Can Outdoor Cushions Get Wet?

Nowadays, outdoor furniture and cushions are a staple since many people love to entertain outside. Of course, rain is a natural occurrence, and many leave cushions outside year-round. They don’t think twice about them when it rains, but can outdoor cushions get wet?

Outdoor cushions can get wet based on their fabric and fillings, polyester and foam, but it’s better to avoid it when you can. If your cushions get wet often, you should know how to clean them to keep them in good shape. If possible, it’s ideal to remove or cover outdoor cushions during heavy rains to maximize their lifespan.

Outdoor furniture and cushions have changed a lot over the past years. Having cushions that you can use outdoors is important to many, especially on a deck or seating for fire pits. Outdoor cushions can get wet, but only if they contain certain materials.

Most outdoor cushions and furniture get wet at some point and are actually made to get wet. Companies have researched certain materials and fabrics to find water-resistant material. With a few durable and stylish colors, outdoor cushions have taken a leap toward being functional and useful.

However, just because they can get wet does not mean outdoor cushions should get wet. With two opposing elements, the sun and rain, your cushions can wear out quickly. Therefore, just because they can get wet does not mean you should ignore an impending rainstorm.

Fabrics for outdoor cushions that get wet are available in all colors and designs. But all of these fabrics aren’t just for looks since they all serve a purpose. The best outdoor material is dyed with acrylic because it is water-resistant and is durable.

The coloring of this fabric usually occurs before making the fibers. This means it is colored and creates continuous color throughout the design of the cushion. Then, liquid acrylic and color pigments mix to create a fiber similar to cotton.

After the acrylic is spun into yarn, it is formed into the fabrics or designs used for outdoor cushions. This unique process creates a material that is most likely fade-resistant, stain-resistant, mold-resistant, and mildew-resistant. The intention is to create the clean acrylic cushions you see in stores today that are perfect for outdoor use.

There are many different companies and manufacturers that use polyester fiberfill for cushions. The best ones use multiple layers of polyester fiber to create comfort and resiliency. Polyester fiber does not hold water like indoor foam, so dry time is faster.

Manufacturers often place the polyester beads inside a waterproof case or bag. This measure ensures that the beads will stay light and fluffy to keep the fill of the cushions up. It is the most common type of fill for pillows, bean bags, and outdoor cushions.

Manufacturers in the outdoor furniture world found that an open-cell foam does not hold water.

This quality is, of course, essential for outdoor cushions, and manufacturers do not use just any foam. The main reason why indoor foam is not the preferred core for outdoor furniture is that it holds moisture.

When it rains, the water flows through and allows the cushion to dry faster, so there is no water retention. This type of cushion does not need a water-resistant wrap because polyester fibers surround it. Also, this type of foam keeps longer than just a pure polyester fiber one and is even softer.

Keep your cushions clean by shaking off pollen, pine needles, and bird droppings that get into the seams. Wipe food spills immediately due to the attraction of bugs and staining. A shake here and there prevents anything living in or on your cushions.

If you have outdoor cushions, be sure to protect them if you wish for them to last longer. Since they’re outside, it’s easy to leave them in the rain and forget about them. Additionally, outdoor cushions can also get wet from snow, a nearby pool, or dew and may require extra care.

You can also flip most cushions to prevent fading, but some may have one-sided designs. It is your preference on what kind of cushions you have and how you take care of them.

Related Questions

How do I choose outdoor cushions?

It is as simple as picking out your deck furniture. To pick out cushions, you may want to select a theme or common color. Outdoor cushions can come in a variety of styles and colors, and mixing and matching them can be trendy.Sometimes your outdoor furniture comes with options that match, making the most challenging part easier. But it is important to pick what you want and what fits your decor.

Is it easier to make or buy your outdoor cushions?

Typically buying an outdoor cushion is more accessible, but if you are looking for a specific style, making one is an option. Buying outdoor cushions can make for an added expense, but it is easier than making them. For example, if you are not a sewer or do not know the proper materials, making them might be unrealistic.

What kind of outdoor patio furniture is the most durable?

Most outdoor patio furniture is made to get wet and made to be durable. But it is a well-known fact that wrought iron is the most durable metal for outdoor use. It is a solid and sturdy metal that can withstand various weather conditions. With the proper care, wrought iron will last for years on end without rust.Most iron is coated or painted to protect the raw metal from the elements. You can get your iron outdoor furniture in various colors, but the most popular ones are black and white.