Outdoor Cushion Care: Rain, Humidity, Mold & Mildew

Outdoor cushions are made to live outside.

But that doesn't mean they're indestructible—or that they should remain wet for days at a time.

Even premium outdoor cushions benefit from a little care, particularly in climates with frequent rain, high humidity, or limited airflow. Understanding how moisture affects your cushions is one of the best ways to keep them looking beautiful and feeling comfortable for years.

The good news? Caring for quality outdoor cushions doesn't need to be complicated.

At Brush Valley Cushion Co., we use genuine Sunbrella® performance fabrics because they're specifically designed for demanding environments. But the fabric is only one part of an outdoor cushion. Inside every cushion is filling, and moisture management matters there too.

Here's what you need to know about rain, humidity, mold, mildew, and keeping your outdoor cushions in great condition.

Can Outdoor Cushions Get Wet?

Yes.

Outdoor cushions are designed with occasional exposure to moisture in mind. A passing rain shower or splash from the pool doesn't mean you need to panic.

But there's an important distinction between a cushion getting wet and a cushion staying wet.

Moisture itself isn't necessarily the problem.

Trapped moisture is.

When a cushion becomes saturated and remains damp for an extended period—particularly in warm or humid conditions—it can create an environment where mold and mildew may develop.

That's why drying is such an important part of outdoor cushion care.

Are Outdoor Cushions Waterproof?

Usually, no.

And that's an important distinction.

Most quality outdoor cushions should be thought of as weather-resistant rather than waterproof.

Performance fabrics are designed to handle outdoor conditions much better than ordinary indoor upholstery fabrics, but water can still enter through seams, zippers, or prolonged exposure.

The cushion insert inside can therefore become wet even when the exterior fabric performs extremely well.

For that reason, we don't recommend treating outdoor cushions as though they're patio furniture that can simply remain uncovered through days of heavy rain.

They're outdoor cushions.

But they're still cushions.

What Happens If My Outdoor Cushions Get Rained On?

First: don't worry.

If your cushions get caught in the rain, the priority is simply to help them dry thoroughly.

If possible, move them to a dry, well-ventilated area.

Stand seat cushions upright or on their edge rather than leaving them lying flat. This exposes more surface area to moving air and helps moisture escape.

Separate cushions rather than stacking them together.

If the weather permits, give them plenty of airflow.

And most importantly:

Don't put wet cushions into a storage box, cover them tightly, or stack them together.

That traps exactly the moisture you're trying to remove.

The Golden Rule: Airflow, Airflow, Airflow

If there's one thing to remember about outdoor cushion care, it's this:

Moisture needs somewhere to go.

Air circulation is one of your best defenses against mold and mildew.

After rain, position cushions so air can circulate around as much of the cushion as possible. Avoid leaving a wet seat cushion flat against the solid surface of a swing bed, sofa, bench, or deck.

That contact can trap moisture underneath.

The same principle applies to storage.

Never store damp cushions in a closed deck box, plastic bag, garage bin, or other enclosed space.

Let them dry completely first.

What About Humid Climates?

Humidity presents a slightly different challenge because cushions don't necessarily need to be directly rained on to remain damp.

In humid climates, moisture already exists in the air.

That means cushions can take longer to dry and may benefit from more active moisture management.

If you live somewhere with consistently high humidity, pay particular attention to airflow. Avoid leaving cushions compressed together for long periods, and check areas that receive very little sunlight or air movement.

Covered porches can actually be tricky in humid climates.

Although the roof protects cushions from direct rain, deeply shaded spaces may receive less sunlight and airflow, allowing moisture to evaporate more slowly.

The solution isn't necessarily more sun.

It's better air circulation and keeping cushions dry.

Mold vs. Mildew: What's the Difference?

The words mold and mildew are often used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same thing.

Both are fungi that thrive in environments with moisture.

Mildew often appears as a powdery or flat growth on a surface and may be white, gray, or light-colored before becoming darker.

Mold can appear in a wider range of colors and may penetrate materials more deeply.

For outdoor cushion owners, the practical lesson is the same:

Persistent moisture creates favorable conditions for unwanted growth.

The best strategy is prevention.

Can Sunbrella Fabric Get Mold or Mildew?

Sunbrella performance fabrics are designed to resist mold and mildew growth, but that doesn't mean organic material can never accumulate on the surface.

This distinction is important.

Mold and mildew need something to feed on. Dirt, pollen, food residue, oils, plant debris, and other organic material can collect on outdoor fabric.

If that material remains damp, mold or mildew can grow on the debris sitting on the fabric, even though the fabric itself is resistant.

That's one reason routine cleaning matters.

Keeping outdoor fabric clean removes much of the material mold and mildew would otherwise use as a food source.

How to Help Prevent Mold and Mildew on Outdoor Cushions

Preventing mold and mildew is much easier than dealing with a significant buildup later.

A few habits make a substantial difference:

• Allow wet cushions to dry completely.

• Stand seat cushions upright after heavy rain.

• Separate cushions while drying.

• Keep cushions clean and remove dirt, pollen, and food residue.

• Don't stack or cover cushions while they're damp.

• Don't place damp cushions into enclosed storage.

• Encourage airflow around cushions whenever possible.

• Use furniture covers appropriately during prolonged bad weather.

• Store cushions in a dry location during long periods when they won't be used.

You don't need to obsess over your outdoor cushions every time the weather changes.

The goal is simply to avoid prolonged dampness.

Should I Bring My Outdoor Cushions Inside Every Time It Rains?

Not necessarily.

A brief shower isn't an emergency.

How proactive you need to be depends largely on your climate and where your furniture is located.

