When the outdoor season comes to an end in New England, it is time to prepare your patio cushions for winter storage. Proper preparation can help protect your investment and make it easier to enjoy your outdoor furniture when spring arrives.
After more than 56 years in the professional cleaning business, my recommendation is to start with a thorough professional cleaning.
1. Have Your Outdoor Cushions Professionally Cleaned
Before storing your cushions for the winter, have them professionally cleaned to remove accumulated soil, pollen, stains, mildew, mold, and other contaminants. Leaving these materials on the fabric for several months can make them more difficult to remove later and may contribute to unpleasant odors.
Outdoor cushions can accumulate a surprising amount of contamination during the summer. Sunscreen, body oils, tree sap, bird droppings, food spills, and general outdoor soil may all require different cleaning approaches.
I discuss some of these challenges in my Ask Alec article, Before You Grab the Garden Hose, Pressure Washer or Bleach. Not every outdoor cushion can be cleaned the same way, and using the wrong method can damage the fabric.
2. Make Sure the Cushions Are Completely Dry
After cleaning, the cushions must be thoroughly dried before they are wrapped and stored. This is an especially important step because moisture trapped inside a cushion can encourage mildew growth and cause musty odors during storage.
Do not rush the drying process. The exterior fabric may feel dry while the interior filling still contains moisture.
I have written more about these problems in Ask Alec: Is an Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure When It Comes to Outdoor Cushions?. Keeping cushions clean and allowing them to dry thoroughly can help prevent problems before they become more difficult to correct.
3. Wrap the Cushions for Winter Storage
Once the cushions are clean and completely dry, I recommend wrapping them in heavy-duty plastic to help protect them from dirt, dust, and incidental moisture during storage.
Properly wrapped cushions are also less inviting to rodents and insects looking for a place to nest during the winter.
However, remember that plastic can trap moisture. The cushions must be completely dry before wrapping, and they should be stored in a dry environment where condensation and water intrusion are not a concern.
4. Store the Cushions Off the Floor
Whether you store your cushions in a basement, garage, or shed, avoid placing them directly on a concrete floor. Concrete can transfer moisture, particularly in damp storage environments.
Whenever possible, place the wrapped cushions on shelves or an elevated storage platform. This helps keep them away from floor moisture and potential water intrusion.
Also, check the storage area for leaks, excessive humidity, and other conditions that could affect the cushions during the months they are put away.
5. Consider Professional Cleaning, Wrapping and Winter Storage
Outdoor cushions can be bulky and difficult to handle, especially when you have a large patio furniture set. Finding enough room to store them at home can also be a challenge.
At Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning LLC, we offer professional in-plant outdoor cushion cleaning, wrapping, pickup, delivery, and optional winter storage.
You can learn more about our services on our Outdoor Cushion Cleaning and Winter Storage page.
Having your cushions professionally cleaned and thoroughly dried before storage helps prepare them for the off-season. It also means you don’t have to manage the cleaning process yourself or find room for bulky cushions in your home.
At Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning, we also offer storage of outdoor cushions after they have been cleaned in a climate controled enviroment for the winter months.
Alec’s Advice
Outdoor cushions can represent a substantial investment, particularly when they are custom-made or part of a high-end patio furniture set. Taking the time to have them professionally cleaned, thoroughly dried, properly wrapped, and stored off the floor can help keep them in better condition throughout the winter.
A little preparation at the end of the outdoor season can make a big difference when spring arrives.
If your outdoor cushions need professional cleaning, protective wrapping, pickup and delivery, or winter storage, I invite you to contact Alec’s Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning LLC.
You can reach us through our Contact Us page or call our office at 781-871-1415. I’ll be happy to answer your questions and help you prepare your outdoor cushions for winter.