Have you ever come home from vacation to find that your outdoor cushions are covered in mold? If you’re tired of scrubbing mold off of your outdoor cushions, then you’ll be happy to learn that there are several ways to prevent mold from forming on your outdoor cushions. Here are several tips and tricks to keep them mold-free!
The secret is…
Storing your outdoor cushions in an area with plenty of ventilation will keep them from getting moldy. A covered patio or porch is ideal, but even if you have an uncovered deck, simply leaving your settee cushions outside for several hours each day should be enough to keep them dry. While keeping them out of direct sunlight is important, it’s important not to leave them in total darkness; most outdoor furniture fabrics don’t hold up well when left in the dark for long periods of time. So if you aren’t using your outdoor settee cushions all summer (or longer), consider storing them under a canopy or overhang—or under an awning—so they get some natural light and air circulation.
Choose the right material
When shopping for outdoor furniture, you may want to look for items made of vinyl or plastic. These materials tend to resist mold and mildew far better than fabric. The exception is if you live in a temperate area with mild winters—such as Florida, where year-round use of outdoor furniture is common. If that’s your situation, consider buying cushions in a breathable fabric such as canvas. This allows air flow through cushion covers, helping prevent bacteria buildup that could lead to mold or mildew.
Don’t leave them out in the rain
Protect your outdoor cushions and make sure they last by keeping them out of heavy rain and direct sunlight. If you do use an outdoor settee cushion, hang it up in the winter. In addition, periodically wipe your outdoor cushions with a damp towel or run them through a clothes dryer on low heat to keep mold away. If you notice any mildew, sun damage or other signs of trouble early on, consider replacing it with a new one before it gets too bad. Of course, taking care of your furniture is just as important when you’re using it inside during cold weather!
Avoid direct sunlight if possible
Direct sunlight can bake your cushions, damaging them. Keep your loveseat or settee out of direct sunlight by storing it in a covered patio or placing it in an enclosed area that doesn’t receive a lot of direct sunlight. If you can’t avoid direct sunlight, consider investing in UV-protectant fabric that helps preserve and maintain your cushion’s color over time. Additionally, if possible, choose outdoor cushions with a coating on top that repels water. This will make cleaning much easier. Outdoor furniture cushions are meant to last many years so don’t let mold get its start!
Protect your investment
If you love your outdoor furniture set but aren’t thrill with how it looks or feels, it might be time for an upgrade. It’s important to keep your outdoor furniture cushions protected from mildew and mold so they can last longer. When you take good care of your loveseat outdoor cushions, settee outdoor cushions and dining bench cushion covers, you’ll get more use out of them in between replacements. This is especially true if you live in a damp climate that has seasonal downpours—and even more so if they’re fabric-cover (which can absorb water).
