Outdoor Pillows + Cushions

Patio Cushion Storage Ideas

When winter rolls around and you live in a snowy zone, it's time to put away the patio decor and furnishings for the year. It's also time to store your outdoor cushions in a clean, dry space for the season. Experts recommend that you clean your pillows and cushions before storing or covering them for winter storage. Your cleaning routine depends on the type of fabric that's used to cover your cushions and pillows. Outdoor pillow and cushion fabrics are manufactured to resist damage from ultraviolet rays, mildew and everyday stains, so check with the labels on cushions and pillows for specific product-cleaning instructions.

The fabrics on cushions and pillows may be printed on one side or yarn-dyed. Alternatively, the individual threads of the fabric may be solution-dyed. If you unzip the cushion or pillow cover, and the inside color is as vibrant as the exterior of the fabric, you probably have a solution-dyed product. If the interior color is white or not printed with a design or color, you have a performance-fabric product. Read and follow instructions printed on the attached tag of the lounge furniture cushion and pillow covers. If the instructions say you can machine wash the covers, use only cold water, mild detergents and no bleach or bleach products. You can also hand-wash the cushion covers in a mild solution of dish detergent and lukewarm water, and then rinse the covers thoroughly. Allow covers to air dry before storing them.

If your manufacturer's tag indicates that oxygen bleaches are acceptable cleaners, use a mild solution of the approved type of product to gently scrub away mold and mildew spots on cushions and pillows. Clean sturdier fabrics with a soft-bristled brush. If the covers on your patio seating were originally water-repellent, they may have lost the beading ability in time. After cleaning patio seat cushions that have lost their water-repellency, allow to dry and then spray with a fabric guard approved for the fabric type.

The simplest way to store patio pillows and cushions is to place them on their respective furnishings and use furniture covers to enclose and protect the seating and cushions together. To store patio cushions and pillows in a closet, stack the cushions in dust-proof garment or linen bags. Store cushions and pillows in plastic bags or totes when placing in a shed or garage for the season. Arrange cushions so they won't be punctured by sharp objects or compressed by heavy boxes and lose their shape. Ensure that the area where you store your cushions is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of mold or mildew formation.

In tiny apartments, store balcony or patio cushions under beds to save space. When you bring out those heavier quilts and blankets for cold nights, refill their empty storage spaces with patio cushions. Order festive holiday pillow covers for your outdoor pillows and store the patio pillows disguised as seasonal decor on your sofa, beds and chairs. Patio cushions make comfortable indoor floor seating for informal parties and get-togethers. Add some warm throws and popcorn, and the cushions double as overflow seating for movie or gaming night. Stack the cushions in a corner when not entertaining or gathered around the flatscreen TV.

If you have room inside your apartment, condominium or house, bring your patio furniture indoors for the winter. Outdoor chairs, sofas, loveseats and benches add more room for guests at holiday dinners and sleepovers. Use cushioned outdoor seating as indoor furniture for coat-stacking, keeping pets warm (but off the good furniture) and for reading good books by a sunny window. If you choose to cover patio furniture and store cushions, refresh the cushions in spring by removing cushions and pillows from storage bags. Allow cushions to air out for a few days to remove any stale odors from the storage area.