How to wash chair cushions

Can you wash foam cushions?

Most of our latex foam cushions are machine washable! This includes most of our dining chair pads, rocking chair cushions, travel pillows, and bar stool cushions. Keep reading below for instructions on how to wash foam cushions in the washing machine.

Most cushions made by other brands are not machine washable, and a few of our Barnett brand cushions covered with tapestry fabrics or other delicate fabrics require spot clean or hand wash. Please check the care label sewn into your cushions to see If your label indicates that your cushion is machine washable, spot clean, hand wash, or indoor/outdoor.

Please follow these care instructions when machine washing your chair pads:

How to wash chair pads in the washing machine

Balance your washing machine before washing.
Latex foam fill will become very heavy when wet, do not overload your washer.
Wash with like colors.
Wash in cool water.
Wash on gentle cycle.
Use a gentle detergent such as Woolite or Allergy Free Sensitive Skin laundry detergent. Do not use brighteners, bleach, or "color safe" bleach.
See Stain Remover section below for warnings about stain removal products.
See Alternative Cleaners section below for warnings about using cleaning agents other than laundry detergent.

Drying Instructions

DO NOT dry foam cushions in the dryer, it will degrade the foam.
If the cushions are dripping wet when they come out of the washing machine, use your hands to press or squeeze any excess water out of the foam before drying.
For faster drying, air dry outside. To avoid fading, do not dry in direct sun, (unless your item is labeled "Indoor/Outdoor").
For best results, dry on a rack or hang on a line.
Allow 24 hours or more to dry completely.
You may dry in a well-ventilated area indoors, but allow additional time for drying.
Turn the cushion periodically as it dries.
When the cushion is almost dry, you may fluff the cushion in the dryer on a "no heat" setting. (Do not attempt this if your dryer gets warm on the "no heat" setting.)

Cushion Care Warnings

To protect delicate woven fabrics, do not machine wash cushions covered in tapestry fabrics such as the Woodlands Collection. Tapestry fabrics are Spot Clean. Brisbane Collection cushions are Hand Wash or Spot Clean.
Dry heat will cause the latex fill to degrade. Do not dry your cushion in the clothes dryer. Do not expose your cushions to strong sources of dry heat such as hot desert air, wood burning stoves, or open flames.
See Stain Remover section below for warnings about stain removal products
We will be unable to issue a refund or replacement if the item is damaged due to failure to follow care instructions.

How to remove stains for Latex Foam Cushions

CAUTION: Any stain remover treatment could potentially cause fading, or discoloration. Some stain remover treatments may leave residue. We recommend testing on an inconspicuous area or on a fabric swatch before attempting stain removal with any stain removal technique, including natural methods.

What kind of Stain Removal Treatment can I use on latex foam cushions?

To preserve the latex foam against degrading, we recommend spot treating the stain with a gentle natural stain remover, then rinsing with cool water, then machine washing according to the instructions above. To reduce the chance of discoloring, bleaching, or whitening the area to be spot cleaned, do not allow the stain remover to sit on the stain for much longer than the time it takes to moisten the stain and remove any debris.

Recipe for gentle natural stain remover safe to use on latex foam cushions

1-2 parts oxygen cleaner such as OxyClean or hydrogen peroxide
1 part dish soap such as Dawn
1 part baking soda or kosher salt

What Alternative Cleaners are safe to use on latex foam cushions?

The following are safe to use on latex foam cushions for washing or stain removal; test first as they may cause fading or discoloration of fabric:

Oxygen Cleaner such as OxyClean (our preferred stain treatment for latex foam, good for food, perspiration, and blood)
Hydrogen Peroxide (dilute, rinse quickly, may bleach)
Isopropyl Alcohol (good for ink or adhesive residue)
Dish Washing Liquid
Baking Soda
Table Salt or Kosher Salt
Borax (good for urine or to mix with other cleaners)
White Vinegar (dilute, rinse well, do not use frequently)

Other stain remover treatments to be used with caution as they may degrade the foam. Never use bleach.

Is it safe to use enzyme cleaners on latex foam cushions?

Enzyme cleaners are best for cleaning urine or vomit and may be used to spot treat stains on latex foam cushions. Enzyme cleaners may bleach, whiten, or discolor fabrics, test on an inconspicuous area or fabric swatch first. It is important to quickly and thoroughly rinse the enzyme cleaner so that it does not degrade the foam. Cushions should go in the washing machine after being cleaned with enzyme cleaner to completely remove the enzymes from the foam. Follow care instructions for machine washable cushions above after spot treating.

Recipe for gentle natural enzyme cleaner

2 cups citrus skins, can include the rinds and some seeds or pulp leftover after juicing (lemon, orange, tangerine, grapefruit, lime, etc)
1/2 cup brown sugar or raw cane sugar
1 tsp yeast
4 1/4 cups water

Shake all ingredients in a tightly sealed container to blend. Allow all ingredients to ferment in a loosely covered container for 2 weeks. Strain off liquid to separate and reserve liquid and pulp. Use liquid undiluted as a spot treatment for stains. Liquid can be diluted with water and used as a multipurpose cleanser. Pulp can be pulverized in a blender or food processor then mixed with kosher salt or baking soda to be used as a cleaning scrub.

Hand Wash Care Instructions

Vacuum with extension wand if soiled with loose dirt or crumbs; do not use brush heads. Mix a solution of cold water with dishwashing liquid or gentle laundry detergent; hydrogen peroxide or oxygen cleaner can be added if heavily soiled. Apply a cleaning solution by blotting with clean cloth or white paper towel, or spraying with a spray bottle, or immersing in a tub of cool soapy water. Do not scrub, rub or brush. Rinse off cleaning solution with a cloth or paper towel moistened with clear cool water, or immerse or spray with clear cool water. If saturated, press or squeeze out excess water by hand. Air dry on the line or on a wrack. Allow +24 hours to dry completely. Do not use dryer or expose to strong sources of direct heat, this will degrade the foam.

Spot Clean Instructions

Vacuum with extension wand if soiled with loose dirt or crumbs; do not use brush heads. Mix a solution of cold water with gentle dishwashing liquid or gentle laundry detergent. Apply a cleaning solution by blotting with clean cloth or white paper towel, or spraying with a spray bottle. Do not scrub, rub or brush. To rinse, dab with a cloth or paper towel moistened with clear cool water. Then dab with dry white paper towel or clean dry cloth to absorb moisture. Finish by allowing to air dry; do not use dryer or expose to strong sources of direct heat, this will degrade the foam.