Guide
How to store outdoor cushions over winter
To store outdoor cushions over winter, clean them, let them dry completely and keep them somewhere dry and ventilated, off the ground. Never seal a damp cushion in plastic: trapped moisture lets mildew grow.
| Storage place | Works well when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Deck box | It stays dry inside | Damp cushions sealed inside |
| Garage shelf | Cushions sit off the floor with air around them | Cold, damp floors; rodents |
| Breathable storage bag | Cushions are fully dry before they go in | Bags left on the ground |
| Plastic bin | Cushions are bone-dry and a moisture absorber is added | Any leftover moisture |
How do I get outdoor cushions ready for winter?
- Clean them as described in how to clean outdoor cushions.
- Dry them completely, inside and out. The first of the US EPA's mold cleanup tips is to fix water problems and dry all items completely.
- Store them off the floor in a dry place with air around them, in a breathable bag rather than sealed plastic.
- Keep them away from heaters and open flames. The Polyurethane Foam Association says foam should be kept away from heating equipment and bare light bulbs.
Can I leave outdoor cushions outside all winter?
It is better to bring them in. Cushions that stay wet for long periods give mildew the moisture it needs, and mold that grows into the foam core can mean replacing the insert.
Should I store cushions in plastic bags?
Only in breathable bags. Sealed plastic traps moisture. If you use plastic bins, make sure the cushions are bone-dry first and add a moisture absorber.
How do I keep mice out of stored cushions?
Store cushions in hard-sided bins or hang breathable bags off the ground, because rodents nest in foam.
What if my cushions did not survive the winter?
Measure the seat, not the old cushion, using the outdoor cushion measuring guide, then enter the size in inches or centimetres on the product page. For outdoor seats, use the Outdoor filter in the fabric step of the customizer.
What should I read next?
- Cushion care guide
- How to clean outdoor cushions
- Outdoor cushions
- Garden bench cushions
- Outdoor rocking chair cushion
How we know
Care and ordering details on this page come from Foamera's own product pages and care notes. General cleaning facts are linked to the organisations that publish them:
- US EPA, "Mold Cleanup in Your Home" (accessed September 26, 2026)
- Polyurethane Foam Association, InTouch bulletin "Proper Handling and Storage of Flexible Polyurethane Foam" (accessed September 26, 2026)