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I have a rattan love seat that has cloth cushions. Obviously the cushions and the fabric that supports the cushions shouldnt get wet. However, I was wondering if I keep this outside and I cover it when we arent using it if it will be ok. I know nothing about stuff like this. This is the first time I have been able to keep something like this outside. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I just dont want to ruin the furniture.
I live in Pennsylvania. We have pretty humid summers. But what if I keep the cushions inside and only put them outside when we sit there? Might that be ok?

Not sure where you live, but even if you keep it covered, airborn mildew and mold can still grow on your furniture if you live in a damop area. Anything outside in Oregon at my brothers gets mildew on it even when covered. The best place for your furniture is in a temperature controled sun room or enclosed patio that is protected from the natural changes in temperature that include dampness and humidity.

2006-04-20 16:36:23 by jenniferaboston

Soneva Garden Patio Furniture Covers protect your garden furniture from the worst weather including snow, ice, rain, bird droppings and tree sap ...

It has fabric cushions that might get damp on a cool night but otherwise the rattan is completly sheltered. Is it ok this way? Or will the moisture in the air ruin it?

the wood will be fine....

2009-06-06 02:19:48 by Maggie Moo

Price: $19.99

Made of heavy weight 380G Polyester
Fabric is PVC coated for added protection
Keeps outdoor furniture clean and ready for use

That's probably a silly question. I imagine they are made for outdoors, but I wasn't sure if they were okay even if they weren't covered when it rains. I didn't want them to mildew or stay wet for days or anything....

Depending on the fabric (sunbrella, acrylics, spun poly)... you should be able to keep your cushions out in the rain if you're just talking an occasional sprinkle or light rain. They should be stored indoors during rainy seasons though.

2009-07-12 21:26:36 by Coralee

Price: $112.00 $79.99

Deck storage box with hinged lid and seat
Assembled dimensions: 25 by 26.2 by 42.5 inches (height by width by depth)
Hasps for locking lid (lock not included)

I'm moving some wicker furniture from inside to my deck. There are some slip-covered cushions as part of the pieces, but i don't think the fabric is very weather resistant. Can i treat the fabric somehow to handle rain, sun, etc or should i just have new cushion covers made?

You have two choices. You can use a scotchguard product that comes as a spray on application available at Target, Wal-Mart and camping stores, like REI. I've had limited success with these products because they do not resist mildew.

The second choice is to use a water-proofer in the washing machine. Since the cushions are slip covered, you can remove the fabric from the cushion material. Spray the cusion material with the scotchguard. Put the fabric covers in the washing machine on the soak cycle and put the water-proofing solution in the water according to the directions on the bottle. (you'll find it marketed under several brand names in the laundry aisle at Wal-Mart and also at camping stores where it is used to waterproof sleeping bags, tennis shoes, etc.) Soak overnight and then spin load without allowing the machine to go through either the wash or rinse cycles. The product is heat set, so run the covers in the dryer at the lowest setting to avoid shrinkage.

If you do decide to have new covers made, Sunbrella makes the best fabric I've ever seen hold up to sun, doesn't fade or mildew, won't stain, can be wiped off with a damp sponge and is almost indestructible. It also has the best choice of fabrics, both patterns and solids, I could find. They don't just have that ugly circus stripe in green, yellow and blue...

2006-04-10 15:33:24 by fabulosityinc

I've treated mine with Thompson's water seal since I first purchased it years ago and it still looks like new. I did skip one year (unfortunately) and was told to use deck wash (diluted) to lighten up the darkened apperance and sealed as usual. Most important thing is to completely drench ALL areas including underneath and the bottoms of the feet. This tends to keep insects away which can comepletely ruin a good set.

2008-05-08 09:38:44 by Ann Skinner