Patio furniture is incredibly sturdy and can take on harsh weather including wind and storms, but not all cushions are designed for that. It`s important that a person understands how to take care of their patio cushions before investing in this outdoor decor.
Know Your Cushions
Patio cushions come in all shapes, sizes and materials. Some of them are protected with special chemicals to ward off water damage and others are simply cloth and will soak up water from a rain storm like a sponge. The first thing you should do is examine any tags on the cushion and find out what it`s made of and its washing requirements.
Many cloth cushions are made for machine washing and drying, but some of the materials are similar to plastic and can melt when placed into a dryer. These are often the ones that are protected from the rain. The cushions may have special washing instructions as well, including hand wash only. There is a lot of information available from reading the tags on your patio cushions if you take the time to read them. By knowing what your cushions are designed to do and how to properly clean them, you are extending their life. Improper cleaning or using them in ways for which they are not meant can drastically reduce how long they look good, how long their protection lasts and how long they can be used.
Keeping Them From Harm
The weather with which the cushions are routinely impacted can lead to premature aging, discoloration and other damage. The sun is the most common culprit. Even cushions protected against direct sunlight will eventually succumb to deterioration in time, especially if the fabric becomes worn.
The best way to keep your cushions from damage is to remove them once you`re done with them. Place them in a warm dry place until needed. Many people assume that since the cushions are designed for all weather that they are invincible, but that isn`t the case. Over time, the sun can weaken and eventually destroy the fabric on cushions.
The cushions on your patio furniture are an important comfort factor and, without them, even the most expensive patio furniture can be difficult to sit in for long periods. With the proper care and treatment, the cushions and pads can last a long time and provide years of comfort.
It doesn`t matter if you have expensive deep-seating cushions for your lounge furniture or simple pads on your outdoor bar stools, the maintenance is the same. You should take care of them and treat them with respect or else your backside (and your wallet) could be the ones being hurt!
NOTE: Try our SolarShield® fabric protector