Inside Out Guide To Storing Garden Cushions in Winter

October 11 2024

Summer has swiftly been replaced by autumn, and you must come to accept the fact it is time to store your garden cushions – and probably all outdoor furniture – someplace safe until the weather allows us to spend more time outdoors again. One effective solution is using garden cushion storage bags, which offer benefits such as waterproof properties and practical design elements like handles and zips. Outdoor cushions are undoubtedly cozy, comfortable, and beautiful, but they have one major drawback – they are typically quite sizeable and there is no way you can just keep them outside once the bad weather comes. You will need to find an adequate storage solution for them.

How do you store outdoor cushions when not in use?

Some say the best way to store garden cushions in the off season is in a dry and ventilated area like a storage shed or even your garage – so humidity doesn’t damage them. Storing garden cushions properly is necessary to prevent damage from moisture, dirt and pests. Before you put them away for winter you need to make sure they are clean of any dirt and stains that if left over winter will be impossible to get out of.

Another thing to do to keep your garden cushions well during the off season is once you put them in storage make sure they are dust and pollution free. The exterior fabric of the garden furniture cushions should be covered in plastic covers. Make sure you wrap them up once they are completely dry. That way your garden cushions will be mould and mildew free over winter.

For effective outdoor cushion storage, consider practical solutions like storage bags in different sizes for easy handling and durable storage covers to protect cushions from environmental damage.

What to use for garden cushion storage during the winter?

There are garden cushion storage boxes you can use for the cushions and even other small garden furniture. While the garden cushion storage boxes provide indeed proper storage for your outdoor cushions, they have one drawback – they are typically made out of cardboard. If you live in a particularly humid area, the cardboard storage boxes may get damaged while sitting in the shed or the garage. That will potentially expose your cushions. Using specialized cushion storage bags is crucial to protect outdoor cushions from moisture, dirt, and sun damage. An ideal solution for storing your garden cushions will be to follow these three steps:

  • Remove any removable covers from the cushions. Wash them thoroughly and dry them before putting them in storage separately from the cushions themselves.
  • Place the garden cushions into airtight containers that will provide the optimal storage option
  • Place the containers in your storage space of choice

Additionally, consider various storage solutions such as storage shelves for easy accessibility and customization. However, note that these may require additional covers to provide adequate protection.

Make sure that the plastic bags you place the garden cushions in are clean and cover the exterior fabric of the cushions thoroughly. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt from the cushions themselves, as well as the rest of your garden furniture before putting them in storage.

Removing the filling from your garden cushions – yes or no

To make sure that your garden cushions are preserved in the best condition possible during the winter period, you may want to consider removing their fillings before putting them in storage. That is, of course, if they are made in a way that allows you to do that easily. In that way, you can place the exterior removal covers, the interior cushion covers, and the filling in the storage cushion containers separately. On one hand, that will protect the materials better, and on the other – it will save you a little bit of storage space.

Can I put garden cushions in the shed?

A shed is the perfect place to store garden cushions, garden furniture and other outdoor items and equipment over the winter months, so it’s a must have for any outdoor space. If your shed is clean, well ventilated and rain, snow and wind proof then it will be the perfect place to keep your garden cushions safe and sound until summer. If not you might consider moving your garden shed.

Should I check on my garden cushions while in storage?

If you’re going to store your garden furniture and cushions for more than a couple of months then it’s worth checking on them every so often. Just pop into the garden shed or storage facility you’ve chosen for them every couple of months and open the storage containers to see if there’s any mildew forming and everything is still in order with the storage solution you’ve used.

Can you leave garden furniture cushions outside in the winter instead of in storage?

Such a strategy will lead to your garden cushions getting thoroughly destroyed by the elements come winter. You will be better off just throwing them away now and buying new ones next year. You will be forced to do just that either way, so you will be saving yourself some of the hassle next year. In any case, putting them in storage will be a much more sensible idea.