5 Easy Steps to Store Your Garden Cushions and Preserve Them

The warm season provides an excellent opportunity to spend time in your backyard just sitting back and relaxing. Garden furniture can be a great asset to your patio, but having a stylish set of garden cushions to complement them can make things even cosier.

But as the cool and rainy days arrive and winter approaches, you need to start thinking about how to store your garden cushions and preserve them properly.

While it might be convenient to leave them outside, this can lead to damage from moisture and dirt, and your cushions may even get infested with pests. Therefore, proper storage is quite important, as it can prevent wear and tear of the fabric and issues like mould and mildew growth.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps you need to take to store your garden cushions properly, so you can keep them looking and feeling as good as new for years to come.

Where do you store garden cushions?

When the warm season ends, it’s time to think about where to best store your garden cushions for the winter.

Keeping them in the right place can protect them from rain, snow, sun exposure and dirt, ensuring they remain in good condition and prolong their life. Here are some ideas on where to store garden cushions:

Outdoor storage options

• Outdoor cushion storage boxes are perfect for anyone with a bigger backyard. They are available in various sizes and can be used to store garden cushions and even small outdoor furniture. These storage boxes are made from waterproof materials to keep your cushions dry and free from mould and mildew.
• Garden storage benches are a great option. Not only do they provide more places to sit, but they can also serve as storage space. They are made from weather-resistant materials and are great for storing garden cushions and outdoor pillows, not to mention that they will fit perfectly into your outdoor decor.
• Garden cushion storage bags can be Ideal for anyone seeking outdoor cushion storage that is easy to handle and stow away. These bags are compact, lightweight, and incredibly convenient to use. Unlike larger storage boxes, they can be easily carried around and kept out of sight when unused.

Indoor storage options

• A garden shed is a classic option for storing outdoor items, including garden cushions. It’s a great place to keep your cushions during the winter while protecting them from mould, mildew and pests. Garden sheds are available in various sizes and materials, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget.
• The garage can be a great place to store your garden cushions beside your bicycle. However, ensure the garden cushions are far from any harmful chemicals or fumes in the garage.
• The basement can also be a convenient location for storing garden cushions. Store them in a well-ventilated and dry area, as damp areas are ideal for mould and mildew development.

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How to store garden cushions

There are a few steps you need to take to store your garden cushions the right way to keep them safe from mould, mildew and even pests:

1. Clean debris and dirt

Before storing them, make sure the garden cushions are clean and dry.

• Start by brushing or vacuuming the cushions.
• You can use dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water to clean them in depth. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions closely as some materials may need special care.
• Use a soft brush or sponge to apply the cleaning solution to the cushions, working in a circular motion.
• Rinse the cushions thoroughly with a hose or clean water to remove any soap residue.
• Squeeze any excess water from the cushions using a clean towel or by standing them upright and pressing down gently.

2. Remove mould

If mould has built up, remove it from the garden cushions before storing them. There are two ways you can go about this:

• Mix water and white vinegar equally in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas of the garden cushions. Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse, squeeze out any excess water and dry out the cushions. If any mould is still present, repeat the cleaning process.
• Use bleach to clean your garden cushions for tougher mould stains. Mix 1 one part bleach with 3 parts water in a bucket. Scrub the mouldy areas of the cushions with a scrub brush dipped in the bleach solution, and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes.

  Then it’s the same drill from before – rinse, squeeze and dry out the cushions. It’s essential to test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the bleach won’t damage the fabric or colour of your cushions. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using bleach.

To protect garden cushions from mould, always keep them dry, clean them regularly and use breathable storage containers that allow air to circulate. That way, you will help prevent moisture buildup and mould growth.

3. Let the cushions fully dry

As mentioned before, drying the cushions fully before storage is quite important. The best way to do that is to air-dry them in a well-ventilated area. You can just leave them outside for a few hours, but keep them away from direct strong sunlight. Also, avoid using a dryer which can also damage the fabric.

4. Pack the garden cushions for storage

After the garden cushions have been cleaned and dried, it’s time to pack them for storage:

• Fold each cushion in half lengthwise, then in half again widthwise. This will help the cushions fit more easily into storage containers or bags.
• Wrap the cushions in a clean, dry sheet or towel to protect them from dust and dirt during storage. You can also use a plastic bag, but ensure the cushions are completely dry before sealing the bag to prevent moisture buildup.
• Choose a large enough storage container to accommodate all of your cushions but not so large that they will shift around and become misshapen. Airtight containers and weatherproof storage bags are good options.
• Pack the cushions in the storage container or bag, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it shut.
• Seal the storage container or bag tightly to keep out moisture and pests, and store them in a dry, cool place.

5. Stack cushions for safekeeping

Usually, it’s not recommended to stack the garden cushions, as it can cause them to lose their shape and flatten out over time. It’s best to store them in a single layer in a storage container or shelf. If you need to stack them due to limited storage space, placing a layer of cardboard or bubble wrap between each cushion is vital to prevent them from crushing each other. Avoid placing heavy objects on top of them.

If your home doesn’t have enough space to store the garden cushions and furniture, you can always turn to Fantastic Removals storage services. Store your belonging for the winter months, and we will re-deliver them when you feel the time is right.

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Why you shouldn’t just leave your cushions outside all winter?

Leaving your garden cushions outside in winter can cause damage to the cushions and shorten their lifespan. The harsh winter weather can cause the cushions to become saturated with moisture and lead to mould and mildew growth. Additionally, sun exposure can cause the fabric to fade and weaken over time.

Leaving the cushions outside can also attract pests, such as rodents and insects, which may nest inside them and cause further damage. Finally, leaving the cushions outside all winter can lead to an unattractive appearance and decrease their comfort level when you want to use them again in the spring or summer.

Storing them properly during winter is essential to ensure your garden cushions last as long as possible. This will help protect them from unwanted damage, so they’ll be ready to use again when the weather warms up.

Takeaways

• You can store your garden cushions outdoors or indoors, depending on the weather conditions
• Before packing the cushions for storage, they need to be cleaned and dried well
• Avoid leaving your garden cushions outside throughout the winter because they can be seriously damaged

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