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Homeowners with outdoor furniture in their patio, backyard, or outdoor living area should be aware of their responsibilities regarding outdoor furniture cushion maintenance. While it might be tempting to choose appealing outdoor furniture pieces for your backyard and leave them to the mercy of the elements, there are several problems that may arise if you let your furniture cushions endure unfavorable weather conditions.
As the weather changes, your cushions will likely be exposed to intense UV rays, moisture, and dust, and if you aren’t careful, they might become a breeding ground for fungal microorganisms such as mold and mildew. All of these factors can cause damage to your cushions and if you suffer from allergies, microorganisms may even cause allergic reactions such as coughing, sneezing, and even asthma attacks in the most severe cases. For this reason, you should ensure your cushions are clean, dry, and protected from fading.
If your cushions are designed for outdoor use, their fabric will likely use moisture and UV-resistant materials such as PU-coated polyester. If you have repurposed indoor cushions for outdoor use, you may need to use some spray-on polyurethane or waterproof coating to protect your fabric from rain and moisture in the air. You may also be interested in a sunproof coating such as the Sun and Water Shield manufactured by Scotchguard.
However, if you’re not fond of DIY projects, it may be easier just to buy an outdoor foam replacement from a retailer like The Foam Factory. Foam cushions designed for the outdoors are manufactured from materials such as Dryfast Foam, which has a porous structure that swiftly dries completely, even after being soaked. Furthermore, Dryfast Foam is antimicrobial, which means it inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms such as mold and mildew. Cushions designed for the outdoors can meet most of your needs in one fell swoop.
Regardless if you are using indoor or outdoor cushions on your patio, you will still need to clean the dirt and dust that can accumulate on the surface of your cushions. It is best to use mild soap and water to scrub your cushions before letting them dry completely. As you clean, remember not to provide microorganisms with the moisture they need for growth. Let your cushions dry completely after every cleaning session.