Getting Your Outdoor Cushions Ready for an Australian Summer

Quick answer: Before summer, clean covers with mild soap and water, press-test the foam and replace it if it stays flat or smells musty, rotate cushions so they fade evenly, stand them on edge after rain, and store them dry and ventilated. Order replacements by November for Christmas.

Late spring is the best time to get the outdoor setting ready. Cushions that sat under cover through winter often need a clean, a foam check or new covers before the first long weekend outside. Here is a simple checklist for Australian summers, from strong sun to afternoon storms.

1. Clean covers before the season starts

• Brush off loose dirt and leaves first.
• Spot clean with mild soap and lukewarm water and a soft brush, then rinse well.
• Most Sunbrella covers can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle; air dry them rather than using the dryer.
• Put covers back on while they are slightly damp so they ease back to shape.

2. Check the foam

Press down in the middle of each seat. If the foam stays flat, feels crumbly or smells musty, it is time for new foam. For poolside and uncovered seats, Dryfast open-cell foam lets water drain straight through and dries quickly. Foam for Australian orders is made in Australia, and you can order covers only, foam only or both.

3. Plan for strong sun

UV levels across much of Australia reach very high to extreme in summer, and that is what fades and weakens ordinary fabric. Solution-dyed fabrics such as Sunbrella are coloured right through the fibre, so they hold their colour far longer in full sun. A few habits help any fabric last:

• Flip and rotate seat cushions every few weeks so they fade evenly.
• Store cushions or use a cover during long stretches away from home.
• Choose lighter colours for spots that get full afternoon sun.

4. Be ready for storms and humidity

• Stand cushions on their edge after rain so water drains out.
• In humid areas, let cushions dry fully before stacking or storing them.
• Store them somewhere dry and ventilated, not sealed in plastic, which traps moisture.
• For seats that get rained on often, pair a quick-drain foam with a water-resistant fabric, or choose Sunbrella Rain, which is waterproof.

5. Shade and privacy for the verandah

Outdoor curtains make a covered verandah, pergola or alfresco area usable through the hottest part of the day. Our Warwick outdoor curtains are made to your width and drop.

6. Replace what is past its best

If covers are thin, faded or torn but the foam is fine, replace just the covers. If the foam is flat, replace both. Measure the seat frame, not the old cushion; our measuring guide in mm shows how.

Timing for summer

Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make, and custom shapes made from your template take 5–6 weeks, with free shipping in Australia. If you want new cushions for Christmas or the January holidays, order in November to be safe.

Summer checklist

1. Brush, clean and air-dry covers
2. Press-test the foam; replace if flat or musty
3. Rotate cushions for even sun
4. Stand cushions on edge after rain
5. Store dry and ventilated
6. Order replacements early for the holidays

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean outdoor cushions before summer?

Brush off loose dirt, spot clean with mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush, then rinse well. Most Sunbrella covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and air dried.

When should I replace outdoor cushion foam?

Replace foam when it stays flat after you press it, feels crumbly or smells musty. For poolside and uncovered seats, quick-drain Dryfast foam dries much faster after rain or a swim.

How do I stop outdoor cushions fading in the Australian sun?

Choose solution-dyed fabric such as Sunbrella, rotate and flip cushions every few weeks, and store or cover them during long stretches away from home.

When should I order new cushions for Christmas?

Standard shapes take 2–3 weeks to make and custom shapes 5–6 weeks, with free shipping in Australia, so order in November to be safe.