How To Store Patio Cushions

In the colder months, there are few times when it makes sense to sit on your patio cushions. When there is snow and rain fall, the weather can damage these cushions. The best action is to store your patio cushions when the temperatures get colder. You might wonder – how can you store patio cushions?

If you’re interested in learning how to store patio cushions, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about the proper ways to keep cushions safe in ferocious weather, whether that’s the scorching sun or the freezing snow. For cushions that last, you need to give them proper defense when temperatures shift. Let’s get started.

Clean the Cushions

The first thing you need to do is clean the couch cushions. Many forget this step – but it’s critical for the best results once your cushions emerge from storage. You need to clean your pieces and give them ample time to dry before putting them in storage for the months when they are not in use.

Here’s how you can clean your cushions:

• Take the cushions off the furniture and sweep off the area underneath, removing debris
• Look at the tag on the cushion for instructions from the manufacturers
• Remove the cover from cushion and wash in the washing machine
• If they can’t come off, scrub them with a brush
• Check for mold and mildew for careful removal
• Rinse the cushion thoroughly with soap and water
• Let dry completely

This process will leave them clean. We also have more detailed instructions for cleaning cushions in a separate article.

Once the cushions have been rinsed and are dry, it’s time to move on to the next step. Your fresh pieces now need a location of protection where they will be safe from the weather and creatures that might burrow inside them.

Place the Cushions Under Protection

Now that you have the covers clean, it’s time to find the best place to store the couch cushions. If possible, store them somewhere that is dry and temperature-controlled.

Avoid the risk of mold and mildew that come with moist areas. Keep them out of direct sunlight to avoid fading in the storage process.

Here are a few of the best places indoors to protect the cushions in the off-season:

• Finished basement: A finished basement should have high areas for storage and enough temperature control.
• Attic: Only store in an attic if it’s cool and dry. If it’s wet, avoid it.
• Bedroom: If you have a spare bedroom or additional room, a bedroom is an excellent place to keep cushions.
• Closet: A closet that is cool and dry works well as a storage location for patio cushions.

If you don’t have any room indoors, here’s your next best storage options

• Outdoor Shed: Place cushions in secure plastic containers in high location in outdoor shed.
• Waterproof outdoor storage container: If you don’t have a shed, there are many different storage containers you can purchase that is waterproof to store your cushions.
• Outdoor furniture covers: If you have very little room indoors or outdoors, simply keep the cushions on the outdoor furniture but purchase covers that are waterproof and tight fitting.

While storing cushions indoors is better, sometimes you have no choice but to store them outdoors when not in use. Keeping them out of the elements as much as possible will prolong their life expectancy.

Ensure the Cushions Are Waterproofed

Once you have a spot, ensure that the cushions are waterproofed. There are a couple of ways you can transform cushions into water-resistant materials. It’s critical to add this if you want your cushions to make it out on the other side.

First, treat the cushions with a waterproofing spray. You should treat your cushions even if they have been in previous years, as this spray wears off in time. You should test a small spot before putting it all over the cushion.

Next, place the cushions inside something that will provide an extra layer of defense. The best items include plastic containers, tarps, vacuum seal storage bags, and blankets. The more defense you have for your cushions, the better they will fare in storage.

Check the Patio Cushions Frequently

Once the cushions are in storage, your cushions should be safe until the temperatures start to warm up again. If there is no moisture in the air and the pieces are waterproofed, they will be just fine.

Still, it’s critical to check the patio cushions frequently to ensure no mold, mildew or animals have gotten inside the patio cushion containers. If you do notice issues, it’s time to take the patio cushions out of their storage and move them to a different location.

If your cushions are older but you’re not ready to purchase new ones, try painting your outdoor cushions for a brand new look.