How-to Protect Indoor Pillows for Outdoor Use

Have you found affordable pillow covers and would like to use them outdoors? I found an amazing way to protect indoor pillows for outdoor use!

As you know Amazon and Home Goods is FILLED with a ton of inexpensive pillow options, but when you get to the outdoor pillows the selection can be limited. 

I went on the hunt to see if there is a way to protect indoor pillows, so they can be used outside.

Now after multiple years I KNOW my solution works.

By following my tutorial you’ll be able to buy the pretty pillow covers you love even if they aren’t rated for outdoor use.

The Reality of Indoor vs. Outdoor Pillows

Now let’s be real for a second. The reason I keep referencing inexpensive pillows is because only pillows designed for outdoor use have resistance/color fastness to the UV rays of the sun and are water-resistant.

Outdoor pillows designed to handle the elements are usually a LOT more expensive too!

You can SHOP my front porch pillows here!

So if you don’t have the budget for outdoor rated pillows, finding inexpensive indoor pillows that are mostly polyester is your answer.

In reality, all we can really do to protect indoor pillows for outdoor use is to protect them from water and stains (dirt, birds, food, etc).  It’s at your own risk to use the pillows in an exposed outdoor environment.

Covered porches and patios are a perfect place for this spray on protectant.

I promise my solution WORKS after MANY seasons of doing this…after all I am A PORCH DAYDREAMER!

How-To Protect Indoor Pillows for Outdoor Use

Let’s first talk about the product I found. It’s something I’ve used before on my Sunbrella® fabrics to replenish the water repellency.

I KNOW it’s good stuff! It’s the only product that Sunbrella® endorses. To me that is a thumbs up from the outdoor fabric experts!

Guess what? It also protects both water-based and oil-based stains. What is BEST of all is it doesn’t alter the fabric color, feel, flammability or breathability.

I was so excited about this project that I reached out to the makers of 303® Fabric Guard to see if they wanted to work together.

They decided to sponsor this post and provide product for my new pillows! I love a company that stands by their products 🙂

303® Fabric Guard Instructions

This really is the EASY part. It only took about 15 minutes to set up and spray the pillows. It was a very HOT day, so to protect myself from the sun I worked in the shade. 

303® Fabric Guard recommends spraying in full sun to speed up dry time and curing (when the protectant is at it’s maximum protection level). 

Let’s cover the rules first – I am a rule follower most days :

1. Make sure the surface of fabric is clean and fully dry.
2. Spray until evenly wet, overlapping sprayed areas. Do not oversaturate, this will extend curing time and may provide mixed results.
3. Allow 12-24 hours for full curing, depending on conditions.

Step 1:

Protect adjacent surfaces with a drop cloth and place pillow covers or pillows on top. Yes, I wanted to use my faux pumpkins on my front porch for a little extra fall decor charm!

While OUTSIDE or in a well ventilated area at 70°F/21°C or higher temperature, spray 303® Fabric Guard in a criss-cross pattern so you make sure to cover all areas of the pillow.

The product (when wet) is flammable, so NO smoking or open flames during application!

Step 2:

After the first side is somewhat dry, flip the pillows/covers over and spray the other side. Don’t worry if you see a color change, as I saw on my off-white pillows. It dries completely clear!

Step 3: 

Next, if you can, leave the pillows in the sun to dry for about an 1/2 hour on each side. Do this during a time of day when the fabrics are protected from any threat of rain or evening dew.  

As a point of reference, I used a 1/2 of a spray bottle to coat the 9 items you see above. One bottle will cover 40 to 75 sq. feet.

Step 4:

Before placing your pillows outside, test to make sure they are fully cured. Mine dried 48 hours (recommended 24 to 48 hours) and LOOK at the water bead and roll right off of the pillow! 

Now I am certain the 303® Fabric Guard  is protecting my pillows!

AMAZING. I am SO impressed with the performance of 303® Fabric Guard. 

I spray on this protectant EVERY time I buy new pillow covers for my front porch.

That way I get multiple seasons of use without spending a lot of money.

Other Uses for 303® Fabric Guard

Just think about it not only can you use this spray on pillows for outdoor use, but also for your day to day indoor use too!

Have people who eat on the sofa or pets? This product will help protect you!

White fabric on kitchen chairs? Try this protectant it works! I’ve used this on my counter stools, sofa and even my seagrass rugs.

Spills easily wipe clean! Just remember to refresh the spray every few months.

You can buy clicking this link 303® Fabric Guard. Easy!

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