Sharing how to keep outdoor patio cushions dry.
But first, do you remember the scene in Steele Magnolias when M’lynn screams when she realizes Shelby’s brothers have decorated her honeymoon car with …um? Well, that’s the same reaction I have when we are minutes from hosting a backyard BBQ and I attempt to plump the outdoor patio cushions only to realize the cushions are soggy from yesterday’s rain.

SPRING SHOWERS AND CUSHIONS
After a rainstorm, our backyard looks like a drip-dry station for patio cushions. The rain and snow have to go somewhere. And, the cushion just soaks it up.
And, then on some random day, while taking a kitchen trash bag for the 14th time I came up with an effortless way to keep patio cushion inserts dry.
HOW TO KEEP PATIO CUSHIONS DRY

Sometimes the best ideas are based on the premise; do not overthink the solution to a problem. The solution is simple and most of us have to look no further than under our kitchen sinks.
How to Keep Patio Cushions Dry

Last summer, with a forecast of more than two days of rain, I worried about how to keep my outdoor patio cushions from getting soaking wet. It wasn’t practical to bring them inside for every afternoon thunderstorm.
But, who wants to sit in a soggy patio cushion when the weekend comes around? I needed a solution that did not tie me to the weather app every afternoon.

And, then inspiration struck when I grabbed a handful of plastic kitchen bags.
It turns out plastic trash bags are a great resource to keep the foam cushions dry.

STEPS TO KEEP PATIO CUSHIONS DRY
- Use kitchen size plastic bags with ties
- Unzip the pillow cover and remove the foam cushions
- Stuff the foam cushion into the kitchen plastic bag.
- Tie the bag shut and place the wrapped foam cushion back into the pillow covers.

You can watch the video tutorial on my Youtube Channel.

That’s it! And, it works. The reality is when the rain penetrates the pillow cover the cover dries after an hour of sunshine. Sadly, it’s the foam cushion that traps the water.
Those wet patio cushions lead to fun stuff like mold spores. Not to mention it breaks down the material inside the cushion.
Who wants to sit on a cushion full of icky stuff? And more importantly who wants to have a backside that has an imprint of our well.. backside? Do you know what I mean?

Thanks for stopping by! Now go slip those cushion inserts into a plastic bag.

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This is an awesome hack Laura! One that I will try! Thank you for sharing with us at Brag About It!
This is a great idea! I wonder if it makes them any hotter when they are out in the sun? You know, does it make your legs sweat if you sit on them? I think I’ll give it a try.
🙂 gwingal
HI Nikki
We have not noticed the cushions are any hotter with the plastic bag over the insert. It works well and it’s a great way to store them in the winter too. The cushions hold up so much better when they are not soaking in rainwater! Thanks for stopping by! laura
We have a lot of cushions on our outdoor furniture and it’s always an issue!! I’m ready to go cushion-less with our next set!
This is a great hack and one I will keep handy because I have a plan to build a neat outdoor lounge at some point. Your dog so very adorable…
Thanks for stoppig by and yes I am pimping the puppy ;0) Elliott! We are so in love!laura
Terrific idea Laura! I don’t have room to bring cushions in and out every day so this is my new favorite idea! Keep the great ideas coming.
Ashley
Still a great tip! Soggy cushions are the worst!
Awesome idea! I wish I saw this article right after we bought our sets. Headed to the store now for the trash bags!
Yay Astrid! It works great!