Beautiful outdoor cushions on patio furniture on a balcony

Your patio seating is at the center of the comfort of your backyard, allowing you and your loved ones to relax, laugh, and create memories. Over time, your once soft and vibrantly colored cushions start to show signs of wear and tear until they inevitably become less and less appealing to sit on. From bird droppings and sun damage to stains and mildew, your cushions have seen better days, and it’s time to replace them. Before you throw out your entire cushion, let us show you how to save time and money with replacement outdoor cushion covers .


How to Measure Your Cushions

Before embarking on your search for new cushion covers, measuring your existing cushions accurately is crucial to get a nice and snug cover.


How to Measure Square or Rectangular Cushions

Width
Measure the widest side of the cushion from left to right.

*The width side will have the zipper of the cover.
Depth
Measure the side adjacent to the width.

Height
Measure from the bottom to the top of the cushion.



How to Measure Round Cushions

Diameter
Measure side to side across the top-center of the cushion.

Height
Measure from the bottom to the top of the cushion.



What’s the Best Fabric for Outdoor Cushion Covers?

Although most may assume all outdoor seating fabrics are created equally, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Most cushions sold in big box retailers are comprised of low-quality materials with minimal resistance to the elements. This is why many patio furniture owners find themselves with faded or torn seating cushions much sooner than expected.


We recommend looking for covers designed with woven polyester that is treated to stand up to rain, sun, or any other weather conditions. Choosing products made with a higher denier, preferably around 500D, is always a good idea when comparing polyester covers. Think of denier like thread count; the higher the number, the higher the quality. The denier lets you know how heavy the fabric is, which correlates with your outdoor cushions cover's durability and quality.

A closeup of Coverstore's innovative outdoor cushion material

How to Protect Outdoor Cushions

Now that you have your new cushion covers, you want to take the time to properly store and protect them so they are always ready to enjoy. Much like your patio furniture, although your cushions are designed to be outside, adding a layer of protection between them and the elements will go a long way.


Spring & Summer Cushion Storage

During the spring and summer, you can leave your cushions and pillows out with much concern for rain or snow. We advise you to monitor the weather if inclement weather or torrential downpours are expected so you can take precautions to avoid soaked seating. Also, keep an eye on where your patio seating is placed. Chairs and sofas placed near or under trees are susceptible to leaves, tree sap, and other debris. Consider patio furniture covers as a straightforward solution if you want an easy way to protect your cushions and seating. Outdoor furniture covers offer a convenient way to protect seating without being a hassle to remove and relax.


Winter Cushion Storage

If you live in an area with heavy winters and often don’t use your patio seating, use a cushion storage bag to keep them protected and out of harm's way. Once stored in a weather-resistant storage bag, you can move them under the patio or out of sight in the garage until spring rolls around.

A pair of hands places outdoor cushions in a durable cushion storage bag.

How to Clean Cushion Covers

If you get a stain or plan on storing your cushions for the winter, there are a few easy ways to ensure your cushion covers are clean and look their best for any backyard event.


Spot Cleaning

You can use the spot cleaning method for easy cleanup of small or slight stains.

  • Use a soft bristle brush to remove any loose dirt or debris.
  • Use a high-quality cleaning spray or mild detergent and warm water.
  • Spot-test the solution on a non-visible section of fabric.
  • Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to apply the solution in circular motions.
  • Rinse and let them completely dry.
  • Repeat these steps until the desired outcome is achieved.

Machine Washing

  • Check the inner tag to ensure the covers are machine washable.
  • Knock off any loose dirt and debris with a soft bristle brush.
  • Place the covers into the washing machine with cold water and mild detergent.
  • Let the covers fully air dry.

Reminder: Ensure your covers are completely dry before reinstalling or storing them.


With these tips in mind, you'll be well-equipped to find new cushion covers that will breathe fresh life into your outdoor living space, providing comfort and style for years to come!


Want updates on new blog posts, current sales, new product releases, and more? Stay in touch! Like our Facebook page, follow us on Instagram (@thecoverstore) and Pinterest, and join Cover Club!