Most people love their patio cushions and find them to be an essential part of their outdoor living space. Unfortunately, these items are not designed for long-term exposure to the elements. The sun’s damaging rays, snow, and other elements can destroy your cushions over time. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can protect your cushions so they last longer — especially in the cooler months.
Here are some of our top tips & tricks to keeping your patio cushion looking new (and undamaged) for many more seasons to come!
4 Ways You Can Protect Your Patio Cushions this Winter
You’re probably thinking about putting away your patio cushions for the season — but before you do, there are a few things you should know about how to protect your patio cushions from damage this winter. Let’s get started.
1. Vacuum Up Any Dirt, Bird Droppings, or Other Debris
As your cushions fill with dirt, bird droppings, and other debris throughout the season, it’s important to make sure they’re cleaned off regularly. (If you don’t, you may find yourself having to replace the cushions prematurely.)
It’s tempting to use harsh chemicals when trying to clean off your patio furniture cushions, but these materials can damage them over time. If possible, stick with vacuuming up any dirt or other debris that lands on your covers. You can also use water from a hose if necessary—but avoid using any sort of broom as this could tear the fabric and cause irreparable damage.
2. Clean and Disinfect Your Patio Cushions Before You Store Them
If you are planning to store your cushions away for the winter months, it’s important to clean and disinfect your patio cushions first before putting them into “hibernation mode”.
Here is the process on how to best clean your patio cushions:
- Soap and Water: Cleaning and disinfecting your patio cushions are best done with mild detergent and water. You can put your soap and water mixture in either a bucket or a spray bottle to make the cleaning process a bit easier.
- Hose and Scrub: Next, you will use a hose to spray the cushions, then scrub them with some sort of brush to get rid of dirt and grime.
It’s important that you clean them thoroughly so they don’t attract bugs or other critters while they’re in storage. - Dry: Lastly, you will want to make sure that your cushions are completely dried before storing them away. (No one likes to take their cushions out of storage to find out they’re filled with mold! Yuck.)
Still have questions about how to clean your specific type of patio cushions? Use our care and cleaning resource to get your top questions, answered.
3. Cover Your Cushions and Put them Somewhere Dry
Now that the patio season is officially over for most, it’s time to protect your patio cushions from the elements.
The best way to protect your cushions is with a waterproof, breathable cover. These covers are made of either vinyl or canvas and come in many styles and colors. You will want to cover your cushions and put them somewhere dry.
If you have an outdoor shed, then that is an excellent place for storage during the winter months. If not, then you can use a garage or basement (but make sure the environment is dry). If you don’t have either of these options available, then it might be best to store them in your house until next spring.
When spring arrives again next year and you’re ready for patio furniture again, simply remove the covers from your cushions to enjoy them once again.
Don’t have patio cushions yet? Check out some of our latest patio cushions here!
4. Remove the Cushions from the Patio Each Day
If you’re planning to use your patio even through the cold months, it’s a great practice to bring your cushions inside once you’re done using them. This will give them a chance to air out and stay protected from the chilling elements at night. That way, you can continue using your favorite patio cushions for many more seasons!
Keep Your Patio Cushions Looking Like New
By following these simple patio cushion tips, you can keep your patio cushions clean and protected for the winter months.
Our hope is that if you take anything away from this article let it be this: if you take care of your outdoor cushions, they will last much longer than if you didn’t!
Thinking about switching up the “look” of your patio this winter? Check out some of our latest patio cushions by type!
