March 2021

The days are growing longer, the temperatures are inching higher, and the flowers are blooming—spring is officially here! That also means it’s patio cushion cleaning time! After a long, cold winter, getting outside, soaking up the sun, and breathing in some fresh air is good for the mind, body, and soul. However, in order to enjoy your patio, a bit of prep work is likely involved. Your outdoor furniture may be looking somewhat the worse for wear after being in heavy usage the last warm season. But there’s no need to worry about putting in the time and elbow grease to refreshing your cushions when you can count on a GreenEarth cleaner for your patio cushion cleaning needs (and do it expertly, might we add). If you’re a regular dry cleaning customer, you may know that your cleaner offers professional services for household items like bedding, curtains, and table linens. Patio cushions are so often overlooked, though. These pieces collect dirt, dust, pollen, and even mildew in some cases, and they beg for the same TLC given to your interior fabrics. Numerous GreenEarth Affiliates provide specialty cleaning for outdoor furniture, tackling any stains and odors without the use of harsh or harmful chemicals. The GreenEarth Cleaning process is made up of just one simple ingredient—pure liquid silicone, or essentially liquified sand. It’s non-toxic and non-hazardous, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sees no need to regulate its use. In fact, liquid silicone is the base ingredient in many of the shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and cosmetics we use every day. And it’s better for fabrics too. Unlike petrochemical solvents used traditionally in dry cleaning, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it doesn’t chemically react with textile fibers; it carries the detergent to fabrics and gently carries away soils. Items come back softer, brighter, and odor-free each and every time. When you entrust your patio cushion cleaning to a GreenEarth cleaner, you’re leaving them in the safest and most capable of hands. With the transformations we’ve seen over the years, we wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t even recognize your cushions after they’ve been cared for by the pros! Yeah, our Affiliates are that level of good. So, let’s get your patio ready for the warmer days ahead: search your nearest GreenEarth location here. Between cleanings at your local GreenEarth cleaner, there are a few things you can do yourself to maintain your outdoor furniture. Use covers when the furniture isn’t in use or if you’re expecting a heavy downpour. Should your cushions be left out in the rain by accident, shake or wipe off any excess water after it stops and give them time to air out. Make it a habit to sweep off any surface dirt and dust from cushions to keep them looking in better shape for longer. If a stain does occur, you can mix ¼ cup of mild liquid soap with 1 gallon of water. Work that solution into the spot using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, then rinse and pat dry. During the off-season, cushions are best stored in a cool and dry environment. Plastic bags shouldn’t be used, as they can trap moisture and cause mildew to develop. You can actually purchase special storage bags for your cushions that allow air to flow while keeping out dirt and pests.

It’s fair to say that 2020 and even 2021 so far have presented many complexities for the learning generation of today. Whether it’s a child taking their first steps into learning, or mature students starting a new career path.  Homeschooling and learning certainly have their place, but the consensus is that it is not a complete replacement for the ‘classroom’, especially as the transition happened so very quickly. At GreenEarth Cleaning, we’ve always made it our place to focus on the future generations as well as supporting the here and now.  If nothing else, we want everyone to know what ‘Sustainable Aftercare’ is as part of their growing up process, so that environmentally non-toxic alternatives are a “given”. This is why we will again be sponsoring the ‘Sustainability Award’ at the ‘Fashanne Awards’ 2021.  Fashanne is fronted by U.K. journalist and presenter Anne Davies and is considered to an awards program like no other. Connecting young designers with business, as industry leaders judge the work of finalists, drawn from hundreds of submissions made by university undergraduates from all over the U.K. The aim of these awards is, to be a platform for emerging talent, provide a viable route for employability, and engage with the very best designers of the future.  For the Sustainability category, GreenEarth will be looking for the submission that leaves no stone unturned when it comes to Sustainable designs, and for creative solutions that will lead to extending the life of the garment.  So often sustainable garments are a representation of sustainable production and giving guidance for end of life, but the ‘In use’ element can often be ignored. Pre-covid, I sat down with Anne to discuss our vision for the award for 2020; the same applies for 2021.  The main difference now is that there are lots of voices asking for a ‘Green Recovery’ for the economy following the pandemic.  Take a look at the clip here. It’s great to have the opportunity once more to engage with people who are just about to embark on their careers, which is why GreenEarth Cleaning is delighted to sponsor the ‘Sustainability Award’ for 2021. If you’re a university undergraduate with a passion for sustainable fashion, visit their website here.