The traditional cotton cover with a urethane foam filler is not the best option for cushions exposed to the elements. They instantly brighten your outdoor space and keep you cozy for hours of primetime lounging. Protection is Key. Hauling them in and out feels like a Herculean effort. This minimizes the chance of any water entering the cushion through that vulnerable area. We hope you will experience #TheOuterDifference for yourself. A waterproof filler will also help. It just makes sense!” We think so too and have a patent pending on this design. Best Way to Store Outdoor Cushions If the cushions have removable covers, take them off and launder them, with a little bleach if the label allows, to kill mildew. Spray it on the dirty spot and, depending on how soiled it is, you can let it sit for a couple minutes or just go right into scrubbing. There's a superstition that says getting pooped on is a sign of good fortune. Most patio furniture cushion covers are removable. In summary: Patio cushions should be cleaned before they are put in storage. While you are outside with your spray paint, check out how you can spray paint your outdoor cushions here. We tuck our cushions under the roof overhang as much as possible but they still tend to get a lot of exposure to the elements. Keeping Outdoor Cushions Dry and Clean Is Now Easier Than Ever. It feels fitting to start this post with: Why didn’t anyone think of this before? This allows gravity to pull the moisture out, speeding up dry time. Air drying is one option to consider, especially if you live in a hot, dry climate. “It's like the first time someone put wheels on luggage. This will save you from having mildew and mold grow in your cushions. We wanted to make something different, something that would survive weather, birds, tree sap, and everything in between. If you do use a tarp, make sure it's tied down securely and leave a gap at the bottom to promote circulation. So in order to keep our furniture from getting destroyed, I’ve done a couple of things. These small but mighty feats of design innovation have transformed how we approach outdoor living. Don't wrap them tightly in plastic as this may encourage mold and mildew, if there is any moisture left in them. It's also stain-resistant and easy to wipe down, after it’s taken one too many for the team. So today I have a tip for you about one thing I do to help protect our outdoor deck cushions so that they will last for years (or, at least, for a few seasons), despite all the sun and rain they face. He was a journalist and photographer for "The New York Waste" magazine for a decade. Your cushions can last for years instead of months if you pay extra attention when choosing them -- and you get into the habit of taking some easy steps to maintain them. The easiest and simplest thing that you can do to keep all your outdoor cushions looking good for a long time, is to simply cover them up when not in use. Weatherproof your cushions with a waterproof silicone spray to help protect them from mold and mildew. Alternate the chair that you leave on top of the so that one cushion does not become more weather-beaten than the others. Here we reveal some of the biggest inhibitors to enjoying mornings, afternoons, and nights on the patio—and how the OuterShell™ makes them an issue no more. bird poop, or anything else that falls from the sky. However, you may not find this solution aesthetically pleasing. A full wash or hose-down may be excessive for a small stain, this is where stain removal comes in. Even if you keep your outdoor cushions spick and span, accidents do happen. Storing, protecting, and moving, handled. Caring for your outdoor cushions will lengthen their life. Remove as much of the water as you are able. On the other hand, if you live somewhere that’s cold, wet, or humid, this may take a … Look into storage bags specifically created for outdoor patio cushions to resist mildew growth, and keep out debris and pests. An easy way to … Apply waterproofing spray if your cushions did not come with a weatherproof coating and after you have washed them. Then stand the cushion up on its end, preferably in the sun, or peg to a clothesline to air dry. Simply unroll the evening before, and roll back up when you’re ready to sit down. Let them dry completely in the sun. It had to happen. This will be the first winter but I expect the cushion will be dry even with snow. If you see grime on your cushions, follow these simple steps, and you’ll have your all-weather outdoor cushions looking as good as new. Place a thick towel on top of your cushions to absorb excess … Manufacturers in the outdoor furniture world have found that an open cell foam (reticulated foam) does not hold water. