Last Updated on March 14, 2023 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Learning how to clean foam cushions from a camper can be a real challenge. Most modern campers and RVs are luxurious homes on wheels full of all the conveniences necessary for everyday living.
Couches, chairs, recliners, and beds are just a few of the pieces of furniture included in campers. Most of the couches and chairs will usually have cushions made of foam. From time to time, these cushions will need a good cleaning which beckons the question of how to clean foam cushions from a camper.
If this is the boat that you’re in, then you’ve come to the right place. Learning how to clean foam cushions from a camper isn’t as difficult as you might think. In fact, you probably have all the products and items necessary to do it in your stock of cleaning supplies. In this article, I’ll explain how to clean the cover of the cushion as well as its foam interior.
How to Clean the Outer Cover of the Cushion
Cleaning the outer cover of the RV cushion is simple and straightforward when you’re learning how to clean foam cushions from a camper. To start with, you need to detach the cushion from the couch or chair that it’s connected to. Camper cushions are usually fastened with a velcro strap that easily pulls away from whatever furniture it’s connected to.
Next, you’ll want to pull the foam piece or pieces out of the cover and separate them. The cover and the foam will each need different cleaning methods and products, so you don’t want to wash them together.
With the foam and the cover separated, you now have access to the outer cover to wash it separately from the foam. Your cushion cover should have care instructions on the label telling you how to wash it. Normally, you can throw it into a washing machine and wash it with whatever detergent you usually use. The label will likely specify whether or not you should use hot or cold water, however, so make sure to consult it.
Once the cover or covers are washed and good to go, it’s time to dry them. You can either set them out on a clothesline to let them dry in the sunshine or you can toss them in the dryer. If you do decide to use the dryer option, make sure to put it on the lowest heat setting so that you don’t shrink the cover. If you leave it on high or medium heat, you’ll likely find that the foam doesn’t fit back into the cover when you’re done drying it.
Additionally, if your cushion covers are extra stained, you might need to use bleach or a similar cleaning agent while washing them. It’s a good idea to try washing it first without using bleach and only add it if a regular washing doesn’t get the job done. If you must add bleach, make sure it’s just a pinch, as too much bleach can make the problem worse rather than fix it.
How to Clean the Foam Itself
Cleaning the foam portion of the cushion is a much more delicate process than cleaning the cover. The foam of the cushion can consist of one solid piece, several solid pieces, or many tiny pieces of foam. Most commonly, however, one solid piece of foam is used in camper cushions. Luckily, it’s much easier to clean one large piece than many smaller pieces.
The first thing you’ll want to do is gather the following items:
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Water
- A spray bottle
Once you have all the necessary items, it’s time to begin. Keep in mind that it’s tough to get stains out of the foam, so the goal here is to get rid of any smells or odors that might have accumulated on your foam.
After you’ve gathered the items and while the cushion cover is in the washing machine or dryer, take the foam portion outside and set it in the sunshine. Take the baking soda and sprinkle a small handful on one side of the cushion. Let it sit there for a few hours so that the baking soda can sink into the foam and work its magic.
Once it’s had time to sit for a while, go back outside and clean the baking soda off of the cushion. Flip the foam over and repeat the same process on the opposite side. After it’s sat in the sun for the same amount of time, clean the baking soda off the foam to continue. You’ll want to make sure that it’s completely clean before continuing to the next step.
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water into a spray bottle and spray both sides of it with a light misting of the vinegar/water mixture. Let the foam sit outside until it’s dry, and flip it over as necessary to make sure both sides get dried. And there you have it, how to clean the foam cushions in your camper.
How to Clean Foam Cushions From a Camper – Final Thoughts
Cleaning the foam cushions in your camper isn’t overly complicated. It simply takes a little time to do it right. You should clean your cushions at least once a year or as needed if you spill or dump something onto them. If you spill food or a drink and it starts to stain your cushion, you must act quickly to keep it from being permanent.
Jalin's day job has been working as an HVAC professional but it's transitioning to full time writer and RVer.
- How Long Do RV Generators Last? 2024 Answer - October 29, 2022
- How Do RV Generators Work? 2024 Answer - October 28, 2022
- How Do You Attach an Awning to an RV? - October 16, 2022
