Can Outdoor Cushions Get Wet? Will Rain Ruin Them?

Investing in attractive furniture for your garden can make the biggest difference when it comes to taming the outdoors.

Designing the best outdoor space is a matter of personal taste, and the visual aesthetic is arguably the most important consideration when it comes to buying outdoor furniture.

But have you stopped to consider if your outdoor cushions will be able to stand up against the weather and can outdoor cushions get wet?

Correctly caring for your outdoor furniture is the best way to make it last and prevent stains and damage that could completely ruin the comfortable space you have spent so long creating.

Outdoor cushions can get wet and it will not be the end of them. But whether they can get wet regularly will depend on the material they are made of and if they are considered water repellent, weatherproof or waterproof.

Can Outdoor Cushions Get Wet?

Whether you are looking to purchase a new set of outdoor furniture or already have some, your outdoor cushions will specify the level of resistance they have against the elements, but this doesn’t mean you should leave them outdoors through all seasons.

The fabric and construction will vary between each brand and the variety of furniture they create and this will affect the amount of water resistance your outdoor cushions have.

There are a variety of terms such as water repellent, waterproof and weatherproof,  all of which are used to describe how tough your outdoor furniture is going to be and tempt you into buying the highly visually appealing furnishings.

These terms generally mean that yes- most patio cushions can get wet and will survive just fine, but water repellent cushions will have a different fate than a waterproof cushion if it was to become fully drenched.

Generally speaking, most cushions will manage fine if they get wet as long as they are given a well-ventilated space to dry out and avoid becoming waterlogged or even growing mold amongst the inner padding.

Outdoor furniture is made with a degree of toughness to it and being exposed to damp conditions every once in a while will not destroy them.

What to do if Your Outdoor Cushions Get Wet

If your outdoor cushions are exposed to prolonged wet conditions then you may find that issues such as waterlogging, mold, and damage can arise from within the cushion which may not be noticeable to the naked eye at first, but can be dangerous to someone with an allergy or sensitivity to mold.

If your cushions are looking like they need rescuing then there are a few steps you can follow to get them looking brand new in time for a summer of alfresco dining and comfortable nights under the stars.

Start by placing your cushions in a spot that has direct sunlight for a few days to dry thoroughly and remove any odors that may have been created over time.

You can do this by hanging them on a washing line, or just balancing them upright near a window that has a good amount of sunlight most days.

Once your cushions are fully dried then take this chance to inspect them fully for any stains or areas that may need some additional attention.

Depending on the fabric used, you may find that a variety of cleaning products are suitable to refresh the appearance of your outdoor cushions.

Scrub your cushions down and thoroughly rinse them to remove all traces of cleaning products, then put them back to dry for a couple of days so that no moisture is lingering within the cushion’s padding materials.

The Best Patio Furniture Cushion Materials

If you live in an area with a lot of wet weather, then the chances are you won’t always be able to remember to bring your patio cushions indoors.

Doing your research on the best cushion materials will give you the advantage of extra protection for your outdoor furniture and eliminate the worries of damage.

Patio furniture will always be made with higher durability than indoor furnishings and by using a fabric with tighter fibers, less water can penetrate the cushions filling.

Water-resistant coatings such as Teflon on the exterior of your cushion will cause any liquid to form beads and roll off the surface of your cushions to prevent water penetration.

Generally, materials such as polyester, nylon, and cotton are used for outdoor furniture and make the best water-resistant materials but you will often notice the textile has a waterproof backing hidden away to keep the inner materials dry and protected from the elements.

You can also choose a water-resistant cushion pad that won’t soak up any moisture which can lead to mold and bacteria growth that you may not notice until it’s no longer salvageable.

The materials we are used to using for cushions such as memory foam would quickly become a highly absorbent sponge and not be an ideal cushion filler, whereas compressed fibers are great at retaining warmth and not water.

Making Your Patio Furniture Last

Even the more affordable patio furniture ranges can set you back a couple of hundred dollars which is why giving your patio furniture regular cleaning and maintenance is going to help you get your money’s worth and keep your garden looking party-ready all year around.

As you’re heading into winter you may want to invest in patio furniture covers to minimize the amount of clean-up you have when the warmer weather comes back later on.

Getting into the habit of putting these covers on can extend the life of any patio furniture by shielding your cushions away from the harshest of conditions without any heavy lifting.

Make sure your furniture is kept in a well-ventilated area so it can dry out after any rainfall and maintain a good clean condition.

If your location is prone to severe weather during the winter months then a cover may not provide enough protection and you should consider storing your pieces away so the durability isn’t compromised and you can have gorgeous-looking furniture without the hard work.

FAQs

Can you leave outdoor cushions outside in the rain?

Leaving your outdoor cushions in light rain will not do any damage as they are designed to withstand these conditions but investing in a furniture cover is the best way to protect your furniture.

How do you dry out wet patio cushions?

Putting your cushions in a well-ventilated area with direct sunlight is the best way to dry them quickly and effectively, without risking any damage to the fibers and materials used.

Can foam cushions get wet?

Foam cushions act as a sponge to soak up water so are not advised for use on outdoor furniture. If you do get foam cushions wet then use a towel to soak out as much moisture as you can before leaving them to dry in a warm spot.

Can you put outdoor cushions in the dryer?

Cushions covers will come with their washing instructions, but generally, you should not machine wash them as they can be damaged by high heat and any waterproof layers on your outdoor cushions will not survive.

Conclusion

It is not ideal for outdoor cushions to get wet but they can stand up to the occasional rain storm if they are properly dried out and it is not a regular occurrence.

Outdoor furniture is one of the best ways to brighten up any garden and provides a comfortable place to relax in the summer or after a long day’s work.

Caring for your patio furniture doesn’t need to be difficult and by using furniture covers you can prevent having to follow vigorous cleaning steps to keep the inside and outside of your outdoor cushions in a clean and comfortable way.