Clean and dry your cushions completely before storing them

The single most important step is making sure your cushions are bone-dry before they go into storage. Moisture trapped inside fabric or foam will grow mold and mildew over weeks or months, ruining the cushion from the inside out. Even if the surface feels dry, moisture can hide deep in the foam core.

Brush off loose dirt and debris with a soft brush or cloth. For stains, use a mild soap solution—a few drops of dish soap in cool water—and a soft-bristled brush. Scrub gently, rinse with clean water, and then let the cushions sit in direct sunlight for at least 24 hours. Sunlight kills mold spores and helps evaporate moisture from deep inside the foam. Flip them halfway through so both sides dry evenly. If you live in a humid climate, give them 48 hours or more.

Key Takeaways

  • Cushions must be completely dry before storage, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours in direct sunlight after cleaning.
  • Store cushions in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and temperature swings—a basement, garage, or shed works better than an attic.
  • Use breathable storage containers like plastic bins with ventilation holes, or wrap cushions loosely in breathable fabric rather than plastic sheeting.
  • Stack cushions flat rather than on their edges, and place desiccant packets or crumpled newspaper inside the storage container to absorb any stray moisture.
  • Check on stored cushions once a month during the off-season to catch mold or pest damage early.

Choose a storage location that stays cool and dry

Where you store cushions matters as much as how. The ideal spot is cool, dry, and dark—a basement, garage, or garden shed. Avoid attics, which heat up in summer and can trap moisture. Avoid outdoor sheds that lack insulation or ventilation, because temperature swings and humidity will degrade the foam and fabric faster than storage indoors.

Keep cushions away from windows and direct sunlight, which fades fabric and breaks down foam over time. Do not store them near furnaces, water heaters, or pipes, where heat and humidity fluctuate. If your storage space tends to be damp—a basement that gets humid in summer, for example—use a small dehumidifier or place open boxes of baking soda around the cushions to absorb moisture.

Use breathable containers, not sealed plastic

Sealed plastic bins trap moisture inside and create the exact environment where mold grows. Instead, use plastic storage bins with ventilation holes drilled into the sides and bottom, or wrap cushions loosely in breathable fabric like old cotton sheets or unbleached muslin. If you use bins, leave the lid slightly ajar or drill holes in the lid itself so air can circulate.

Avoid plastic sheeting, vacuum-seal bags, and airtight containers. These suffocate the cushions and trap condensation. If you must use a plastic bin, drill at least four quarter-inch holes in the bottom and four in the lid, spaced a few inches apart. The goal is to let air move through the container while still keeping dust and pests out.

Stack and position cushions to prevent damage

Lay cushions flat in the storage container rather than standing them on edge. Stacking them flat distributes weight evenly and prevents the foam from compressing unevenly, which can create permanent dents or lumps. If you have many cushions, stack them no more than three or four high—too much weight will compress the bottom cushions and damage the foam.

Place a layer of cardboard or plywood between stacks if you are storing other items on top of the cushions. This spreads the weight and prevents sharp edges or corners from pressing into the fabric. If cushions have removable covers, you can store the covers separately in a breathable bag to save space, but keep the foam cores together so they do not get lost or damaged.

Add moisture-absorbing materials to the storage container

Place desiccant packets or crumpled newspaper inside the storage bin to absorb any stray moisture that sneaks in. Silica gel packets work well and can be reused year after year—just spread them in the sun for a few hours to dry them out before the next storage season. Baking soda also works: fill small cloth bags or old socks with baking soda and tuck them around the cushions.

Replace newspaper every month or two, since it absorbs moisture and then becomes damp itself. Desiccant packets last longer and are worth the small cost. Do not use mothballs or cedar chips, which can stain fabric and leave odors that are hard to remove.

Check on cushions monthly during storage

Open the storage container once a month and look for signs of mold, mildew, or pest damage. Mold appears as dark spots or a fuzzy coating on the fabric or foam. If you spot it early, remove the affected cushion, brush off the mold with a dry brush, and let it dry in sunlight again before returning it to storage. Catching mold early prevents it from spreading to other cushions.

Look for droppings, chewed fabric, or nesting material, which signal mice or insects. If you find pests, remove the cushions, clean them, and move the storage container to a different location if possible. Seal any gaps or holes in the storage space where pests might enter. A monthly check takes five minutes and can save you from discovering ruined cushions when you pull them out in spring.

Prepare cushions for use again when the season returns

Before putting cushions back on your patio furniture, brush them lightly with a soft brush to remove any dust that settled during storage. If they smell musty, place them in direct sunlight for a few hours—sunlight naturally removes odors. If they still smell off or show any sign of mold, wipe them down with a cloth dampened in a solution of one part white vinegar to three parts water, then dry them in the sun again.

Check the seams and fabric for any damage that might have occurred during storage. Small tears can be patched with fabric glue or a needle and thread before the cushions go back into use. If the foam has permanent dents or the fabric is stained or torn beyond repair, that is the time to replace the cushion rather than put a damaged one back on your furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I store cushions in a plastic bag?

Plastic bags trap moisture and create mold. Use breathable fabric like cotton sheets instead, or a plastic bin with ventilation holes drilled in the sides and lid. The key is letting air circulate around the cushions while keeping dust out.

What if I don't have a basement or garage?

A garden shed, covered porch, or even a closet inside your home works if it stays dry and cool. Avoid attics and outdoor sheds without insulation. If your only option is damp, run a small dehumidifier nearby or place open boxes of baking soda around the cushions to absorb moisture.

How long can cushions stay in storage?

Cushions stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation can last several years without damage. The longer they sit, the more important monthly checks become. Mold or pests can develop at any point, so inspect them regularly even if you plan to store them for just one season.

Should I remove the cushion covers before storing them?

You can store covers separately if they are removable, which saves space. Wash and dry the covers completely, then store them in a breathable bag. Keep the foam cores together so they do not shift or get damaged. When you pull everything out, the covers and cores will be ready to reassemble.

What do I do if I find mold on a cushion?

Remove the cushion when ready and brush off the mold with a dry brush outdoors. Let it dry in direct sunlight for 24 to 48 hours, then inspect it again. If the mold is gone, return it to storage. If mold returns or covers a large area, the foam may be damaged beyond recovery and the cushion should be replaced.