Outdoor cushions are a great way to add comfort and style to your patio, deck, or poolside furniture. However, if exposed to the elements, outdoor cushions can get wet from rain, snow, or spills. Learning how to properly dry outdoor cushions will extend their life and prevent mold and mildew growth. With some simple preparation and the right drying techniques, you can keep your outdoor cushions in tip-top shape.
Why It’s Important to Dry Outdoor Cushions
When outdoor cushions get wet, it’s crucial to dry them fully and quickly for a few key reasons:
Prevent Mold and Mildew
Excess moisture trapped in the cushion filling or fabric can lead to mold and mildew growth. This not only causes ugly discoloration and stains, but mold spores can also trigger allergic reactions and respiratory irritation.
Avoid Deformation
If left wet, the cushion fill and cover material may become misshapen. The filling can clump together and the fabric may stretch out. Proper drying helps the cushions retain their original shape.
Extend Lifespan
Wet cushions deteriorate more quickly over time. The moisture causes damage to the fabric and filling material. Drying outdoor cushions after each use or wet incident will dramatically extend their usable lifespan.
Eliminate Odors
Trapped moisture leads to unpleasant odors from mold and mildew. It also provides an inviting environment for bacteria to grow. Drying the cushions fully removes odors and inhibits microbial growth.
Taking the time to thoroughly dry outdoor cushions is a small effort that pays big dividends!
Preparing Outdoor Cushions for Drying
Before drying outdoor cushions, take a few preparatory steps:
Brush Off Debris
Use a hand broom or vacuum to remove any dirt, leaves, or other debris stuck to the cushion covers. This prevents abrasion damage during drying.
Blot Excess Moisture
If the cushions are very wet, use clean towels to blot up as much standing water as possible. This will quicken the drying process.
Remove Covers
Unzip or unfasten the cushion covers and remove the inner filling. This allows both components to dry fully.
Shake Out Filling
Gently shake the filling to redistribute clumped material and release trapped moisture. Avoid compressing it, which can impact drying.
Wash Moldy Cushions
If cushion covers or filling have visible mold growth, wash and disinfect them before drying. This prevents spreading spores.
With prep work complete, it’s time to dry! Choose a method or combination of methods from the list below:
Effective Ways to Dry Outdoor Cushions
Air Dry
Lay the cushion covers and filling out flat in a dry, well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Turn and redistribute periodically to encourage even drying. This passive approach takes 1-3 sunny days.
Use a Fan
Place the cushion components in front of a fan or position a fan to blow air over the materials. The airflow accelerates evaporation, reducing drying time to 1-2 days.
Dry Indoors
Lay the cushions in a spare room or basement with good airflow and a dehumidifier running. The controlled indoor environment speeds drying to 1-2 days.
Use Low Heat
Put the cushions in the clothes dryer on a no-heat or air-dry cycle. The turbulence helps drying. Or set a space heater nearby to gently warm the materials. Check frequently to prevent overheating.
Try a Dehumidifier
Place the cushion components in a small, enclosed space with a dehumidifier. The moisture-absorbing appliance creates very dry air to fast-dry the cushions in just hours.
Use the Sun
On a hot, sunny, low-humidity day, lay the cushions in direct sunlight. Rotate occasionally. The solar heat and UV radiation work quickly to fully dry cushions in 2-6 hours.
Combine Methods
For fastest drying, use a combination like laying cushions in sunlight with a fan blowing on them. Or put in a dehumidified room with a fan. Combining drying methods cuts the time down substantially.
No matter which technique you choose, check the cushions periodically until completely dry. The covers should feel crisp with no damp spots. The filling should feel fluffy with no clumping. With proper drying, outdoor cushions regain their loft and luster.
Tips for Drying Outdoor Cushion Covers
Outdoor cushion covers are designed for weather-resistance and require some specific care when drying:
- Check the tag – Follow any special care instructions from the manufacturer.
- Air dry only – Do not machine dry covers or use high heat to prevent damage.
- Shape while drying – Periodically reshape covers as they dry to discourage deformities.
- Use a towel or rack – Lay covers flat or hang on a towel rack or clothesline to dry evenly.
