All cushions that are left outside in the
rain will get wet! Unless they are made of sheet plastic (which would be
awfully sweaty to sit on on a hot day!) the water will penetrate the fabric and
foam. That’s why it’s important to look for cushions made well and from the
right materials so that they will dry off properly and resist mould as well as
be comfortable.
Look for cushions made of reticulated foam
as it is a kind of foam that has anti bacterial and anti fungal properties. The
term ‘reticulated’ refers to the polyurethane’s cell structure created in
the manufacturing process. The result is a fast dry foam that allows the
movement of air and fluid through the material.
When reticulated foam gets wet, its
structure allows the water to move through it rather than getting trapped. It’s
important to allow wet cushions to drain properly and try to avoid water
sitting in them for any length of time. Some high end makers, put a mesh panel
on the underside of cushions so that water can more easily drain out rather
than pooling inside the cushion cover.