World Market · Outdoor Furniture Cushion Protectants
World Market Mud Cloth Indoor Outdoor Patio Throw Pillow
Lower concern; cotton mud cloth unlikely to contain PFAS.
Mud cloth throw pillows are typically natural cotton textiles without water repellent or stain-resistant treatments. No PFAS-related disclosures or detected contamination known.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
mud cloth, cotton textile blend
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.
Azo dyes and synthetic colorants
Authentic mud cloth uses iron oxide, but commercial blends may incorporate disperse or reactive dyes. No testing data publicly available for this specific product. Risk of allergic contact dermatitis is low but not ruled out in sensitive individuals.
Microplastic shedding (polyester blend component)
If pillow contains polyester fibers (common in outdoor mud cloth blends), abrasion and weathering will release microplastics. Sewn seams and filling material are primary shedding points. Washing also releases fibers, though outdoor exposure is the dominant pathway.
Color bleeding and dye migration onto skin/furniture
Mud cloth is prone to loose dye release when wet, particularly in early washing cycles. Direct contact with light fabrics or skin can cause temporary staining. Not a toxicological hazard but a practical maintenance concern specific to this material.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recalls or reports of formaldehyde finish on Pier 1 outdoor textiles. Cotton mud cloth typically requires minimal chemical finishing compared to performance synthetics, but dye fixatives may contain trace formaldehyde. Not documented as an issue for this product line.
Source, ATSDR ↗Antimony in synthetic fibers
Antimony is used as a polyester catalyst; levels in finished textiles are typically trace and non-bioavailable. Not reported as a concern in outdoor pillow category, and cotton-dominant blends present lower exposure than pure polyester.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Mud cloth (bogolan) is traditionally cotton dyed with iron-rich mud and plant tannins, creating earthy geometric patterns. Modern commercial versions like this one typically blend cotton with synthetic fibers (polyester common) for durability and colorfastness. The dyeing process uses natural iron oxide rather than synthetic azo dyes in authentic pieces, though commercial blends may include conventional disperse dyes. The material is inherently low-VOC compared to synthetic furnishing fabrics.
The brand's record and disclosure
Pier 1 Imports (now operating under new ownership post-bankruptcy restructuring) has not published specific material safety certifications or formaldehyde testing for their home textile lines. The company does not prominently disclose chemical restrictions for outdoor textiles. No recalls or chemical safety violations have been publicly documented for their mud cloth pillow products. Transparency on dye suppliers and finishing chemicals remains limited.
How it compares in its category
Outdoor throw pillows typically carry flame retardant finishes or high synthetic content; this mud cloth blend avoids those concerns by leaning on natural fiber. However, it lacks third-party certifications (Oeko-Tex, GOTS) that would verify restricted substance limits. Similar price-point outdoor pillows from big-box retailers often show identical transparency gaps, making this mid-range on the disclosure spectrum.
If you buy it
Wash before first use in cool water to remove loose dyes and any residual finishing agents. Dry flat or line-dry to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding onto outdoor furniture. Check seams and zipper for degradation annually, especially if exposed to intense UV or moisture; mud cloth can fade and fibers may weaken after 2-3 years of outdoor use. Store indoors during off-season to extend lifespan.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- World Market has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.