and then dab it with a clean cloth. [15]
    • For instance, treat stains with a mixture of baking soda, dish soap, and water. Or, spray pet-based stains with an enzymatic cleaner.
  4. A papasan chair cushion can get saggy or out of balance if you keep sitting in the same spot. To keep the cushion in great condition, take a moment to rotate and flip over the cushion every 2 to 3 weeks. Then, shake and fluff it for maximum comfort.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use a dryer to dry cushions?
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Raymond Chiu is the owner of Maid Sailors Cleaning Service, offering affordable residential and office cleaning services. Since its founding in 2014 in New York City, Maid Sailors has expanded to several cities, including Boston, Chicago, and Austin. The company has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and best cleaning services in the industry.
    Raymond Chiu
    House Cleaning Professional
    Expert Answer
    You should avoid using a clothes dryer to dry cushions unless the label specifically says it’s safe to do so. Always start by reading the care label on your cushions—it’s there to give you the best guidance for cleaning and drying without damaging the fabric or filling. If the label says you can machine dry, use the lowest heat setting and add dryer balls to help keep the fluff on your cushions. Also, most cushions have stuffing that can shrink or get messed up with heat. That’s why it’s usually better to let them air dry. If you can, leave them outside in the sun so they dry completely. Doing this helps to stop mold or any weird smells from growing.
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  • Question
    If my dryer is big enough, can I just put it in the dryer after washing?
    Community Answer
    No, it's not a good idea. It could ruin the fabric and the shape of it. Try air drying it.
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      Tips

      • Check the care label on your papasan chair cushion before washing it. The care label tells you the safest way to clean the cushion.
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      • Always test cleaners and stain removers on a small, hidden part of the cushion first to see if they harm the cushion.
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      Warnings

      • Not letting the cushion dry completely can increase the risk of mold and bacteria growing inside it. If mold does grow, throw out the cushion and get a new one. Mold can irritate your lungs, eyes, and skin and cause an allergic reaction in some people. [16]
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      Things You'll Need

      Hand Washing a Papasan Chair Cushion

      Steam-Cleaning or Machine-Washing a Papasan Chair Cushion

      Treating Stains and Odors on a Papasan Chair Cushion

      Maintaining a Papasan Chair Cushion

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning furniture, check out our in-depth interview with Raymond Chiu .

      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/wNtbeyQ1P-g?si=87FV4Vkdd5ID1ijn&t=90
      2. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-7095970
      3. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-7095970
      4. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-7095970
      5. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-7095970
      6. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-clean-couch-cushions-7095970
      7. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/how-to-steam-clean-a-couch-8559169
      8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/in-the-home/how-to-clean-a-couch-and-cushions-at-home.html
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-urine-stains/
      1. ↑ https://indoorpet.osu.edu/cats/problemsolving/cleanupurine
      2. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/in-the-home/how-to-clean-a-couch-and-cushions-at-home.html
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/U85zCVVunfg?si=Q3tyefq6POHydJa2&t=41
      4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/in-the-home/how-to-clean-a-couch-and-cushions-at-home.html
      5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/in-the-home/how-to-clean-a-couch-and-cushions-at-home.html
      6. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/za/in-the-home/how-to-clean-a-couch-and-cushions-at-home.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/mold-health/about/index.html

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