Give your outdoor patio furniture extra comfort with weather-resistant cushions made of stain, fade and mildew-resistant material – they will ensure a cosy and beautiful seating arrangement in the garden!
Keep your outdoor seat cushions looking their best by regularly washing them down with the garden hose, and if stains persist you can also take measures such as taking off their covers and washing them separately in the laundry.
Fabric
Outdoor cushions should be built to withstand the elements. High-quality fabrics that are fade-resistant, mold and mildew resistant and chlorine safe will stand up well under regular usage and resist moisture damage from spilled drinks, food, sand or debris. Furthermore, some may feature waterproof coatings which further protect their foam interior.
One of the most widely used materials in outdoor furniture cushions is polyester. This inexpensive fabric comes in various colors and prints for maximum versatility in various applications like toss pillows, chair backs and seat cushion covers. Polyester also makes an attractive and light feel in outdoor woven cushions while remaining durable enough against sun and rain exposure.
Polypropylene (olefin) fabric is another tough and long-wearing choice that’s often found in outdoor furniture cushions. Made from plastic milk jugs and treated with the chemical melamine, olefin cushion fabric is more flexible than vinyl and can withstand sunbathing before it fades or begins to discolor over time. Unfortunately, however, its reduced absorption means it may become susceptible to mildew growth if left damp for extended periods.
Cotton canvas is an economical choice that can be dyed in any color to meet any color scheme, and has the added advantage of standing up well to the elements despite needing annual waterproofing treatment for protection from mold and mildew growth. However, direct sunlight exposure may cause it to heat up significantly, and is not compatible with chlorine cleaning solutions.
Sunbrella fabric provides an extravagant option when selecting outdoor cushion fabric, being the industry standard in this regard. Not only is it fade-resistant but its water repellent finish makes cleaning simple as well as being highly breathable to help keep the cushion cool in warm environments.
Fill
Your choice of fill for outdoor cushions will have a profound impact on how comfortable and long-lasting they will be. From foam to polyester and polyfill fills, all should be water repellant and mildew resistant to prevent mould growth on outdoor furniture cushions. While foam and polyester fills tend to be popular due to their durability, other materials could also prove suitable options.
Mould and mildew thrive in damp areas, making outdoor cushions susceptible to mould and mildew growth if they remain exposed for an extended period. Unhygienic spores that appear as green, grey or yellow patches with an unpleasant musty odour should be addressed quickly to stop their spread to other parts of your home. If your cushions become infested with these harmful microorganisms as soon as possible.
If your outdoor cushions feature waterproof coatings, protecting them from rain and dew isn’t a major concern. But fabric cushions without this protection need to be brought indoors when it rains – or used with waterproof protective covers as added safeguard.
Fabric choice for outdoor furniture cushions will have an impactful impact on how easy and time-consuming it is to find replacement cushions and maintain them. Polyester and solution-dyed acrylics/solution-dyed olefins are excellent fabrics that repel water while remaining mildew resistant and fade-resistant, not to mention being machine washable and coming in an array of colors and patterns for you to find something that matches the decor on your patio.
Textilene is a durable woven polyester yarn coated with PVC that’s also water-resistant, but can become hot in direct sunlight. Dacron can dry quickly to avoid mildew and mould growth; additionally, its elevated crown creates an elegant touch to any patio furniture set.
Design
Outdoor cushions add plush comfort and customizable style to hard patio furniture, while also helping reduce any musculoskeletal issues caused by sitting for extended periods on hard surfaces – for instance lumbar support pillows can reduce back strain. Selecting fabric and fill that lasts such as Sunbrella helps ensure long-lasting cushions.
Sunbrella fabric is composed of durable fibers designed to withstand sunlight, rain, humidity and salt air from coastal homes. Furthermore, this fabric resists mold and mildew growth for easier maintenance during long outdoor stays.
Protect your cushion for maximum longevity by spraying them with water-resistant protective spray, available at most fabric stores or department stores with notions. After spraying, allow them to dry completely before repeating this process as often as necessary.
One key way to ensure the long-term condition of outdoor cushions is regular washing. Wet cushions should be scrubbed clean with warm soapy water using a brush; for those covered in mildew or mould, more intensive methods may be required; white vinegar soaked into cushions will kill bacteria while deodorizing foam cushions is another effective approach to keep their foam fresh and fragrant.
Foam is an essential element of outdoor cushions and you have many thickness and density options to select from when making your decision. Polyurethane foam and polyester fiber foam are two popular choices found in outdoor cushions – they are affordable, lightweight and comfortable but don’t breathe as easily compared to other varieties.
Open cell foam provides a more breathable choice. Its open, porous structure allows moisture to pass through it quickly and easily, making drying quicker than other forms. Furthermore, open cell foam’s resistance to fungus and bacteria ensures your cushions remain fresher for longer.
Dryfast foam is another perfect choice for outdoor cushion applications, produced using a revolutionary process called Hydro-Blast Reticulation. Not only is it more eco-friendly than other foam types, but its load bearing properties provide exceptional support.
Care
Outdoor cushions are an easy and stylish way to add comfort and ambience to any patio or deck, while also making an excellent investment. High-quality fabrics like Sunbrella, Outdura or Temptoest are known for their durability, UV resistance and ease of care – ideal for making the most out of your investment! To make sure that you maximize your return, choose Sunbrella, Outdura or Temptoest cushions; their longevity makes them well worth their cost in both appearance and longevity.
Maintaining clean outdoor cushions is vital to avoiding mold growth, wear-and-tear, or fading. Shaking them out regularly will help dislodge loose dirt and spores while it’s best practice to thoroughly cleanse them once every season using warm water and liquid soap.
Cleaning cushions requires different approaches depending on their fabric types. Be sure to consult the care instructions of the manufacturer for specific instructions, though some fabrics such as polyester and canvas can be machine washed in cold or warm water with mild detergent; other fabrics, however, require dry cleaning only. In general, however, using a solution of 1/4 cup of dish soap per gallon of lukewarm water works effectively – simply apply this solution onto a soft brush or sponge and work into dirt or stains using soft circular motions before rinsing off with water hose hose and allowing air drying over time.
Mildew and mould can grow on outdoor cushions left damp for extended periods, even when treated with antimicrobial treatments. This can result in unpleasant musty odors as well as skin and eye irritation; to best ensure this doesn’t happen it is best to promptly clean mildew/mould away as soon as it surfaces.
Pretreatment steps can help speed the removal of stubborn stains and mildew more efficiently. For instance, try spraying a mixture of one part borax mixed with four parts warm water on the stain before using a soft cloth to blot it and rinse as necessary. An absorbent powder such as cornstarch or baking soda may also provide assistance for oil-based stains.
