Replacement cushions: Detailed information is in short supply

It's easy to find large inventories of new cushions at home centers, big-box retailers, and patio stores. But you won't find much information that can help you find high-quality replacement cushions.

The American Home Furnishings Alliance, a trade group, recommends choosing cushions with solution-dyed acrylic fabric if the cushions are going to get a lot of use. This fabric, sold under brand names such as Sunbrella and Outdura, has superior fade-resistance. However, it's expensive and not likely to turn up on the shelves at mass-market stores.

In most of the stores that our reporter visited, labels provided almost no help. Nearly all the cushions carried only the tag required by federal regulations that lists the filling materials. Most labels said the cushions were filled with polyester fiber or a combination of polyester foam and fiber. That's not enough information to know whether the cushions will be mildew-resistant, for example, or soak up rain like a sponge. Our textile experts say that manufacturers can treat most fabric and filling to be fade- or mildew-resistant.

We found one cushion at Home Depot that came with a useful hangtag. It stated that the cushion had water-resistant construction and was treated to resist fading, staining, and mildew. We think that kind of labeling should be the norm on all cushions.

What you can do

To keep cushions looking good through more than one summer, follow these tips:

• Regularly vacuum away dust and dirt.
• Clean cushions with a sponge and mild detergent, rinse them thoroughly, and let them air dry.
• Store the cushions indoors whenever you won't be using the furniture for several days or when your outdoor entertaining season comes to an end.