A swing bed on a deeply covered porch in a relatively dry climate may rarely encounter significant moisture.

A swing beside a pool in Florida has a completely different environment.

If several days of heavy rain are expected, moving cushions to a protected area or using an appropriate furniture cover is a sensible precaution.

Think about it this way:

Outdoor performance materials make your cushions easier to live with outside.

They don't eliminate the effects of weather.

Be Careful With Outdoor Furniture Covers

Furniture covers are useful, but they need to be used correctly.

Covering dry cushions before a storm can help protect them.

Covering already-wet cushions can do the opposite.

A cover may reduce airflow and trap moisture underneath it, creating warm, damp conditions.

Before covering your outdoor furniture for an extended period, make sure the cushions underneath are dry.

Breathability and ventilation are important even when furniture is covered.

How Should I Store Outdoor Cushions?

If you're storing cushions for an extended period, cleanliness and dryness are the two priorities.

Before storage:

Clean them. Let them dry completely. Then store them somewhere dry.

Avoid sealing damp cushions inside plastic.

If possible, store cushions in a clean, ventilated environment protected from moisture, pests, and extreme conditions.

Make sure cushions are genuinely dry before putting them away for the season. Moisture trapped inside a thick seat cushion may not be immediately obvious from touching the exterior fabric.

When in doubt, give them additional drying time.

How Often Should Outdoor Cushions Be Cleaned?

There's no universal cleaning schedule because outdoor environments vary enormously.

Instead of waiting until cushions look dirty, develop the habit of dealing with small messes as they occur.

Brush away loose dirt and debris.

Address spills relatively quickly.

Remove pollen buildup.

Clean food or organic material rather than allowing it to remain on the fabric.

Periodic light cleaning is generally easier on both you and your cushions than waiting until they require a major restoration.

Cleaning Sunbrella Outdoor Cushions

One reason we choose Sunbrella fabric is that it's designed with real life in mind.

For routine cleaning, start with the gentlest appropriate method.

Brush away loose dirt before it becomes embedded in the fabric. Many everyday messes can be addressed with mild soap and water, followed by a thorough rinse and complete air drying.

Always follow the current cleaning instructions provided by the fabric manufacturer for the specific stain or cleaning situation you're dealing with.

And remember: cleaning isn't finished until the cushion is dry.

Allow plenty of airflow afterward.

What If I Discover Mold or Mildew?

Finding mold or mildew doesn't automatically mean your cushions are ruined.

The appropriate cleaning method will depend on the fabric, severity of the growth, and whether it is limited to the surface or has affected the cushion insert.

Start by separating the affected cushion from other cushions and moving it somewhere with good ventilation.

Brush or remove loose debris outdoors where appropriate, then clean the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions.

With Sunbrella fabric, more intensive cleaning methods may be appropriate for mold and mildew than would be safe for many conventional fabrics. Always follow Sunbrella's current care instructions rather than improvising with household chemicals.

After cleaning, allow the cushion to dry completely before returning it to your outdoor space.

If moisture or mold has penetrated deeply into the cushion insert, the insert itself may need additional attention or replacement.

What About Morning Dew?

Morning dew is easy to overlook because there was no rain.

But repeated exposure to dew can keep outdoor surfaces damp, particularly in shaded environments.

Usually, ordinary morning moisture isn't a significant problem if the cushions dry naturally during the day.

The concern arises when cushions remain damp because of high humidity, shade, cool temperatures, or limited airflow.

If your cushions routinely feel damp well into the day, consider repositioning them occasionally to improve air circulation.

What About Coastal Environments?

Coastal homes create their own set of conditions.

Salt air, humidity, strong sun, wind, and moisture can all affect outdoor furnishings.

Performance fabrics are particularly valuable in these environments, but routine maintenance becomes even more important.

Keeping cushions clean and dry, removing accumulated salt and debris, and protecting them during extended periods of severe weather will help preserve their appearance and comfort.

Outdoor furniture near the coast generally benefits from a little more attention than furniture in a dry inland climate.

Should I Leave My Cushions Outside All Year?

That depends on your climate, how protected your outdoor space is, and how frequently you use it.

In mild climates with well-covered outdoor spaces, cushions may remain outside for much of the year.

In areas with snowy winters, prolonged freezing temperatures, heavy seasonal rainfall, hurricanes, or months when the outdoor space isn't used, storing cushions can significantly reduce unnecessary environmental exposure.

If you're not going to use them for months, there's little benefit to making them endure months of weather.

Clean them.

Dry them.

Store them properly.

Bring them back out when you're ready to enjoy your space again.

Outdoor Doesn't Mean Indestructible

We think this is one of the most important things outdoor furniture owners can understand.

High-quality outdoor products are designed to perform better outside.

They aren't designed to make nature irrelevant.

Sun, moisture, humidity, dirt, pollen, salt, freezing temperatures, and severe weather all affect the things we place outdoors.

Choosing quality materials gives you an enormous advantage.

Taking reasonable care of those materials extends that advantage.

Fortunately, the routine is remarkably simple:

Keep them clean.
Let them breathe.
Let them dry.
Protect them from prolonged severe weather.
Never store them wet.

That's most of it.

Better Materials Make Outdoor Living Easier

At Brush Valley Cushion Co., we want people to use their outdoor spaces.

Not worry about them.

That's why we use premium Sunbrella performance fabrics and quality cushion construction designed for real outdoor living.

Your cushions are meant for morning coffee, afternoon naps, kids, pets, books, conversations, and long summer evenings.

They're meant to be used.

A little thoughtful care simply helps make sure they'll be ready for many more of those moments.

Because outdoor cushions should make spending time outside easier—not give you one more thing to worry about.