Moisture, mildew, and musty smells are the enemies of any relaxing outdoor setup. Whether it’s a sun lounger, patio sofa, or backyard dining cushions, outdoor fabrics go through a lot, and without innovative textile protection, they can quickly turn from fresh and cozy to damp and uninviting.
That’s why more textile manufacturers are turning to innovative technologies like Microban antimicrobial technology, which helps fabrics resist water, fight stain- and odor-causing bacteria, and stay cleaner for longer.
In this blog, we break down exactly what these technologies mean and how Microban protection helps fabrics resist water and stay cleaner for longer. Here’s what that really means for your outdoor living space.
Common problems with outdoor cushions: Moisture, mold, and mildew.
Outdoor cushions and furniture are exposed to the elements, including rain, humidity, sun, spills, and dirt. That combination creates the perfect storm for:
Trapped moisture, which leads to damp cushions
Mold and mildew, which thrive in humid environments
Foul odors caused by microbial growth
Staining and fading from the sun and use
If you've ever searched “how to get rid of mildew on outdoor cushions,” you already know how frustrating this can be. But when your cushions are made with innovative fabric technologies, you don’t have to fight that battle alone.
What does “water-repellent fabric” actually mean, and how does Microban H₂O Shield work?
Water-repellent fabric is designed to stop liquids from soaking into the material, helping it to stay dry for longer.
Microban H₂O Shield makes this possible through advanced PFAS-free formulations that bond to the fabric surface, creating a longer-lasting protective barrier.
Compatible with a wide range of textile applications, H₂O Shield is applied using the wet chemistry application method, commonly employed across the textile industry. As shown in the video on the left, the result is high-performance, durable water-repellency, that resists moisture and protects products like outdoor furniture, awnings, camping tents, outdoor apparel, and more.
Benefits of Microban Water-Repellent and Antimicrobial Fabric Protection
- Excellent water repellency even after 20 home launderings
- Superior anti-wicking performance, stopping moisture from seeping in so your cushions stay fresher and drier for longer.
- Keeps fabrics looking great by reducing chalk marks and reinforcing seams
- Continuous textile protection from microbial-related odors and stains (shown above).
Ultimately, these benefits mean your outdoor cushions stay fresher and cleaner for longer between cleans. And it's not just the cushions that can benefit; Microban technologies can be integrated into a wide variety of everyday products, bringing the same high-performance protection to the spaces and items you use most.
