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How to Waterproof Fabric at Home
- 1). Remove the fabric covering from your cushions, if possible. Bundle up outdoor awnings and tapestries as well. Toss them into your washer with a cup of mild dish liquid to remove dirt or grime. If the items are too big or shouldn't be machine washed, vacuum them thoroughly with a hand-held vacuum. Fill a large plastic tub with warm water and soak the items for two or three hours.
- 2). Squeeze out your fabric items and hang them on a clothesline, securing them with clothespins. Sun on an outdoor line dries items faster, but if it looks like rain or you have a lot of birds and squirrels, use an indoor line. Let the items dry completely.
- 3). Spread your items out on a clean, flat space where they won't be disturbed. A finished basement or a covered porch works well. Open the windows if working in an enclosed area; ventilation is very important.
- 4). Hold your sealer about 4 inches from the fabric and spray in a steady stream, moving the bottle from one end of the pieces to the other. Start at the seams, coating them thoroughly, and move horizontally across each piece. Allow the spray to dry overnight. Apply a second coat, moving vertically this time. Repeat on the other side of each piece. Re-coat annually. Your items should remain mold-free.
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