Arhaus · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Arhaus riah Outdoor Pillow
Treatment chemistry unknown. Arhaus provides no PFAS disclosure.
This outdoor pillow likely has a water or stain treatment, yet Arhaus provides no material specifics or PFAS disclosure. You cannot assess the risk without brand transparency.
The better-graded swap
Crate and Barrel
Crate & Barrel Surya Yellow Throw Pillow
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
outdoor performance fabric with water/stain treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
PFAS
Outdoor performance fabrics typically receive water-repellent coating finishes; Arhaus does not disclose whether its treatment contains PFAS or PFAS-free alternatives. Historical standard for this category involved fluorochemicals, though non-PFAS options now exist.
Source, ATSDR ↗Coating degradation and microfiber shedding
Water-repellent treated outdoor fabrics degrade over time with UV exposure and washing. Peeling or flaking coatings can release microfibers; no specific degradation data is published for this product, but is common in the category.
VOC off-gassing from treatment chemicals
New outdoor furniture with chemical treatments may release volatile organic compounds, particularly if stored in warm enclosed spaces before use. Arhaus does not provide off-gassing data or VOC certifications for this pillow.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Formaldehyde-based resins are less common in outdoor performance fabrics than in apparel, but wrinkle-resistant or color-fix treatments may contain low levels. No public record of formaldehyde in Arhaus outdoor textiles.
Source, ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Outdoor performance fabrics are often solution-dyed (color is in the fiber) rather than piece-dyed, reducing heavy metal risk. No known recalls or reports of metal contamination in Arhaus outdoor pillows.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Arhaus Riah outdoor pillows use performance fabric with water and stain treatment, typical for outdoor furnishings exposed to weather and spills. The specific fiber content and treatment chemistry are not fully disclosed in publicly available materials. Outdoor performance fabrics commonly receive water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) finishes, which historically relied on PFAS compounds, though some brands have shifted to PFAS-free alternatives. Without Arhaus disclosure, the treatment type cannot be confirmed.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arhaus does not publicly disclose PFAS use or avoidance in its outdoor fabric treatments, nor does it appear to hold third-party certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Cradle to Cradle) that would verify chemical restrictions. The brand has not issued a public statement on PFAS "forever chemicals" in its furnishings or water-resistant coatings. This silence contrasts with competitors like Patagonia and some premium outdoor brands that explicitly commit to PFAS-free treatments.
How it compares in its category
Arhaus positions itself in the premium outdoor furniture segment, where water-repellent treated fabrics are standard. Competitors vary widely, some certified outdoor brands guarantee PFAS-free treatments; others remain similarly opaque. Arhaus's lack of transparency is not unique but limits consumer ability to assess chemical risk relative to alternatives that do disclose treatment chemistry. Price point and design are typically higher than mass-market outdoor pillows, but chemical disclosure does not correlate with price tier.
If you buy it
Check the product care tag for fiber content and treatment maintenance instructions. Avoid high-heat drying or direct prolonged sunlight, which can degrade coatings prematurely. Store indoors during off-season to extend life and reduce leaching risk from weather exposure. If the fabric shows peeling, cracking, or discoloration of the treatment layer, replacement is prudent to avoid microfiber or coating particle ingestion if the pillow is handled frequently or in contact with skin.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Arhaus has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Acadia Outdoor 61in Sofa Cushion
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PFAS
Limited concern
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or dyes
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Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Mildew and bacterial growth if moisture trapped
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Lower PFAS concern likely, but West Elm discloses nothing.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion
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Heavy metals
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding from synthetic fibers
Limited concern
Lower concern cushion, but West Elm provides no PFAS transparency.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Westport Slim Outdoor 68in Sofa Cushion
Polyester/cotton blend cushion cover, no specified water or stain treatment
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Microplastic shedding and degradation
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial growth if waterlogged
High concern
Lower PFAS concern. Standard outdoor cushion with no reported treatments flagging risk.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
More outdoor furniture cushion protectants grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.