How can I eliminate mold and mildew on patio chairs and cushions before storing them?
Given the chance, those unsightly stains will only multiply, especially if you store your furniture in dark, poorly ventilated areas, such as a basement or a shed. But mold and mildew are easy to remove. Using a utility brush and a solution of 1/2 cup oxygen bleach to 5 gallons warm water, give the surface a firm scrub. Even if stains aren’t visible, you should wipe down the furniture because bacteria will breed in the dirt and body oils left behind at the end of the season. Organic materials, including the cotton blends used to cover some chair cushions, are particularly vulnerable; in fact, even small traces of mold and mildew will eat away at the fabric, leaving you with a holey mess.
