Short answer: garden cushions belong indoors in winter. Brush them, wash the covers, let the cushions dry completely, and store them somewhere dry and airy, off the floor. Avoid plastic bags, and do not pack them in with the furniture cover.

The foam in a garden cushion soaks up moisture like a sponge. Left outside through a Nordic winter, it gets damp from the inside, and that brings mould and smells. Stored the right way, cushions stay good for many seasons.

That is also why we advise against storing cushions in Bag'in. The furniture can take being outside, but even the best outdoor solution gets a little condensation inside over the winter, and cushions soak it up. The good news: when the furniture stays outside in Bag'in, there is room for the cushions in the shed.

Also read the complete guide to storing garden furniture over winter.

How to prepare cushions for winter

Bring the cushions in on the same day you pack the garden furniture, before the first frosty night. Allow half an hour for washing, plus two to three days of drying time.

  1. Brush and shake. Shake out leaves and dirt, and brush the seams with a soft brush. Pollen and dirt left behind lead to mould.
  2. Read the care label. Most garden cushion covers can be washed at 30 or 40 degrees. Close the zip before washing so the cover keeps its shape.
  3. Wash the cover, not the foam. The foam does not go in the washing machine. Clean marks on the cushion itself with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.
  4. Dry everything completely. Hang the covers to dry, and stand the cushions on their edge indoors for two to three days. Feel the middle of the foam. If it feels cold and clammy, it needs more time.
  5. Reproof. A water-repellent textile treatment gets the covers ready for next season. Apply it to clean, dry covers and follow the instructions on the bottle.
  6. Put the covers back on before storage. The cover protects the foam from dust while it is stored.

Where should the cushions go for winter?

Cushions need a dry room with a steady temperature and a little air around them. It does not need to be warm.

Place Suitable? Watch out for
Shed or garage Yes, if it is dry Keep the cushions off the floor on a shelf or pallet. Concrete floors draw moisture.
Loft Yes Big temperature swings cause condensation. Cover them against dust.
Basement storage Yes, if it is dry Check the humidity. If it smells musty, it is too damp.
Under the bed or in a cupboard Yes Lay them loosely, do not squash them.
Outside on the patio or in Bag'in No Condensation over the winter leaves damp, mouldy cushions.

How to store them:

  • Upright or loosely stacked. Heavy stacks flatten the foam over time.
  • In a breathable bag. A fabric storage bag or an old sheet keeps dust off and lets moisture out.
  • Never in a plastic bag. Plastic traps moisture, and the cushions go mouldy even indoors.

A tip: when the furniture stays outside in Bag'in Nordic through the winter, the space in the shed is free for the cushions.

Have the cushions gone mouldy?

Small black dots on the cover are mould. Deal with it early, before it gets into the foam.

  1. Brush off the mould outdoors, so the spores do not spread inside.
  2. Wash the cover at the highest temperature the care label allows.
  3. Let the cushion dry in sun and wind on a dry day. Sunlight slows mould.
  4. If the mould is in the foam itself, it is hard to get out. New filling is often the best fix.

When spring arrives

Take the cushions out once the garden furniture is unpacked and dry. Shake them, and let them air in the sun for a day before you use them. Read more about getting your garden furniture ready for spring.

Frequently asked questions

Can garden cushions stay outside in winter?

No. The foam absorbs moisture and the cushions go mouldy. Bring them in before the first frost.

Can I store the cushions in Bag'in with the furniture?

We advise against it. A little condensation always forms inside a cover over a Nordic winter, and cushions soak it up. The furniture can handle it, the cushions cannot.

Can I vacuum pack garden cushions?

It saves space, but over several months the foam can lose its bounce, and any leftover moisture is sealed in. A breathable bag is safer for a whole winter.

How long do cushions need to dry after washing?

The cover dries in a few hours. The foam often needs two to three days indoors, standing on its edge.

Can the cushions be stored in a cold loft?

Yes, as long as the loft is dry. Cold does not damage cushions, damp does.

Where should the furniture go while the cushions are in the shed?

Outside, right where it is. Pack it in Bag'in Nordic, and the patio is ready again in spring. See which Bag'in size you need.