Dry and store garden cushions properly

Read the care information first

Check whether covers are removable and whether the filling can be washed. A zip does not always mean the cover is intended for machine washing. Follow the stated cleaning method and avoid harsh products that could affect a protective finish.

Brush off loose, dry debris gently before cleaning. Treat a spill promptly using the material's guidance rather than scrubbing a large area with an untested cleaner. Check seams and fastenings while the cushion is out.

Dry the whole cushion

Place cushions in a suitable airy position with their surfaces exposed, turning them where the care instructions allow. Check thick corners and the inner filling, not just the outer fabric. Do not put them against a heater or use heat beyond the label's recommendation.

If a cushion remains heavy or cool and damp inside, keep drying it rather than sealing it into a storage bag. Recurring dampness or visible growth may need specialist textile advice, particularly if cleaning could damage the filling.

Choose storage for the season

Use a clean, dry location and a suitable cover or container. Check an outdoor storage box for leaks and condensation before trusting it with textiles. Leave access so you can inspect the cushions occasionally, and avoid crushing them beneath heavy garden equipment. Bring vulnerable items into suitable indoor storage when their care guidance calls for it.