Storing Garden Cushions in Winter or Leaving Them Outside?
With winter approaching, many people wonder: can you leave garden cushions outside, or should you store them away? It may seem convenient to just leave them on your garden set, but winter conditions can have a big impact on the lifespan of your cushions. There are ways to protect your cushions, even if you have no space to store them indoors. Read here what happens if you leave your garden cushions outside in winter, which materials are more weather-resistant, and how to protect them in the best way.
Below, we already direct you to our categories with garden cushion storage bags:
What happens if you leave your garden cushions outside in winter?
When temperatures drop and the weather gets rougher, garden cushions have a hard time. Cold, moisture, and precipitation can damage the fabric and filling, leading to mould, discolouration, and wear. Rain and snow in particular can keep cushions damp for long periods, not only causing a musty smell but also increasing the risk of permanent damage. Even if the cushions are water-repellent, this does not mean they are fully resistant to winter conditions. In the end, this can significantly shorten the lifespan of your garden cushions.
Which garden cushions are suitable to leave outside?
Not all garden cushions are equally resistant to winter conditions. There are specially designed cushions that withstand moisture and cold better, but most standard garden cushions are not made for this. Materials such as Sunbrella, Olefin, SunProof, and other water-repellent fabrics offer more protection against precipitation and UV radiation, so they are less likely to mould or fade. However, this does not mean that these cushions are completely waterproof or frost-resistant. Even weather-resistant cushions can eventually absorb moisture, increasing the risk of mould growth.
Want to check if your garden cushions are suitable to leave outside? Look at the label or product description. If it states that the cushions are weather-resistant or water-repellent, they can better handle a shower, but prolonged exposure to moisture remains risky.
Do you have standard garden cushions without a special coating? Then it is wise to store them in winter or give them extra protection with a garden cushion storage bag. View all our protective covers for garden cushions here!
How to store garden cushions in winter?
If you want your garden cushions to last as long as possible, storing them is the best choice. The ideal place is a dry, ventilated area such as a shed, garage, or storage room. Make sure the cushions are completely dry before storing them to prevent mould and unpleasant odours. A practical way to keep them neatly together and protected from dust and dirt is to store them in a storage box or special cushion bag.
No space indoors? Then consider a waterproof outdoor storage box. Choose a box with ventilation so that moisture does not remain trapped and your cushions stay fresh. Also, make sure the box closes properly so that rain and pests cannot get in. With the right storage method, your cushions will stay in top condition, ready to enjoy again in spring.
Alternatives if you have no storage space
Not everyone has the luxury of a shed, garage, or large storage box. Fortunately, there are alternatives to protect your garden cushions well against winter conditions. One of the simplest solutions is to store them under your garden set cover, provided the set is under a canopy or veranda and your cushions are truly all-weather.
See below our main categories of covers:
Garden Furniture Cover Shop offers Raffles Covers that are easy to handle and of excellent quality. They last a long time and keep your garden set and cushions protected for an extended period.