Better Homes & Gardens · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
Better Homes & Gardens 24 inchx 24 inch Outdoor Deep Seat Cushion (2-Piece)
Outdoor cushion with likely treatment, PFAS details withheld.
Better Homes & Gardens won't confirm PFAS testing or disclose water-repellent coating treatment. Outdoor textiles commonly get PFAS coatings.
The better-graded swap
Pledge
Pledge 14.2 oz. Amber and Argan Scent Furniture Moisturizing Oil
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
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Material
polyester fabric with water-resistant 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.
Flame retardants
Polyurethane or polyester foam cushion cores used in outdoor furniture commonly contain brominated or phosphorus-based flame retardants. These additives are not disclosed by Better Homes & Gardens and may leach or off-gas, especially if the cushion is heated or degraded.
Source, EPA ↗Volatile organic compounds (VOC) off-gassing from polyester and treatments
New polyester textiles and water-resistant chemical coatings emit VOCs (benzene, toluene, formaldehyde precursors) during the first weeks of use. Outdoor placement and ventilation reduce but do not eliminate exposure, particularly in enclosed porches or patios.
Coating degradation and chemical release over time
Fluorinated water-resistant coatings degrade under UV exposure and physical wear in outdoor environments. As the coating breaks down, microscopic fibers and residual PFAS-related compounds may be shed or released into the environment and handled during cushion maintenance.
Polyester microfiber shedding
Worn polyester cushion covers can shed microfibers, particularly when rubbed or sat upon for extended periods. Outdoor exposure accelerates this process; shed fibers may contaminate soil and be ingested by animals or inadvertently handled during cleaning.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
No reports of heavy metal contamination in Better Homes & Gardens outdoor cushions specifically. Standard industry practice now avoids azo dyes and cadmium-based colorants, but independent testing of this product has not been publicly disclosed.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This cushion is constructed from polyester fabric with a water-resistant treatment applied to the surface. The water resistance almost certainly involves fluorinated compounds (PFAS-class chemicals) given industry standards for outdoor seating, though Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose the specific treatment or its chemistry. Polyester itself is a synthetic polymer that can off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during production and initial use, particularly when new. The cushion core is foam padding, which may contain flame retardants or other chemical additives not specified on the product label.
The brand's record and disclosure
Better Homes & Gardens (Walmart's house brand) maintains minimal chemical transparency across its furniture line and does not publish safety data sheets or ingredient disclosures for cushion treatments. The brand has no documented commitments to PFAS phase-out or third-party chemical certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or Global Organic Textile Standard) for textiles. No major recalls or contamination incidents specific to this product line are on record, but the absence of transparency means chemical risks are not independently verified. Walmart itself has made limited public commitments to reducing PFAS in some product categories, but enforcement at the private-label level remains unclear.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor cushions universally rely on water-resistant treatments; untreated polyester alternatives would degrade quickly and offer no performance advantage. Compared to premium brands (Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware), Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose treatment chemistry, placing it in the lower transparency tier. Compared to budget alternatives, this product offers reasonable durability and cushion thickness for the price. Cushions made from natural fibers (cotton, linen blends) or certified recycled polyester with disclosed low-PFAS treatments exist but cost significantly more and sacrifice water resistance.
If you buy it
Unpack and air the cushion outdoors for 24-48 hours before use to reduce VOC off-gassing, especially if you or family members have respiratory sensitivity. Keep cushions covered or stored indoors during heavy rain or extreme weather to extend the water-resistant coating's lifespan; reapplication of water treatment is not practical for consumers. Wash covers with cool water and mild detergent only; do not dry-clean or expose to high heat, as this can degrade the fluorinated coating and potentially release chemical residues. Inspect annually for tearing or compression loss, and replace if padding becomes noticeably flattened, as this indicates breakdown of internal materials.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Better Homes & Gardens 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
Polyester cushion cover; likely acrylic or polyester-blend upholstery
PFAS
Limited concern
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from coating or dyes
Limited concern
Coating degradation and microplastic shedding
High concern
Mildew and bacterial growth if moisture trapped
Moderate concern
Lower PFAS concern likely, but West Elm discloses nothing.
⚠Starting grade for this product type
West Elm
Acadia Lounge Chair Cushion
Polyester upholstery cushion cover
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.