Can You Leave Patio Cushions Outside in the Rain?

Patio cushions add instant style and comfort to outdoor spaces, but what about their upkeep? Can you leave patio cushions outside in the rain?

Waterproof patio cushions can be left out in the rain without a problem. These cushions are made of vinyl, oilcloth, or 100% solution-dyed acrylic canvas. Non-waterproof cushions, on the other hand, are prone to rotting and mildew if left out in the rain. These can become damaged over time and will need to be replaced.

This article will describe the differences between waterproof and non-waterproof patio cushions, including their pros, cons, and how to care for them.

How to Protect Your Patio Cushions

If you know a big storm is coming, it’s best to put all cushions inside. Even if they are waterproof, you don’t want them blowing away. For any other time, the best way for long-lasting patio cushions is to buy a waterproof material. You can further protect them by investing in waterproof covers and hydrophobic sprays that will add an extra level of protection.

Remember to:

Properly store your patio cushions before storms and winter
Consider buying a hydrophobic spray if you prefer leaving your cushions outside
For gorgeous, non-waterproof cushions, invest in waterproof covers

Waterproof Patio Cushions in the Rain

These are considered the best types of patio cushions are the best cushions for areas prone to rain or areas near pools or splash zones. Waterproof cushions are hydrophobic, which means water slides right off and don’t damage the cushion.

There is still a chance that water can get inside a waterproof cushion through the zipper opening, which can damage the interior foam. That’s why it’s important to thoroughly dry your cushions near the zipper after a rain shower to get ahead of any mildew.

Material

The best materials used to make waterproof cushions are synthetic plastic materials such as vinyl, oilcloth, or 100% solution-dyed acrylic canvas. These fabrics have cells that are tightly woven making it almost impossible for water to seep through.

Vinyl is the material used on most boat seats, so you know it’s great at resisting water. It’s a sturdy material that will last without cracking in cold weather.

Oilcloth is made up of tightly wafted linen and boiled linseed oil. It is an ideal waterproof material that has been used by sailors for years, but it is quite a stiff material. This makes it less comfortable and more prone to rips.

100% solution-dyed acrylic canvas is one of the best and more expensive waterproof materials because it’s also UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and stain-resistant. This material comes in a lot of colors and designs and is extremely easy to clean.

A lot of outdoor patio cushions on the market are also made up of water-resistant materials such as polyethylene or polypropylene. While these are still good cushions, remember water resistant and waterproof are two different things. The former cushions will not protect as well against excessive rainwater.

Waterproof cushion materials will dry easily outdoors, but to help them along, you should prop them up vertically with the zipper open facing the sky. This will make sure everything fully dries and no mildew forms.

Where to Buy Them

You can find waterproof cushions at most furniture stores such as Wayfair, Ikea, Overstock, Walmart, or Target. You can also find options online at websites like Amazon or Etsy.

Pros and Cons

The biggest pro of buying waterproof cushions is that they are long-lasting. This is because they are hydrophobic and resistant to mildew and rotting. They are also worry-free. You can leave these cushions out in the rain and trust they will not be ruined.

Most waterproof materials are also fade-proof and UV-resistant meaning they will keep their vibrant colors longer.

The first con is that waterproof materials are going to be more expensive than other cushions, but the initial cost upfront will be made up by how long they last. There are also cons depending on which material you choose. Oilcloth is a stiff, uncomfortable material prone to ripping and vinyl can get extremely hot in the sun, making it hard to sit on with bare skin.

Non-Waterproof Patio Cushions in the Rain

These type of patio cushions can be made from water-resistant material or material meant for interior use. Although water-resistant materials stand a better chance in the rain than indoor materials, both will be damaged if left in the rain.

Over time, non-waterproof materials left in the rain will become moldy, and begin to rot and grow mildew. This will eventually destroy them and you will have to replace them.

Material

Water-resistant materials are coated with a finish that resists water from getting to the fabric, but it is not impenetrable. These materials include polyurethane, polyester, and polypropylene.

Non-waterproof materials that would need to be stored overnight or taken out of the rain immediately would be materials like cotton canvas, woven fabric, velvet, velour, artificial leather, leather, suede, and plush, to name a few.

How to Dry Them

If your non-waterproof cushions have gotten wet, you need to dry them immediately to stop any mold or mildew growth.

First, take off the cover. If you have a drying machine, you can pop the covers in there.

If not, you can dry the covers and the interior foam in the direct sun and wind, but wringing out as much moisture as you can first and flip them over every few hours. You can also use a fan or dry them on a car hood.

Where to Buy Them

You can buy outdoor cushions at any furniture store, big-name stores such as Target or Walmart, and online at websites such as Etsy or Amazon.

Pros and Cons

The main pros of using a non-waterproof fabric are they are less expensive and usually a softer, more comfortable material.

The cons are that they can get ruined over time by mildew and mold if left out in the rain.

Conclusion

If you are looking to purchase new cushions for your outdoor space and live in a rainy environment, it may be best to go waterproof. If you live in an environment where it doesn’t rain, you might be okay spending less money on a water-resistant material that may end up being a softer, more comfortable fabric.

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Can You Leave Patio Cushions Outside in the Rain?