What Are Season Proof Garden Cushions?

What Are Season-Proof Garden Cushions?

Season-proof garden cushions are such useful accessories for outdoor living - and they look fabulous. Sun, rain, food, drink, children and pets can easily spoil the look of your scatter cushions and seating. With water-resistant and waterproof cushions, however, the problem is easily solved. Their quick-drying abilities also improve their resistance to mould forming - especially from one season to another.

We've put together this guide to season-proof garden cushions, both the decorative scatter kind and integral seat and back cushions. We look at what's on offer, the materials they use and how to look after them.

How do season proof cushions differ?

Many of the high quality garden furniture brands that we stock, have their own season-proof cushions. The QuickDry and AirTouch are Cane-line's own versions of water-resistant upholstery. This means the fabric is both UV and water resistant, and dirt repellent - but not waterproof. The fabric is soft, extremely comfortable and stays looking good with minimal maintenance.

There are very few brands that produce completely waterproof cushions for outdoor furniture. JB Furniture stocks one of them - Bramblecrest. They spent many years developing and refining an exclusive collection of waterproof cushions that can remain outside throughout all weathers.

How Are Weather-Proof Cushions Created?

When it comes to durable outdoor fabrics, the most popular are acrylic and polyester-based. Bramblecrest's cushions, for example, are made from high quality, poly-cotton fabric with a wipeable, shower-proof coating.

Bridgman, on the other hand, uses marine-grade acrylic fabric for both their home and garden cushions. They are completely waterproofed with a special membrane that will not let water through the outer fabric. This allows them to use soft foam for the actual cushion, so comfort isn't compromised.

Bridgman's waterproof cushions are made from layers of different material.

Cleaning Season-Proof Cushions

Even stain-resistant fabrics can get dirty but, whatever kind of season-proof cushions you buy - water-resistant or waterproof - they'll be low maintenance. This short care guide will help your furniture stay looking brand new:

1. As with any stain, the quicker you get to it the better.
2. If possible, remove the cover so you don't get the foam cushion itself wet.
3. Next, remove any excess liquid, food or mud, etc, by blotting or scraping it away (this is preferable to wiping or rubbing it in).
4. Then, spray any remaining stain with soapy water and rub or scrub gently until it’s removed.
5. Rinse the area with water, pat it dry and leave it to dry completely - preferably outside.

Alternatively you can hand wash and rinse some cushion covers, usually at 30 degrees. You may still have to gently rub any stubborn stains. Then air dry as above. We don't recommend machine-washing your cushion covers because the stain may not be removed and might be set further into the cushion.

Water-resistant and waterproof cushions can be left out all the time but we advise that you store them away during particularly harsh weather. Also, while you are using your season-proof cushions during the warmer weather, lifting or turning them will allow circulation of air which will ensure they don't remain damp.

Season-proof cushions are a brilliant invention!

Clearly waterproof cushions for outdoor furniture are ideal in the UK but, water-resistant are just as useful. Give them all a little care and attention, and they'll be looking as good as when you first bought them. You'll find a great variety of season-proof cushions on our site. Check the descriptions for details.

Further Reading:

How To Choose Rattan Garden Furniture

How To Make The Best Use Of Your Outdoor Space

How to Maintain Rattan Garden Furniture