Storing your outdoor patio cushions correctly significantly extends their lifespan without adding a lot of time to your outdoor maintenance routine
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Patio and outdoor furniture cushions should not stay outside all year unless the weather in your area is usually dry. If you live in Arizona with an outdoor pool, for instance, your cushions may only need occasional cleaning, but they will probably still fade more quickly from constant sun exposure.
Conversely, “If rainfall is frequent where you live, you should keep them sneaked away inside a shed or storage closet of some kind,” says Kate Diaz, founder of Swanky Den. Exposure to moisture can degrade cushion fillings over time and encourage mold growth.
Here’s how to store outdoor patio cushions to make them last.
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If you need storage space for more than a few patio cushions, buying or building a shed might be a worthwhile project. This Suncast Storage Shed is water- and UV-resistant, and it has a floor. If you’d rather DIY, here’s a shed building plan that makes the most efficient use of materials to keep costs low without sacrificing quality. The result is a cute addition to your yard with plenty of storage.
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Diaz also recommends purchasing covers to protect outdoor items from grime and dirt. Outdoor furniture covers are an especially good choice for cushions attached to the furniture. Unless you have a large shed or basement, bringing the entire patio set inside isn’t feasible. Here are a few tips for cleaning patio furniture.
Covers help in spring and summer. They’ll protect your cushions from storms and to shield them from dirt or damage, like paint drips from an outdoor project.
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An outdoor storage bench is another great option for patio cushion storage. With easy storage within reach, you can put your cushions away after each use. Besides protecting cushions from winter weather, this will help them stay clean during heavy pollen or dusty periods. The storage bench also provides extra seating.
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A shelf in the garage is one of the simplest ways to store outdoor patio cushions. It gets them out of the elements in 10 minutes or less. These storage shelves would also work in a basement, but the walk downstairs might add a few minutes to the chore.
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“One of the best tips for storing your patio cushions is to get a container that will seal tight,” Diaz says. Plastic storage totes are one example. Your outdoor cushions will be protected from dust and pests in these handy bins, and they prevent curious cats from knocking everything off the shelf. You can store the bins in a garage, basement or enclosed porch.
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Another airtight patio cushion storage solution is an Ziploc Big Bag. Although compression bags save space, a regular waterproof bag is the better option. “Some lower-quality cushion foam may not bounce back after a season of compression,” DeMorrow says.
