Keep your furniture cushions safe this summer by covering them with protective covers that will keep the fabric dry and help prevent mildew or sun-induced fade from developing on them. This will also prevent mildew growth or sun fading that could occur over time.
Select performance fabrics designed specifically to withstand outdoor conditions like dew drops and rain. These fibers have been developed specifically to withstand life outdoors.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
One of the primary customer concerns we hear involves mildew growth on outdoor pillows and seat cushions. Too often shoppers purchase beautiful furniture only to be disappointed to discover mildew has taken root within months after buying it. Moisture is often the source of mildew formation; making sure cushions are completely dry before storage can help prevent mold and mildew growth.
Weatherproof your old or new cushions by applying a waterproof spray or sealant according to manufacturer instructions and in a well-ventilated area. Allow fabric that has been cleaned before applying the protection in direct sunlight so that its pores absorb it completely.
Pros and Cons of Waterproof Patio Cushions
Customers typically prefer olefin fabric as an economical, durable and moisture resistant material for their outdoor furniture cushions because it resists UV damage better than materials like Sunbrella; however, prolonged sunlight exposure may stain or discolor it over time, potentially becoming discolored over time.
Acrylic linen fabric is another great option, made of dyed woven acrylic fibers dyed during its manufacturing process and guaranteed not to fade over time or with regular cleanings. Breathable and soft like cotton linen, yet moisture resistant with up to 1,000 hours of UV exposure before showing signs of fading; additionally it resists crushing.
Texteline
Conventional seat cushions designed for use with outdoor furniture often suffer from an unpleasant condition upon exposure to moisture: their filler materials remain wet for too long after becoming wet from weather conditions, rendering these cushions unusable and possibly leading to mildewing action in their filling materials. Numerous attempts have been made to address these challenges but with limited success.
An innovative waterproof cushion is provided, featuring two side layers composed of plastic coated open weave woven fabric material attached along their peripherally extending edge regions to form an interior space between them containing filler material throughout its entirety. In addition, a thin interlayer consisting of water impervious material is placed over this woven side layer and adhered with heat bonding technology to bind with it securely.
One advantage of the new and improved cushion of this invention is that, when its outer surface is wiped dry using light wiping pressure, water remaining within will likely return to rewet the inner surface of its interlayer and therefore considerably speed the drying of cushion filler material.
A second advantage of the new and improved cushion is that, by applying a small amount of liquid detergent to its woven side layer, its surface can be thoroughly cleansed of moisture deposits deposited from within. Furthermore, using water will cause its wicking action to draw any remaining moisture out from within its inner surfaces of the cushion cushion.
Sunbrella
Sunbrella fabric offers many advantages when used for waterproof cushions. Its waterproof properties stem from its unique thread structure that expands when exposed to liquid, thus preventing threads from absorbing it and becoming wet; this feature is particularly helpful in places with extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, this waterproof material doesn’t tend to mold or mildew growth and resists staining – ideal features when choosing outdoor cushions in harsh climate conditions.
Sunbrella fabric boasts superior fade resistance due to being made up of 100% solution-dyed acrylic textiles, unlike most fabrics which have their dye applied after weaving, increasing their susceptibility to sun and rain exposure and eventually fading over time.
Fabric lounge sets are also dirt-repellent, making stains and spills simple to wipe away with simple cleaning instructions. Just brush off loose dirt or wipe up liquid spills using a soft bristled toothbrush or sponge before applying mild cleaner using soft bristled blush or sponge, allow to soak, then rinse.
Sunbrella furniture may not be as breathable as Olefin materials, resulting in stiff and cold seating experiences for indoor-and-outdoor uses. Therefore, if possible, use multiple fabrics when purchasing outdoor furniture to avoid potential drawbacks of Sunbrella usage.
Cotton Canvas
When it comes to taking care in choosing materials and protecting outdoor cushions against adverse weather conditions, selecting those made from resilient and versatile materials such as polyurethane foam is paramount for lasting enjoyment of these versatile accessories. If done right, these outdoor cushions could last you for seasons!
Waterproof fabrics offer protection from rain, sleet and snow while offering a soft, comfortable seating experience. These waterproof materials are suitable for many forms of outdoor furniture ranging from chaise lounges and swings to chairs. When selecting waterproof cushion covers, factors like fabric type and thickness, stain resistance and colour fastness should all be taken into account.
Cotton and linen fabrics are well-known for their breathability, featuring moisture-wicking properties that help absorb and release sweat quickly, keeping you cool and comfortable. Many breathable cushions also boast hypoallergenic qualities making them suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities.
Contrary to traditional pillows, breathable options are designed to promote airflow and reduce allergen accumulation and unpleasant odors. Breathable cushions often feature open cell foam with perforated mesh covers to promote ventilation and minimize moisture retention and heat buildup risks. Furthermore, most lightweight breathable cushions are lightweight and easy to maintain; vacuuming them out and machine-washing are often the go-to solutions – ideal choices for households with children and pets!
No matter which cushion cover type you opt for, it is vitally important that spills and accidents are promptly cleaned up as soon as they happen to prevent stains or odors seeping into the cushion and leading to mold or mildew growth. Spot cleaners or mild detergent should be used as soon as possible after any spillage to ensure fabric remains safe to wash; or better still opt for waterproof fabrics with antimicrobial treatments which help inhibit bacterial growth and help guard against the formation of mildew growth.
Beanbag Fill
Fillings inside cushion seats have an enormous influence on their comfort. There are various choices for filling materials available, each offering their own advantages and disadvantages; popular options are polystyrene beads, shredded memory foam and microfiber or polyester fiberfill; however more natural fillers such as beans, rice, hay, buckwheat and sawdust may provide similar levels of comfort with much reduced environmental impacts.
Bean bag fill is created when manufacturers heat solid polystyrene beads in a specialized machine to expand them, while blowing agents like pentane or carbon dioxide then expand these expanded beads by filling them with air through blowing agents such as pentane or carbon dioxide vaporization and filling causing their expansion. As a result, lightweight and compact beads emerge that are both versatile and durable – ideal for outdoor seating as it resists spills, splashes, and light rainfall.
One advantage of this material is that it won’t mold or mildew, though its water resistance might not compare with that of other materials. Therefore, it may not be suitable for use near swimming pools unless treated with waterproofing chemicals beforehand.
Polystyrene offers many benefits when used for waterproof cushions; however, its downsides should not be overlooked. Notably, polystyrene does not biodegrade easily and its petroleum use raises environmental concerns. As a result of these drawbacks, efforts have been undertaken to find more sustainable alternatives derived from plant sources that offer similar comfort and support as polystyrene without its environmental implications – these materials typically need frequent replacement more frequently but can still be recycled or diverted from landfills and disposed of responsibly at facilities specialized for such matters.