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Garden Furniture: Tips on How to Weatherproof and Clean Your Outdoor Cushions, Online Encyclopedia: Care and Maintenance of Outdoor Patio Furniture Cushions, Home Furniture Space: Outdoor Furniture Cushions, Sunbrella: Outdoor Furniture Care & Cleaning. If they are you can periodically wash the cushion covers in cold water using a mild detergent. Choose a spray specifically made for your cushion's material. … It is important to let your cushions throughly dry out to prevent mildew! Sparkes has a diploma of art and design and a Bachelor of Arts in history of art from the South-East Essex School of Art. Care must be taken when … Storage Bag: Storage bags are essential for any outdoor furniture cushions you might be storing for the season. Step 3: Scrub the Cushions. Keep the cushions off the ground and in a dry environment that doesn't get too hot or too cold. Place the cushions with the zipper or buttons facing downward when using them on your furniture. Make sure the cushions fully dry before you use them again. The reticulated foam is then wrapped with fused polyester fibers for an extra soft sit. Apply waterproofing spray if your cushions did not come with a weatherproof coating and after you have … The cedar balls are a moth and bug deterrent, and will leave the cushions smelling fresh when you use them again. To keep your outdoor furniture lasting a long time, store everything either in a shed, dry storage space, under a tarp or indoors. Cover the cushions with clear plastic to keep them completely free of moisture. Most outdoor cushions are … Keep the … Spray the cushions thoroughly outdoors to avoid inhaling the fumes. I tied the bag shut and placed the wrapped foam cushion back in the pillow covers (from Ikea). In offseasons, ensure cushions are stored appropriately. Apply the cleaning solution to the cushions using a hard-bristle … How to Prevent Mold on Patio Chair Cushions. Why didn’t anyone think about this before? Materials like vinyl, polyacrylics and fabrics specially designed for outdoor use can have the appearance of more traditional fabrics, but stand up better to unfavorable weather conditions. You can also choose to store them away in a safe dry place if you have long cold winters and won't be … The OuterShell™ takes one for the team and protects cushions from anything that could leave a mark. You’re going to love your outdoor cushions. Once the top of the cushion is dry, flip it over to let the bottom dry. Remove the filler from the cushions first. Once dry, wrap the cushions in a fabric bag or put them in an airtight container. You will need to be careful with the cushions outside because water can still enter through the zip. Rather, water flows through which allows the cushion to dry faster. Either for seasons or temporary storms, it’s best to move cushions inside if extreme weather is blowing through your neighborhood. One of our friends who first saw the design summed it up perfectly. If it continues to stay damp outside, bring your cushions inside and use a blow dryer to dry them all the way through. Why is that? Cleaning your cushions after a season of use and before you store them will help keep the dirt from setting in, and will make spring time prep even easier! Choose a spray specifically made for your cushion's material. Keep outdoor cushions clean Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Your toddler might spill some juice or a magpie may relieve itself as it swoops overhead. The OuterShell™ easily unrolls and attaches to the bottom portion of the cushion, creating a briefcase-like contraption. It turns out plastic trash bags are a great resource to keep the foam cushions dry. Step 3 - Plastic Cushion Cover. If you leave your outdoor cushions at the mercy of the elements without doing anything to protect them from the rain, wind and snow, they probably will last only a couple of summer seasons before requiring replacement. We wanted to change that. This doesn’t apply to outdoor furniture. Put them in an air-tight container and place some cedar balls inside. A. And the best part about a light colored outdoor sofa is the sun is your friend! Once the cushions are clean and dry in the bag, place them in a bin or other storage area. It has held up to rain. Steve Sparkes started writing professionally in 1982. From there I unzipped the pillow covers and tucked the foam cushions into a plastic bag. Bins: Bins are a great way to store outdoor furniture cushions, rugs, and other small items. If you need to dry the cushion inside, ensure it is in front of a fan. Rinse off with a hose or wet towel. Those stayed on the entire winter and kept the furniture, cushions, and outdoor pillows dry. If you do not have indoor space, stack the furniture if it is a stackable variety. He also has a Master of Arts in photography from the London School of Printing and Graphic Arts. And because our cushions are covered in washable, easy-care Sunbrella® or yarn-dyed woven acrylic, you can have your fun in the sun without worrying about life’s little messes. While lovely in theory, fresh morning dew means no morning coffee outside—which is the perfect way to start the day. Clean your cushions regularly with a cleaner that helps keep the fabric free of mold and mildew. When we started out, we knew we didn't want to just design something stylish. Buy iron-on vinyl to cover your cushions if you want a more permanent solution. One of the best ways to keep your bench cushions dry is to cover them in plastic, much as some people do to protect their indoor furniture.