Take The Cushions Inside Take The Cushions Outside
Either for seasons or temporary storms, itâs best to move cushions inside if extreme weather is blowing through your neighborhood. Hauling them in and out feels like a Herculean effort. We wanted to change that. The OuterShell⢠easily unrolls and attaches to the bottom portion of the cushion, creating a briefcase-like contraption. Storing, protecting, and moving, handled.
These small but mighty feats of design innovation have transformed how we approach outdoor living. When we started out, we knew we didn’t want to just design something stylish. We wanted to make something different, something that would survive weather, birds, tree sap, and everything in between. One shell at a time, weâre getting there.
We hope you will experience #TheOuterDifference for yourself.
How To Secure Patio Furniture
One of the drawbacks of a front patio setup is that furniture and other expensive items are susceptible to theft. Ideally, you would place any new furniture in the backyard, but if you have your heart set on a welcoming porch leading to your front door, take extra steps to ensure it will be there tomorrow! For one, try a steel cable lock at night or when not in use. Another smart tactic is the security camera above the front door, which will catch any wrongful intentions in the act and, more importantly, serve as a “warning” and ward off any thieves from the start!
How To Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
In the fair weathered months, an extravagant outdoor getaway is an enviable asset to have. While shopping for the necessities to build the perfect outdoor oasis can be easy and fun, knowing the right way to care for your new outdoor set can be a little more challenging. Protecting your stylish new investment from water damage, elevated temperatures, and the scorching summer sun is easier than you think!
While most outdoor furniture features all weather materials like rust-free powder coated aluminum, UV-rated fabric and foam, and naturally rot-resistant wood, a little care and maintenance can really go a long way. Follow these helpful tips and tricks to keep your outdoor furniture looking fresh for several summers to come!
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The Easy Way To Keep Your Outdoor Patio Furniture Dry
I absolutely love our little slice of the outdoors in downtown Chicago. Our patio may be small, but in the summertime we are constantly sitting out here enjoying the sunny days and warm nights.;
But let me let you guys in on a little secret. I left our patio furniture outside for the entire year. Yep, rainsnow.sleetthis baby has been through it all. The truth is we dont have room to store all of our patio furniture indoors during the winter months. Heck, we dont even have room to bring the cushions, pillows, or rug inside. I dont recommend this method , but its all that we can do since we live in the city.
How to Waterproof Patio Furniture
So in order to keep our furniture from getting destroyed, Ive done a couple of things. First, I purchased furniture covers for the couch & 2 chairs. Those stayed on the entire winter and kept the furniture, cushions, and outdoor pillows dry. I also try to put the covers on whenever I know it is going to rain outside or if we leave for an extended period of time.
But to be perfectly honest, sometimes I see the forecast and I have no motivation to run outside and put the covers on our furniture before it rains. Therefore, I added another step of protection.
I bought a can of this Scotchgard Water Shield and I sprayed all of our cushions and pillows.
After doing a nice spray over the front, back, and sides of every cushion and pillowI let them dry for a few hours.
Our Summer Flowers
How To Waterproof And Stain Resistant Fabric
;I used this amazing;waterproof;spray for fabrics and gave both sides of my cushions two coats. It doesnt leave any odor!
You can use it on pillows, tablecloths and patio umbrellas too!
I love this stuff it doesnt make the fabric stiff or crunchy so its still super soft to sit on! Its super quick and easy to use!
This is such an amazing way to use beautiful indoor pillows and textiles outside and make them super durable! I love that its fade proof so it protects fabrics from sun and UVA/UVB damage.
Now our outdoor seat cushions on our front porch will remain nice and dry!
Look at how the water beads on the fabric! Its not soaking in!
Also if youre a sewer you can sew up your own pillow covers from fabric, spray them with the waterproof spray and then use them outside.
What an;ideal way to make indoor upholstered dining chairs and ottomans stain resistant too!;
I hope you like my tip on how to waterproof indoor cushions!
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How To Care For Metal Outdoor Furniture
Modern, industrial, but please hold the rust. While typically easy to care for, some metals are susceptible to corrosion, oxidization, and scuff marks. At Article, we use powder-coated high-quality aluminum and hot-dipped, galvanized steel to combat such reactions. Our metals are lightweight, but made to resist corrosion and withstand extreme temperature conditions.;
Contrary to what youd imagine, cleaning steel and aluminum requires a delicate hand. A rag and some warm, soapy water does the trick. No need to be aggressive, a light wipe will do. Be sure to rinse the metal thoroughly and pat it dry. Leaving excess water or cleaning agents behind can result in stains and discoloration.
