Some designers advise removing your cushions when not in use and storing them to protect them, though that strategy may become tedious over time and prevent you from using your outdoor furniture often.
Search for weatherproof patio furniture without cushions instead, such as wicker that’s resistant to rain and harsh sun rays; wood such as teak can withstand moisture while developing its own natural patina over time.
Fabrics
Many luxury outdoor furniture pieces combine multiple materials into one unit. Metal or wooden frames support soft fabric covers that protect seating areas from moisture, mildew and other damage-inducing factors like rain and wind. When shopping for patio furniture without cushions, fabric durability must also be a major consideration as this fabric needs to withstand sun damage, rain and wind without being discoloured by exposure.
Choose outdoor fabrics with resilience and comfort in mind when selecting outdoor cushion fabrics. Spun polyester and acrylic materials both offer great options, with spun polyester offering floral patterns in addition to solid colors; typically less expensive than acrylics but still resilient against wear; however they do not hold up well to direct sunlight, fading over time without covering or storing away cushions from it.
Acrylic fabrics are widely considered the ideal all-purpose outdoor fabric option, ideal for patio furniture. Their mold and mildew resistance makes them suitable for heavy usage; furthermore, their water resistance allows it to wick away moisture from skin surfaces without leaving behind moisture-retaining residue behind. Moreover, acrylics can often be solution dyed so as to retain their vibrant colors despite direct sunlight exposure.
Olefin or polypropylene fabric makes another excellent outdoor furniture material choice, as this synthetic material is highly stain-resistant and easily cleaned using standard household cleaners. Olefin also quickly dries after wetting while providing moisture control as well as mildew resistance; plus it is often less costly than acrylic alternatives.
Vinyl can provide an economical alternative to acrylic fabrics for outdoor cushions and pillows, due to its waterproof qualities. Cleaning it requires no special chemicals – even bleach will suffice! Vinyl works particularly well in rainy regions but may induce sweating in hot weather environments.
Recycled plastic, made from milk cartons and shampoo bottles, makes an eco-friendly yet resilient choice for outdoor fabrics. Made of water-resistant polymers that withstand mildew, mold and saltwater exposure, its smooth surface is easy to maintain, making it a fantastic alternative to more conventional upholstery fabrics.
Cushions
Just one strong gust of wind or heavy precipitation can transform expensive wrought iron and wicker patio furniture into a pile of rust-colored cushions with soggy padding. To protect the furniture and prevent soggy cushions, it’s wise to invest in weather-resistant fabrics protected with fabric protectors to maintain good condition for longer.
Many outdoor furniture manufacturers provide cushion options made of both indoor and outdoor fabrics for their seat cushions, with outdoor fabrics being more likely to resist getting wet in case of rainstorms and fabric protectors that help shield upholstery against staining or soiling for cleaner cushions over time.
Most outdoor cushions are filled with either standard foam or open-cell foam for optimal comfort and to speed drying times after rainstorms. Standard foam provides everyday support but tends to hold moisture, delaying drying times. Popular open-cell outdoor foams include reticulated versions which allow water to pass quickly through them for faster drying times; additionally these foams may include channels of fluffed polyester fibers for added softness.
One way to reduce cleaning and dry time is by selecting polyester fiber fill that has been treated with an anti-microbial agent, such as copper oxide or silver ion plating. This coating protects against mold, mildew and other types of microbe growth that cause unpleasant odors or can even trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Some manufacturers add stainless steel spring cartridges for extra resiliency.
For even faster drying, look for cushion inserts made of quick-drying foam. These cushions typically use open-cell or reticulated foam that has a water resistant wrap; air can flow freely through while moisture from outer fabric absorbs quickly allowing your cushion core to remain dry while outer fabric soaks up excess water, drying faster than standard foam cushions.
Boxed cushions provide another fast-drying solution, featuring one seam along the front edge and one or two along each side and back. These types of cushions are popular because they’re simple, economical and comfortable – some manufacturers even incorporate welting (AKA cording or piping) into this seam for aesthetic purposes and to show off its lines.
Fabric Care
Even though outdoor furniture without cushions doesn’t require as much care as those containing fabric cushions, regular cleaning will still help prevent mildew, mold and fading issues.
Although outdoor fabrics are constructed to resist stains, sun damage, and moisture damage, prolonged exposure may still compromise them over time. To help combat this situation, try spraying water-repellent treatments onto cushions and woodwork for extra protection.
Make sure to cover patio furniture and cushions when not in use to protect them from rain and snow – doing this will extend their lifespan and help extend their lifetime.
If your cushions have removable covers, follow the care instructions listed on their labels to wash and dry them according to manufacturer recommendations. This will ensure that their fabric remains free from dirt, debris and mildew build-up before placing back onto furniture. It’s essential that cushions are completely dry before being placed back on any piece.
Your cushions can also be cleaned by using a soft brush or vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to scrub them clean. If any stains appear, treat them quickly to avoid permanently staining the fabric.
Finalize by cleaning your cushion covers at least twice each season. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue completely, before leaving them to air dry naturally.
Most outdoor cushion covers can be machine washed using cold or warm water with mild detergent for optimal results. Please refer to manufacturer’s guidelines for washing instructions specific to each fabric type as some contain special coatings to protect from UV rays and water exposure.
Create your own cleaning solution by mixing natural detergent, warm water, and powdered oxygen bleach together in equal parts. This solution will help restore colors while eliminating stains – just test first to make sure it won’t cause discoloration or damage! You could also add baking soda for antibacterial purposes to your solution to help eliminate odors before applying to your cushion and leaving to set for 30 minutes before scrubbing with either a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachments.
Storage
Protecting outdoor furniture from the elements is key to keeping it looking its best year-round, which is why many designers advise removing cushions and covering them when not in use. Unfortunately, this can be tedious work that discourages users from enjoying their patio when the sun comes out – instead opt for furniture without cushions that allows thin pads that you can add as needed or consider purchasing furniture without cushions altogether.
Whenever it comes to storing cushions, make sure they’re as clean as possible before placing them away to help avoid mold and mildew growth. In addition, opt for climate controlled storage options – preferably somewhere dry and rodent free such as an unfinished basement where temperatures and humidity levels tend to remain consistent and drier conditions could better support cushion storage than their garage counterpart.
When choosing a storage solution, take into account how much available space there is and whether your cushions will be folded flat or stored folded up. Make sure the container you select is breathable to prevent mold growth; for larger collections you might require something that can accommodate them all at once.
Deck boxes are an ideal solution for outdoor cushion storage, typically constructed of either wood or resin and weather-resistant to protect cushions against weather elements. Available in an array of sizes and styles to meet the storage needs of any space, deck boxes are an effective option to keep cushions out of harm’s way.
If you don’t have a dedicated area for storing cushions, tarps and sheets can still provide sufficient protection from moisture, rodents, and extreme temperatures. A breathable storage bag may prove more advantageous.