As you’re packing up your outdoor patio for the fall or winter, you’ll want to store all your outdoor furniture so it stays in great condition. Or maybe you noticed harsh weather in the forecast and need to move your furniture in storage for a few days. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to store outdoor cushions.

If you have a guest area in your outdoor space, you probably have a couch. Couch cushions, especially those made of fabric, are susceptible to water damage, mold, and the weather. So, how do you store them properly?

Before storing your outdoor cushions, wash them using dish soap and warm water. Rinse the cushions off and let them air dry. Once dry, you can store your outdoor cushions in airtight containers, fabric storage bags, heavy-duty trash bags, or under tarps or blankets.

Make sure your cushions are in a dry room-temperature area. If possible, keep them off the ground to avoid stains or water damage. Also, store your cushions away from pests that would want to eat or nest in them over the cold winter months.

1. Wash your couch cushions with soap and water.

Before you store your couch cushions, you want them to be nice and clean. That’ll make things easy next time you need to unload them from your shed or garage. Dish soap and water works great on most couch cushions. Always consult the manufacturer’s instructions. Some materials may require special care.

We broke down each step on how to clean couch cushions in this guide.

2. Rinse the couch cushions with a garden hose.

Before you proceed to step three, you need to make sure all the soap is out of the cushions. Rinse them thoroughly with water. Using a garden hose works best, but you can also lightly pour water over the cushions.

3. Dry them thoroughly.

The best way to dry couch cushions is to air-dry them. Set them outside for a few hours or overnight to dry completely. Don’t put them in direct sunlight because that can cause discoloration.

4. Place your cushions in containers, bags, or under blankets.

Two of the easiest ways to store your outdoor cushions are heavy-duty trash bags and tarps or blankets.

Heavy-duty trash bags

With the trash bags, you simply load the cushions into the trash bag and set them on a shelf. One cushion will likely fit in each trash bag, but it depends on the size of the bag and cushions.

A heavy-duty bag is best so it doesn’t tear while in storage. Try to place it up high on a shelf so it doesn’t get dusty or wet from the floor.

Tarps or blankets

You can also wrap the cushions in tarps or blankets. Make sure to wrap the bottom and cover the top as well. Store your cushions on an upper shelf to keep them in great condition for years to come.

Fabric storage bags

You might be able to find fabric storage bags or storage boxes that will fit your couch cushions. Something like these bags from Amazon can fit small couch cushions. Contact the manufacturer to see if they have any storage bags or containers available.

Airtight containers

Another option, which is the most secure, is to store couch cushions in airtight containers. Large plastic bins with a lid work great. The containers themselves will be more expensive than trash bags or tarps. But your cushions will be more protected from water damage and the elements.

Invest in weatherproof deck storage boxes

Another heavy-duty option to store couch cushions is a deck box. It’s a little pricey up front, but as the name suggests, it can last a lifetime. Here’s one from Amazon that is a great option for your outdoor patio.

4. Store outdoor cushions in a dry, room-temperature area.

Once you’ve chosen the best container for your outdoor cushions, tuck them away in a dry, room-temperature area. Store them off the ground to protect against any damage from excess water or dirt that might accumulate. Also, keep the cushions away from direct sunlight. Some fabric may discolor which will ruin your cushions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can patio cushions be left outside?

If you live in a warm climate that does not get rain or harsh weather, you can leave your patio cushions outside. Just keep them out of the sun. If your cushions are water-resistant, they might be able to handle light rain. But, water-resistance protects better against spills than prolonged exposure to moisture.

Can you leave outdoor cushions in the rain?

No, couch cushions will develop mold and mildew if exposed to too much water. Keep in mind that water-resistant does not mean waterproof. Even water-resistant cushions cannot last long in heavy rain.

How do you dry patio cushions after it rains?

Set your patio cushions outside and let them air dry. Be cautious about putting them in direct sunlight. Dark cushions may get discolored. They may retain a rainwater smell, so you may need to clean them with dish soap and water first.

Can you store cushions outside in the winter?

No, you should store your couch cushions inside for the winter. They won’t last nearly as long if exposed to the elements for a long period of time. An airtight container, deck box, or trash bag are great options to store your cushions.

How long do outdoor cushions last?

If protected well from direct sunlight and the elements, outdoor couch cushions can last a few years or longer.

Should you wash outdoor cushion covers?

Yes, inspect your cushion covers for stains or water damage every few months. Remove the covers and wash them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Not all cushion covers are machine washable, but most can be washed safely with dish soap and water.

That’s it for our post on how to store outdoor cushions. It should only take a few minutes. Store your cushions in a dry area. Don’t forget to wash and dry them before tucking them away during the fall or winter.

Thanks for reading. For more content on outdoor furniture and patios, check out the posts below.

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