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 it can make things even cosier.
But as the cool and rainy days arrive and winter approaches, knowing how to store garden cushions properly becomes essential. Leave them outside and you’re risking moisture damage, mould growth, pest infestation, and fabric fading, any of which can ruin a cushion in a single season. The five steps below cover everything you need to clean, dry, pack, and protect them until the weather warms up again.
TL;DR
- Always clean and fully dry cushions before storage, storing damp cushions is the leading cause of mould.
- Store garden cushions indoors (shed, garage, or basement) where possible; outdoor storage boxes or weatherproof bags are a good alternative if indoor space isn’t available.
- Never seal damp cushions in an airtight bag, moisture trapped inside will cause mould even during storage.
- If home storage space is limited, a professional storage service can hold garden cushions over winter and re-deliver them when you’re ready.
Table of Contents
How to Store Garden Cushions
There are a few steps you need to take to store your garden cushions the right way and keep them safe from mould, mildew, and pests:
How to prepare and store garden cushions so they stay clean, dry, and mould-free until the next season.
Clean the cushions
Before storing them, make sure the garden cushions are clean and dry.
- Start by brushing or vacuuming the cushions to remove loose debris.
- Use dish soap or laundry detergent mixed with water to clean them thoroughly. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions closely, as some materials may need special care. Where cushion covers are removable, check the care label, many can be machine-washed.
- 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.
Remove mould
If mould has built up, remove it before storing the cushions. There are two ways you can go about this:
- Mix water and white vinegar equally in a spray bottle and spray the affected areas. Allow the solution to sit for at least 30 minutes, then rinse, squeeze out any excess water, and dry the cushions fully. If any mould remains, repeat the process.
- Use bleach for tougher mould stains. Mix 1 part bleach with 3 parts water in a bucket. Scrub the mouldy areas with a brush dipped in the solution, allow it to sit for 10–15 minutes, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Always test a small, hidden area first to ensure the bleach won’t damage the fabric or colour. Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area.
To protect cushions from mould going forward, keep them dry, clean them regularly, and use breathable storage containers that allow air to circulate.
Dry the cushions fully
Drying the cushions completely before storage is one of the most important steps, skip it and you’re sealing in the conditions mould needs to grow. Air-dry them in a well-ventilated area, and keep them away from strong direct sunlight, which can fade and weaken fabric over time. Avoid using a tumble dryer, which can also damage the material. Cushions with thick foam inserts may take 24–48 hours to dry completely, so don’t rush this step.
Pack for storage
Once the cushions are clean and fully dry, it’s time to pack them:
- Fold each cushion in half lengthwise, then in half again widthwise, but only if the cushion has flexible foam or fibre fill. Cushions with rigid foam inserts should be stored flat to avoid cracking or permanently creasing the foam.
- Wrap the cushions in a clean, dry sheet or towel to protect them from dust and dirt. You can also use a plastic bag, but ensure the cushions are completely dry before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Choose a storage container large enough to hold all your cushions without them shifting around and becoming misshapen. Airtight containers and weatherproof storage bags are both good options. Vacuum-seal bags are also effective, they compress the cushions down considerably, making them much easier to store in a tight space.
- Pack the cushions in a single layer where possible. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag or container.
- Seal the container or bag tightly to keep out moisture and pests, and store in a dry, cool place.
Stack correctly
It’s generally best not to stack garden cushions, as doing so can cause them to lose their shape and flatten out over time. Storing them in a single layer, in a container or on a shelf, is the better approach.
If space is tight and stacking is unavoidable, place a layer of cardboard or bubble wrap between each cushion to prevent them from crushing each other, and avoid placing heavy objects on top. If your home doesn’t have enough room for the cushions, you can always turn to Fantastic Removals storage services. Store your belongings for the winter months, and we’ll re-deliver them when you’re ready.
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Where Do You Store Garden Cushions?
The best place to store garden cushions is a dry indoor space, a shed, garage, or basement all work well. If indoor space isn’t available, a weatherproof outdoor storage box or cushion bag positioned in a sheltered spot is a perfectly workable alternative.
Keeping them in the right place protects them from rain, frost, sun exposure, and dirt, and helps them last significantly longer. Here are your main options:
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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Why You Shouldn’t Just Leave Your Cushions Outside All Winter?
Leaving garden cushions outside over a UK winter exposes them to sustained moisture, frost, UV damage, and pests, each capable of permanently damaging fabric and foam within a single season.
The problem compounds over time. A cushion that survives one poorly stored winter may look serviceable, but the foam inside starts to break down, the fabric fibres weaken, and by the second or third season it’s visibly flattened and discoloured. UK autumns in particular, long, wet, and often followed by hard frosts, accelerate this process far faster than a drier climate would. Rodents and insects are also drawn to the insulating warmth of outdoor cushions left in place, and the damage they cause isn’t fixable.
Storing them properly during winter is a small seasonal effort that adds years to a cushion’s useful life. They’ll be clean, dry, and ready to use the moment the weather turns again.
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Conclusion
Proper storage is a small seasonal effort with a real payoff. Clean the cushions, remove any mould, dry them thoroughly, pack them correctly, and store them somewhere dry, follow those five steps and your cushions will come out the other side of winter in the same condition they went in. Skip any one of them, particularly the drying step, and you’re likely to find mould waiting for you come spring.
If you don’t have the space at home to store garden cushions and other outdoor items over the colder months, Fantastic Removals storage services can help. We’ll keep your belongings safe and re-deliver them whenever you’re ready for them.
