Guide to Glider Cushions

When deciding where to relax for a snooze or read a book the glider chair is often the first choice. From kids to teens to seniors the glider represents rest and a fun way for the generations to hang out together. Unfortunately, all that use causes the glider cushions to get damaged by spills or just too much wear. The glider chair cushions must either be replaced or cleaned, sometimes dry cleaned. Gliders come with attached cushions and detachable cushions.

There are indoor glider chairs and outdoor gliders. Naturally, the outdoor version unless under a roof of some type, will need to be cleaned and or replaced more frequently. There are many places online and offline where great colorful new glider cushions can be purchased. But, first you want to examine the cushions to determine if they just need cleaning or to be replaced. New fabrics and coverings manufactured for glider cushions are water repellant and can be cleaned easily.

Check out the cushions and see if they are attached to the chair or are removable.

Many outdoor cushion covers are made to resist mildew and stains. Mildew is caused by a combination of dirt and moisture on the surface of the cushion. To preserve outdoor glider cushions always take a sponge or cloth and wipe the moisture away from the cushion cover or fabric. Simply washing them down with water and placing them in the sun to dry will eliminate the mildew problem but this has to be done consistently. Stand the cushions on end to make sure the water drips off. There are commercial mildew removers you can use and using diluted bleach can be another simple option for mildew removal.

If you’d rather not go through repeated cleanings you can always remove the cushions and store them in a shed or indoor storage area when the chairs won’t be used.

When it comes to stains on outdoor glider cushions often just a quickly made solution of mild detergent and warm water will do the trick as well as a citrus type or oxygen based cleaner. You could also choose to mix Ivory Snow or Woolite with water to form a mild cleaner that wouldn’t harm the fabric. An alternative solution to prevent colors from fading easy is to use a diluted solution of pine cleaner and cold water. Simply take a sponge or paper towel and gently rub away the stain. Always rinse away the cleaner thoroughly with water and let the glider cushions air dry while standing on end.

Don’t attempt to put your outdoor glider cushions in your washer and dryer as the fabric was not made to withstand the harsh heated rolling and tumbling. They would come out misshapen or torn up. They might even shrink from being overheated.

If the glider chair is indoor furniture be careful with putting a bleach solution on a fabric made for indoors. It could easily discolor the area it’s applied to and ruin the cushion.

Try to spot clean and not go to the lengths of trying to remove the “stuffing” from within the cushion. Often these glider cushions are made to specifications and if you try to put the stuffing back into the cover it might be permanently misshapen.

Another way to go would be to use your rug shampooer with the attachment that would get into corners and crevices. You might consider renting one if you don’t currently own a shampooer.

* Tip: Manufacturers usually put stain and water resistant fabrics on indoor rocker glider cushions for easy care. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions to care for the cushion fabric. Not following their directions could result in loss of one or more cushions.

If the cushions are beyond repair or you want a fresh look, you’ll be happy to know there are endless fabrics, patterns and colors to choose from when buying your next set of glider cushions. Choices include solids, prints and stripes. Striped fabric always gives a classic look to any piece of furniture

Naturally you’ll make your buying choice based on whether the chair is indoor or and outdoor glider. Outdoor glider cushions will need to be sun-resistant. A popular sun-resistant fabric for cushions is “Sunbrella.” Other fabric choices for outdoor gliders are olefin, Outdura, polyester and acrylic.

If you peruse offline stores and check out the online cushion retailers and don’t find that perfect cushion to match the glider or your décor then consider having cushions custom-made. You can always find a glider cushion retailer that will custom-make cushions for you in whichever color or design you prefer. Make sure you correctly measure your glider for the correct size cushion! Made to order cushions can run typically from around $50 to $150 dollars for one cushion. That’s why it’s important you have all your measurements correct while deciding which fabric and design or color you prefer.

Make sure you choose a color or pattern that matches your room décor! It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for a new cushion forgetting that your favorite choice just doesn’t match with the theme or color scheme in the room.

Go to the search engines and look up the various online retailers who sell indoor and outdoor glider cushions. Take a little time to make your choice, get it home and enjoy your glider’s new fresh look!