Mild winter weather can be a blessing when you have nice patio furniture. You’ll have little worry about excessive snow. However, there are still many environmental elements that will affect outdoor furniture.
Outdoor patio cushions can be exposed to prolonged sunshine, wind, and, most of all, rain. Such outdoor furniture is used as a home extension and an investment, so you must learn how to protect outdoor cushions to avoid wear and tear.
In our guide, you can find out if you can you leave outdoor cushions in the rain, or they can suffer from excess water when it rains. By the end, you’ll learn how to protect outdoor cushions from rain using various methods and make sure the cushion inside the cover stays dry for the next time you sit on it.
Can I Leave Outdoor Cushions In Rain?
Outdoor materials are frequently odorless and breathable. If you leave the cushions outside during a rainstorm, the shower-proof cushions will be able to withstand minor amounts of water.
Because most cushions aren’t waterproof, they can soak up water and become destroyed if kept out all the time. However, if you leave your garden cushions outside for a few days by accident, there should be no long-term damage if you bring them into the garage and let them dry. (Read 7 Decor Elements to Add to Your Patio)
Is rain a problem for outdoor furniture as well? While most outdoor furniture is long-lasting, it isn’t indestructible. When you keep pillows unprotected in outdoor spaces, they are vulnerable to UV radiation, severe temperatures, bad weather, and rain.
The ability to fend off rain may be compromised if furniture cushions and patio furniture are not fade-resistant to the sun.
How Do You Store Outdoor Cushions In The Rain?
Here are a few ways how you can care for your water-resistant patio cushions and keep them out of the rain and away from harmful UV rays.
If it rains, store your patio cushions in your garage if you don’t have any interior room, stack stackable furniture. If you leave outdoor cushions exposed without protecting them from rain, wind, and snow, they will most likely only last one or two summer seasons before you need to replace the outdoor fabrics once they wear.
Outdoor cushions stay usable for years and not months once you care for them and follow a few simple steps rather than leaving your cushions uncovered.
Pick the Right Outdoor Fabrics
When purchasing outdoor furniture cushions, use a robust, weatherproof material. The standard cotton cover with a urethane foam filler is not ideal for cushions exposed to the weather.
Modern textiles are more durable, and some are mold and mildew-resistant. A waterproof filler will also help the cushions remain completely dry. Vinyl, polyacrylics, and fabrics made explicitly for outdoor use appear like traditional fabrics but are more water-resistant and fade-resistant for short periods of outdoor use.
Add Waterproofing
While you may have cushions that are a little water-resistant, you can protect your cushions from mold and mildew by spraying them with a waterproof silicone spray.
Select a spray explicitly formulated for the material of your cushion. For example, if your cushions come without weatherproof covering, spray them with waterproofing spray after washing them. To avoid breathing in fumes, spray your cushions outside, and allow them to dry thoroughly before use.
Use Iron-On Vinyl
Cover your cushions with iron-on vinyl if you want a more permanent solution.
First, take off the cushions’ filling, and then using the iron-on vinyl, create a sealed envelope around the cushion cover.
When using cushions on your furniture, ensure you place the zippers or buttons facing downward to keep them in good shape and stop water seeping into the foam through the weak areas.
Use Plastic Covers
One of the easiest ways to keep your cushions dry is using a clear plastic to keep them completely free of moisture. Some cushions arrive packaged inside a thick clear plastic cover when you get your furniture. It is possible to leave this on or buy plastic protective covers. Unfortunately, you may not find this solution aesthetically pleasing.
Use The Right Storage Area
On rainy days, store cushions in the garage if you plan on using them soon. However, an indoor closet is more suitable for long-term storage as these are warmed areas and will stop cushions from absorbing moisture. (Read BBQ Party Games Ideas For Adults)
Clean Properly
Clean cushions regularly with a cleaner to help keep that helps keep the fabric free of mold and mildew.
How Do You Dry Patio Cushions After It Rains?
Applying pressure to the foam can force water from the zipper areas. Removing the foam is even better as no water will be trapped inside.
Once you do this, they need placing in an airy location out of direct sunlight and will need to turn over regularly until dry.
How Do You Keep Outdoor Cushions From Getting Moldy?
Use any durable, weatherproof material when buying outdoor furniture cushions. For example, a urethane foam filler isn’t the best choice if you leave cushions exposed or kept in a damp deck box for long periods.
Some modern fabrics can be resistant to mildew & mold, as can a waterproof filler.
Weatherproof cushions using a waterproof silicone spray made for your cushion material. Apply a weatherproof coating after first washing your cushion using a mild soap.
Cover cushions using a clear plastic to stop moisture soaking inside. Some cushions may come packaged inside a clear plastic cover that you can use.
Put cushions in your garage when it looks like rain. If you lack indoor space, stack your furniture if you can stack it. Besides this, you can alternate your chairs so one cushion won’t wear faster than any of the others. (Learn How To Care For Outdoor Ferns In Pots)
Clean your cushions regularly using a mild soap or cleanser to help keep your fabric free from mold and mildew.