How To Clean Your Outdoor Furniture Cushions
Different types of outdoor fabric require different cleaning approaches. Before you begin, its important to refer to the manufacturers care instructions. You can usually find this information on the products tag or on the companys website.
Many types;of outdoor furniture can be cleaned effectively with mild soap and water. Read on to learn the most effective step-by-step approach to cleaning outdoor cushions.
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Get The Right Cushion Covers
Get removable cushion covers so you can easily change your patio setting or cover mildewed, faded, or damaged cushions. The removable slipcovers moreover will make your outdoor furniture look fresher and fresher.
Make sure the covers you buy are fade-and mildew-resistant and moreover machine-washable to keep them clean even in wet weather.
How To Prevent Mold On Patio Chair Cushions
While all-weather materials help protect outdoor cushions from mold and mildew caused by damp conditions, even the heartiest fabrics eventually succumb to prolonged exposure to the elements. Routine care and maintenance is critical to keeping your patio chair cushions and pillows in optimal condition.
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Apply A Protective Coat Or Two
If your set is made out of wood or iron then you will definitely want to apply a protective coat whenever you have to. If you have just bought a new set, then you might not have to do this but it would be a smart idea to check for any possible damage every year before and/or after the season. By wood, you have to look for cracks on the surface, while with iron it is the rust that you should watch out for. As soon as you find it, you should take action, because it will only get worse if you dont.
How To Keep Patio Cushions Dry
Last summer, with a forecast of more than two days of rain, I worried about how to keep my outdoor patio cushions from getting soaking wet. It wasnt practical to bring them inside for every afternoon thunderstorm.
But, who wants to sit in a soggy patio cushion when the weekend comes around?;
And, then inspiration struck when I grabbed a handful of plastic kitchen bags.
It turns out plastic trash bags are a great resource to keep the foam cushions dry.;
;From there I ;unzipped the pillow covers and tucked the foam cushions into a plastic bag. I tied the bag shut and placed the wrapped foam cushion back in the pillow covers .
Short tutorial.;
Thats it! And, it works. The reality is when the rain penetrates the pillow cover the cover dries after a morning of sunshine, but its the foam cushion that traps the moisture.
Those wet patio cushions lead to fun stuff like mold spores.
Who wants to sit on a cushion full of mold and mildew?;
Thanks for stopping by! Now go cover those patio cushions!;
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How To Store Patio Cushions
Do you need help storing outdoor cushions? This guide will teach you how to store patio cushions so they dont get moldy.
Outdoor cushions are constructed to withstand some wear and tear. Most of the time, the fabric, stitching, and fillers are more durable than indoor cushions. However, patio furniture can become moldy, musty, and full of mildew if it isnt appropriately stored in the offseason. Or worse yet, the cushion could become pest infested. Rats and spiders can make a home inside your cushion, or moths could eat holes in the fabric.
Learn how to store patio cushions the right way and find an appropriate storage location that is dry and rodent-free. This guide will show you how to store patio cushions, so they stay looking and smelling like new.
For starters, we will discuss the three facets of storing outdoor cushions: cleaning, wrapping, and storing. Each step will ensure that your cushions are waterproof, bugproof, and smell proof. Then we will explore some smart storage ideas that will work even if youre limited on space.
Use Outdoor Furniture Covers
One way that you can keep your patio furniture safe from any water damage during a downpour is by; using a patio furniture cover. A patio furniture cover is like a tarp that you place over your outdoor furniture in order to shelter it from the rain.
There are many different types and styles available on the market today . Some covers come with zippers or Velcro closures, so your furniture will stay secure until it stops raining.
Not only will this keep your furniture dry, but it will also prolong its life. Its never good when your seat cushions are soaked and then start to rot over time! So be sure to pick up some covers for your outdoor furniture as soon as possible.
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How Do You Store Outdoor Furniture Cushions
If you own a fabric outdoor couch or chair, you may have cushions that need to be stored away for the winter. Start out by cleaning your cushions with a hose and letting them completely dry before attempting to store. Do not skip this step cushions that are even slightly moist can produce mold and will be ruined. Cushions will last longer when stored in a clean, dry area, such as a shed, basement, or garage. Place cushions in large plastic bags to keep them protected when they’re not in use. You can buy outdoor cushion storage bags or use a large trash bag. Just make sure the bag is sealed tightly!
