When you first purchase them, your Sunbrella bench seat cushions are a cheery, bright accompaniment to your outdoor patio area. These cushions not only provide comfort but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, adding a touch of color and style. However, to maintain their vibrant appearance and functionality over time, it's essential to take proper care of them. By following a few simple steps, such as covering them when not in use, opting for fade-resistant materials, cleaning them regularly, securing them properly, applying waterproof sealant, and storing them correctly, you can ensure that your Sunbrella bench seat cushions remain as bright and inviting as they were on the day you bought them. Proper maintenance will not only prolong the life of your cushions but also keep your patio looking fresh and inviting for years to come.
We’ve compiled this list of tips for protecting Sunbrella bench seat cushions from the elements. With this information, we hope that you can help your Sunbrella bench seat cushions remain as bright as they were when they were first bought, and to last for years to come.
Cover your bench cushions
Perhaps one of the easiest Sunbrella bench cushion protection tips to act on - did you know that Sunbrella cushion covers are readily sold in most places that sell outdoor furniture?
One way to protect your Sunbrella bench cushions is to place them in large plastic bags for storage. Plastic bags are excellent at preventing mildew from forming on your outdoor cushions. This is because plastic is highly effective at keeping moisture out, creating a barrier that prevents the damp conditions that mold and mildew thrive in. By sealing your cushions in plastic bags, you effectively safeguard them from the elements, especially during periods of heavy rain or high humidity. Additionally, plastic bags are an affordable and readily available solution, making them a convenient choice for many homeowners. It's important to ensure that the bags are completely sealed and free of any holes or tears to maximize their protective capabilities. This simple yet effective storage method can significantly extend the life of your Sunbrella bench cushions, keeping them looking fresh and new for much longer.
Go for fade-resistant cushions
Whether you go for oilskin fabric or waterproof polyester, woven or knitted, all types of outdoor bench cushions will begin to fade eventually unless properly maintained. This is simply a fact when outdoor furniture spends so much time exposed to the elements.
But, what if you get extra durable Sunbrella bench cushions? You can get more durable cushions or weather covers in many places. These Sunbrella bench cushions are made from fabric that not only fades more slowly than standard cushion covers, but is also more durable and less likely to get damaged or ripped.
Clean your cushions regularly
Regardless of which type of cushion or cushion cover you choose, regular cleaning is essential to maintain their appearance and longevity. Did you know that cleaning your Sunbrella bench cushions regularly goes a long way in helping them last? Over time, outdoor cushions can accumulate dirt, dust, and organic debris like bird droppings and mud, which can be acidic and potentially damaging to the fabric.
Fortunately, even if your Sunbrella outdoor bench cushions have removable covers, maintaining them doesn’t have to involve abrasive or tedious machine washes. Instead, you can simply use a damp cloth with a mild detergent to scrub away any debris as soon as you notice it. This immediate attention can prevent stains from setting in and keep your cushions looking pristine.
If you are just taking your Sunbrella bench seat cushions or covers out of storage and find them dusty, there’s no reason why you can’t use a low-powered handheld vacuum cleaner on them. This quick and gentle method is effective at removing surface dust without causing any damage to the fabric.
As always, take a look at the label or any other information that came with your cushions to find the best way to care for them. Manufacturers often provide specific cleaning and maintenance instructions tailored to the materials used in the cushions, ensuring you use the most effective and safe methods. By following these guidelines and regularly cleaning your Sunbrella bench cushions, you can preserve their vibrant colors and structural integrity, making sure they remain a beautiful and comfortable addition to your outdoor space for years to come.
Secure your cushions
When you bought your Sunbrella bench seat cushions or covers, you probably made certain to buy ones that were the correct size or the same brand as your outdoor furniture.
Making sure your cushions are the correct size for your outdoor furniture can help keep the cushions safely in place. However, you may find that over time the filling moves around and piles in the cushions, resulting in the cushions warping and losing their shape. This can cause the cushions to slide off your outdoor furniture more often.
Using covers with your Sunbrella outdoor bench cushions can also cause them to become less secure. This is especially true if you go for covers with a smooth fabric.
So, to prevent your cushions from ending up in the neighbour’s pond, you may like to secure them down. For this, you can use velcro ties to hold your cushions securely to the legs of your outdoor patio furniture.
Apply waterproof sealant
For Sunbrella bench seat cushions, mold and mildew are two of the worst things that can affect them. Mold and mildew can take over Sunbrella bench cushions if they’re neglected and mistreated, yet they are one of the most difficult problems to treat and get rid of.
Thankfully, several easy solutions exist that can prevent mold and mildew from ever entering your cushions. One of these solutions is to use a waterproof sealant. 100% effective at keeping moisture out of your cushions, waterproof sealant creates a barrier between a Sunbrella bench cushion’s fabric and the air outside.
You can find waterproof sealants for your Sunbrella outdoor bench cushions in most major outdoor furniture retailers. These sealants work best in humid areas, where your Sunbrella bench cushions are unlikely to be exposed to excessive moisture more frequently. However, wherever you live, if you use waterproof sealant on your Sunbrella outdoor bench cushions, be sure to re-apply it regularly, as the waterproofing effects it provides are not permanent.
Put your cushions away
No matter the weather, Sunbrella bench seat cushions are almost constantly subjected to plenty of punishment! The sun’s rays can fade them over time, while snow and rain attempt to force moisture into the filling of the cushion, potentially leading to the growth of mold and mildew if they’re neglected.
So, when you're not using your Sunbrella outdoor bench cushions, the best thing you can do is put them away. Your garage or basement is an ideal place to store your Sunbrella bench seat cushions. Otherwise, outdoor garden storage like a secure storage bench or box is good in the warmer seasons.
