Fabric Selections And Care For Avoiding Mildew And Mould
Outdoor furniture is constantly battling the elements, and mildew or mould has no business on comfy cushions. Choosing the right fabric and looking after it properly means you can enjoy your garden furniture all season, instead of finding it spotted with black marks every time you lift the cover.
Start with the right materials
When selecting fabrics for outdoor furnishings, choose ones that are labelled as “mould-resistant” or have an “antimicrobial treatment”. Solution-dyed acrylics and polyester blends are popular choices because they repel water and dry quickly. In addition, tightly woven fabrics make water form into beads on the surface rather than soaking straight in.
For more information on Fabric for outdoor furniture, visit a site like https://extex.co.uk/
In addition to choosing outdoor furnishings with water-resistant fabrics, the filling in the cushions should be examined. Quick-dry foam or outdoor-use fillings allow water to drain through rather than absorb it, which is where mould problems often start.
| Fabric | Strengths | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Solution-dyed acrylic | Colourfast, sheds water, dries quickly | Usually costs more |
| Polyester and blends | Affordable, water-resistant | Can fade in strong sun over time |
| Olefin (polypropylene) | Resists moisture and stains | Can feel less soft |
| Cotton and canvas | Natural look and feel | Absorbs water, more prone to mould |
Maintenance matters
Even the best fabrics need some care. Regularly remove loose dust, leaves and bird droppings before they hold moisture against the fabric. After heavy rainfall, stand the cushions on their edges so air can circulate and water can drain, and let them dry in the sun.
Deep cleaning of covers can be done using mild soap and lukewarm water and a soft brush, followed by a rinse and allowing the fabric to dry completely. Harsh chemicals and bleach can damage some fabrics and any protective coatings, so refer to the care label first.
Storage is key
Moisture getting trapped under a cover is one of the main causes of mildew. Store cushions completely dry and make sure they are kept in a dry, ventilated area over winter rather than in a damp shed. During the season, breathable covers keep rain off the furniture but still enable any condensation to escape.
Quick action prevents problems
Deal with mildew as soon as possible. Brush off or wipe off any loose spores outdoors and clean the area with a gentle detergent solution suitable for the fabric and allow to dry thoroughly in the sun. The longer mould is allowed to sit, the deeper it penetrates into the fabrics and fillings and the more difficult it becomes to remove.
A simple outdoor fabric care routine
- Weekly: brush off debris and check for damp spots.
- After rain: stand cushions on edge to dry.
- Monthly in season: clean with mild soap and water.
- End of season: clean, dry fully and store somewhere dry and ventilated.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my outdoor cushions go mouldy under the cover?
This is because moisture gets trapped between the fabric and non-permeable covers. Covers that do not breathe can cause condensation to form against the fabric. Cushions that have been slightly damp before being covered up and put away can take weeks to fully dry. Use covers that breathe, allow your cushions to fully dry before covering or storing them and try to remember to lift the covers on dry days to allow air to circulate.
Can I use bleach on outdoor cushions?
Only if the manufacturer has declared it safe to use. Some solution-dyed acrylic fabrics can be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution, but this can fade or weaken other types of fabrics and remove protective finishes. Always check the care label and test on a hidden area first.
Where to go next
Fabrics are only half the story. Read how metal finishes are used with garden furniture to keep frames looking good too.
Protect your outdoor fabrics with regular care and enjoy the sunshine without worrying about what you will find under the cover.