- Weather-treat again – Once dry, apply water repellant spray to restore water resistance.
- Brush gently – For stubborn wrinkles, lightly brush the dried cover fabric with a soft bristle brush.
- Wash stubborn stains – Launder covers with mild detergent if stains remain after drying. Then re-treat.
With some simple precautions, outdoor cushion covers clean up nicely after a thorough drying.
Tips for Drying Outdoor Cushion Filling
The filling inside outdoor cushions also requires some special handling when drying:
- Fluff periodically – Plump up and redistribute the filling every few hours as it dries.
- Use low heat – Warm air can help drying, but avoid high heat that could scorch the filling.
- Dry thoroughly – Make sure filling is completely dry to avoid clumping when recovered.
- Deodorize as needed – If odors persist, sprinkle baking soda before recovering. Vacuum out later.
- Gently loosen clumps – Separate any clumped filling by hand, fluffing gently to restore loft.
- Watch for leaks – Discard any wet filling that leaks through a damaged cover. Wet spots encourage mold.
- Add replacement fill – If needed, add new dry polyester fill to compensate for any discarded wet filling.
With some reasonable care, the cushion filling will fluff right up again after drying out completely.
Storing Outdoor Cushions to Keep Them Dry
Once your outdoor cushions are thoroughly dry, use these storage tips to keep them that way:
- Bring cushions indoors when not in use for long periods.
- Store cushion covers and filling separately.
- Use breathable bags or containers, not airtight plastic.
- Keep cushions in a dry, climate-controlled area.
- Place on racks or shelves, not directly on concrete.
- Avoid excess stacking or compression during storage.
- Check periodically for moisture and mold.
- Rotate stock to use older cushions first.
Proper storage between uses prevents re-wetting and extends outdoor cushion life. Keeping them dry saves time and effort down the road.
FAQs About Drying Outdoor Cushions
Still have questions about properly drying outdoor cushions? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long does it take to dry outdoor cushions?
Drying time depends on methods used and weather conditions. But expect 1-3 days drying naturally or as little as 2-6 hours using accelerated methods.
Where is the best place to dry outdoor cushions?
Lay cushions flat on a dry surface in a room with plenty of moving air from open windows, fans, or a dehumidifier. Outdoors, choose a sunny spot protected from additional wetting.
Can I put wet outdoor cushions back on the furniture?
No, cushions should be completely dry before placing back on outdoor furniture. Wet or damp cushions promote mold growth and may stain or damage furniture.
Do I need to wash outdoor cushion covers before drying?
Only if covers are dirty or have visible mold. Otherwise, a good drying is usually sufficient to clean and freshen covers. Washing may diminish weatherproofing.
What if my outdoor cushions have mold on them?
If mold is present, wash covers in mild detergent and water. Disinfect with a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Rinse well and allow to fully dry before recovering. Discard any moldy filling.
How do I keep outdoor cushions from getting wet again?
Bring cushions indoors when not in use. When outside, cover or move cushions to shelter during rain or when not in use. Waterproofing spray adds an extra layer of protection.
Why do my dried outdoor cushions still feel damp in the middle?
This likely means the inner cushion did not dry fully. Remove covers and continue drying the filling until no moisture remains. Be sure to fluff and redistribute filling periodically as it dries.
Thorough drying is the key to keeping outdoor cushions fresh and well maintained for seasons to come. With the proper techniques, you can easily dry cushions even after a soaking rain or spill. Just remember to act quickly, prepare the cushions properly, and take advantage of drying aids like fans, dehumidifiers and sunshine. Your cushions will thank you!
Conclusion
Outdoor cushions provide comfort and vibrancy to outdoor living spaces. But when exposed to wet conditions, prompt drying is essential to preserve cushion integrity and prevent mold growth. Prepare cushions by removing covers, blotting excess moisture and shaking out filling. Effective drying methods include air drying, fans, indoor drying, low heat, dehumidifiers and sunshine. For fastest results, combine approaches. With proper drying and storage, outdoor cushions will provide lasting enjoyment for years of use. Just be sure to dry thoroughly after wet incidents, rotate stock, and take preventative measures to keep cushions clean, dry and ready to support comfortable outdoor relaxing.