How To Protect Outdoor Cushions
For smaller pieces like cushions and throw pillows, protection comes from storage. When you’re done using your outdoor space, be sure to move any smaller accessories into a contained bin, especially if the pieces are not weatherproof. Find outdoor furniture sets with built-in storage, like lift-top coffee tables, for a stylish way to protect your accessories.;
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Cleaning & Outdoor Cushion Storage Ideas
Before packing up your cushions for storage, make sure they have been cleaned to Grandmas standards and are completely dry. Follow the manufacturers instructions for cleaning cushion covers and scrub the cushion with a solution of water and mild soap, then let them both air dry.;
If its warm and sunny out, you can prop them up outside, rotating them from time to time to make sure all sides are completely dried out. If the weather is still nice, you can lie down next to them, also rotating periodically, and work on your tan.
For outdoor cushion storage ideas, remember you want dry and temperate. Airtight containers are appropriate if youre sure theres no moisture inside and you wont be storing cushions for very long.;
Otherwise, its best to use garment bags or breathable containers and store cushions inside the houseare you noticing a pattern here?where theres not so much change in temperature. Deck boxes are also great for throwing cushions into overnight or during a rainstorm, but are not the best option for long-term storage.
The Best Modern Outdoor Furniture For Rain
Who doesnt love a good, soul cleansing downpour? The unprepared owners of modern patio furniture, thats who. Mildew, rust, corrosion, decay rain can wreak havoc on ill-equipped outdoor pieces. Here some good news: rain doesnt have to be the downfall of your beloved outdoor living room. With the right fabrics, materials, and a few protective measures, your patio furniture can weather everything from a little drizzle to torrential rains. Lets dive in.
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Protecting Your Outdoor Patio Furniture
You thoroughly enjoy being outside a lounging about on your lawn chairs or other pieces of furniture in your patio or yard in the spring, summer and even in the fall. However, in the winter with the snow, freezing rain and cold, your outdoor patio furniture might not hold up too well. Thats why its important to take the correct steps to protect your patio furniture. How do you protect this type of furniture? Lets look at the various measures to take during the winter to prolong the life of your chairs, tables and other pieces.
What Type Of Outdoor Furniture Is The Most Durable
Your outdoor furniture will have to stand up to the sun’s strong rays in the summer, and elements like rain and snow in the winter. Choose a durable material to ensure your furniture can endure the wear and tear. If you want wood furniture, teak, eucalyptus, or cedar is a great choice that can face any weather. Popular and durable synthetic fabrics include plastic and synthetic resin wicker. Aluminum and steel are other common outdoor furniture materials that are lightweight and won’t mold or deteriorate over time.
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What Is The Best Way To Clean Outdoor Furniture Cushions
Outdoor cushions, individual or on patio furniture, aren’t always like regular cushions you’ll find in your home, since many will have been treated with UV-protective and other weather-resistant coatings especially if yours came as part of a patio set.;
Before you start any cleaning or washing, check the labels for any information on how the manufacturer recommends you best clean your items.
How To Keep Outdoor Furniture Clean
As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and this applies to outdoor furniture sets! The best way to keep a set clean is with furniture covers. As mentioned above, you can try polyester covers, but there are also types made of canvas and vinyl, both of which provide resistance to the elements. If you’re worried about dust, sap, mud or even bird poop, use covers as a barrier for your furniture surfaces.
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Best Material For Fighting Mildew
Many woods and fabrics are porous, meaning that once moisture is absorbed into them, its hard to get out. When left outdoors for a while, these wood types become susceptible to mildew and mold.;Instead of taking a risk, worrying whether or not your outdoor furniture will harbor moisture and become a;factory for mildew, opt for coated metal designs which are not porous in the least, and from which water will literally;bounce off.;If you have your heart set on wood, though, go for teak, acacia and pine, which, as mentioned above, are more mildew-resistant thanks to their natural oil-production and low porosity.
In terms of fabric, most upholstery designed for the outdoors will feature woven polyester coated with PVC. This is also known as textilene fabric, and is water-resistant by design. Other types that stand well to moisture include cotton canvas, olefin and vinyl.
Choose one of these fabric options, and youre good-to-go when it comes to mildew-resistance. But remember: many designs within the outdoor furniture industry are only –resistantand not –proof. To up your insurance, keep patio furniture covers on hand, and whip them out when the weather starts to humidify or rain is on the way.
How To Wash Outdoor Cushions In The Washing Machine
If your outdoor cushions have removable covers then washing them in your washing machine is a great way to get them clean quickly. Do this once a year .;
Simply remove the cushion cover, keeping the inner filling separate somewhere warm, dry and protected to avoid any mildew getting in there. Check the label as above for any notes on temperature and more. Next, shake any dust, sand or other debris stuck in the corner grooves of the covers and run them on a gentle cycle with a laundry detergent. When done, allow them to air dry completely before putting the filling back in.
Extra grubby? Make a baking soda and water paste to pre-treat cushions before running them through the washer. It’s a great way to lift stains and refresh them in a more natural way than using bleach.
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