The Ideal Fabrics for Outdoor Cushions & Maintenance Tips

For almost a year we have forgotten about travelling abroad, going out on a regular basis and going to parties where the laughs, fun, long talks and drinks are guaranteed. But instead of being depressed and feeling sorry for yourself, you could try to make the most of what you have at this very moment. Surrounded by your closest people, you can try to enjoy more of your time outdoors on your patio, deck, balcony, backyard or garden.

By spending a good amount of your time in your outdoor area, your mood can change significantly. It’s found that sun exposure can make the brain release more serotonin which is a mood-boosting hormone, and mental health is of vital importance these days. There are also additional benefits of sunlight, which is why you should try and make your outdoor area as comfy and appealing as possible so that you’d be drawn to spend more time in it.

Perhaps, you already found the perfect French-style furniture for your outdoor area or a Scandinavian set that you love? You might have even invested in quality wood as the ideal furniture material. But what you shouldn’t overlook is the potential of decorative details to make your outdoor space pop.

Cushions as the Perfect Accents for Outdoor Spaces

One of the most popular ways to revive an outdoor area is through the help of cushions. You can find a variety of designs from sleek geometric to colourful and uplifting tropical outdoor cushions. Fresh and energising, cushions with tropical motifs have become increasingly popular over the last few years. The fun prints in vivid colours are often what you need to bring back the life in your outdoor area and make it more inviting.

But in order for it to stay like that forever, you should really make the right fabric choice to ensure you get durable cushions that will always look great. Here are some fabrics to have in mind.

Cotton and Linen

The things that make both of these materials appropriate for tropical outdoor cushions, and in fact for any type of outdoor pillows, are their durability and washability. Being natural fibres, both of these materials are hardwearing and soft to the touch, creating a pleasant feel when sitting or leaning on the cushions.

Because of their hypo-allergenic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, both of these materials make the ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. Whether you go for vintage, geometric, boho or tropical cushions designs, those made of cotton or linen can be used throughout the year thanks to their insulating properties. Cotton and linen truly are one of the most appropriate fabrics for cushions for both indoor and outdoor use, however, make sure to bring the cushions in if you notice that it’s about to rain as these aren’t waterproof.

Silk and Wool

Just like cotton and linen, if not exposed to rain, silk and wool can also be the perfect choice for your outdoor decorative pillows. As one of the most luxurious types of fabrics, having silk throw pillows decorating your outdoor seating area would give a lush look to the whole setting. However, decorative cushions made of high-quality wool-like alpaca can also turn your outdoor seating from drab to fab. Both of these fabrics are a little bit costly, but it really pays off considering you’ll get utmost comfort.

Polyester and Nylon

Both polyester and nylon are synthetic materials quite commonly used for outdoor cushions and decorative pillows. Since these materials can be a combination of various materials, they can mimic everything from cotton to silk and wool. Just like the aforementioned materials, both polyester and nylon are hardwearing and washable.

Canvas

Compared to the aforementioned types of fabrics, canvas is most resistant to the elements. It’s soft, durable and hard-wearing, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your outdoor pillows for many years to come. The best thing about this material is that can be easily waterproofed which can certainly prolong the overall life of the cushions.

How to Clean Outdoor Cushions?

While smaller throw pillows can be easily tossed in the washing machine, the larger cushions will need a hand washing in order to get rid of all collected dirt and stains. And although it seems like something difficult to do on your own, all you need is to spare some of your time to do the job, stocking on cleaning solutions and following the cleaning instructions for outdoor cushions. By doing this, you will have your cushions clean and ready to use in no time.

How to Keep Cats Off Your Cushions?

But dirt and dust aren’t the only factors that can ruin the immaculate look of your decorative cushions. Cats are natural enemies of pillows and if you have one you probably noticed how it likes to dig its claws in and destroy the fabric. Even if you don’t have one, chances are there is at least one cat in the neighbourhood eyeing your outdoor space. Here are some tips on how to keep cats off your outdoor cushions and furniture.

The Natural Way

While some natural repellents like spraying the cushions with white vinegar and water solution in ration 1:1:1 can keep cats from lying on your cushions, this doesn’t work all the time and the scent can easily wear off. You can also try placing some potpourri (a mixture of dried plants and fruits, especially citrus fruits) around the pillows as cats also dislike this smell. But once again, when the smell fades, nothing can stop your or your neighbours’ cat to come and play with your cushions..

With the Help of Devices

Ultrasonic cat repellers can be a cost-efficient and quite an effective method. The beauty of getting these innovative cat repellers is that they can prevent cat intrusion without causing any harm to the animal. These extraordinary devices can help keep your cushions cat-free, minimising the need for cleaning cat hair on a daily basis, and not mention the smell. Emitting ultrasonic sounds that only cats and other animals can hear, these devices can make your life easier.

Generally speaking, there are two types of ultrasonic cat repellers, the handheld torch and the ones that can be placed on poles, fences and sheds. The latter devices are powered by electricity and depending on their placement (low on the ground or high)), they can have a range of somewhere between 2 – 5 metres. When comparing the two types of devices, the handheld is certainly more affordable, handy and easy to use. These devices can serve for many years to come, and the only thing you should do is check on the batteries from time to time as this can certainly affect the sound that’s emitted.

Although quite effective in keeping cats at a bay, some can be quite persistent, ignoring the annoying sound, trying to get inside your outdoor area. So, it might take a while for such cats to give up and go away. The good news is that after a time, cats may give up completely on the idea of visiting your home and making a mess. When in the search for these effective and safe-to-use devices, make sure to seek trusted brands in order to be sure that you will get the best for your money.