Better Homes & Gardens · Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Better Homes & Gardens Multi-Stripe Outdoor Pillow
Unknown treatment chemistry. Outdoor textiles often use PFAS-based water-repellent coating.
Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose whether this outdoor pillow uses PFAS-based water or stain resistance treatments. Outdoor textiles commonly receive fluorochemical finishes; no lab data or certifications available.
The safe swap
Better Homes & Gardens
Better Homes & Gardens 19 inch x 18 inch Rectangle Outdoor Seat Pad Cushion, 1-Piece, Medallion
75/100 safety
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
polyester blend fabric with stain/water repellent treatment
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
furniture is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pillow is polyester blend fabric treated with a stain and water repellent finish. Outdoor textiles require water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coatings to resist moisture and UV degradation; these coatings are frequently PFAS-based, though Better Homes & Gardens has not disclosed the chemistry. Polyester itself is stable and non-toxic under normal use, but the applied treatments warrant scrutiny. Outdoor furniture fabrics may also contain flame retardants, though specifics for this SKU are not publicly documented.
The brand's record and disclosure
Better Homes & Gardens (Walmart house brand) does not publish chemical disclosure statements or Safety Data Sheets for individual home textiles. The brand has no documented third-party certifications (OEKO-TEX, Cradle to Cradle, GOTS) for this pillow line. No recalls or safety controversies specific to this product are on record. The silence on water-repellent coating chemistry is typical for mass-market outdoor furnishings but limits consumer choice based on PFAS avoidance.
How it compares in its category
This pillow sits at the budget end of outdoor cushions; many competitors in the mid-range offer OEKO-TEX or similar certifications that exclude PFAS alternatives. Higher-end outdoor pillows sometimes disclose fluorocarbon-free water-repellent coating (e.g. wax or silicone-based), though at higher cost. Mass-market outdoor textiles from Walmart and similar retailers rarely provide this transparency. For the price, this pillow is typical for its market segment in terms of disclosure gaps.
If you buy it
Wash separately from other textiles before first use to rinse loose dyes and finish residues. Use cold water and mild detergent; hot water may degrade water repellent coating. Avoid machine drying; air dry outdoors or indoors. Replace the pillow if fabric shows significant UV degradation, tears, or color loss (typical lifespan 2-3 seasons in direct sun). Store indoors during off-season to extend water-repellent effectiveness and reduce mildew risk.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
water-repellent coating (water-repellent coating) coating composition
Outdoor textiles routinely use PFAS-based water-repellent coating (e.g. C6 fluorocarbons or legacy PFOA formulations). Better Homes & Gardens has not disclosed whether this pillow uses PFAS, fluorocarbon-free wax, or silicone alternatives. water-repellent coating is applied to the surface and not typically ingested, but off-gassing during manufacturing and eventual landfill leaching are environmental concerns.
Formaldehyde resin finishes
No documented formaldehyde finish on this specific SKU. Polyester blends may occasionally use small amounts of formaldehyde in dye-setting or wrinkle-resistance treatments, but outdoor cushion fabrics are less commonly treated than apparel. New textiles should be washed before use as a precaution.
Flame retardant chemicals
Outdoor furniture in some jurisdictions may be treated with flame retardants (brominated or chlorinated compounds) to meet flammability standards. Better Homes & Gardens does not disclose whether this pillow contains added flame retardants. Treatment level, if present, is likely minimal on outdoor fabric since water repellent coatings do not require heavy FR additives.
Azo dyes and heavy metal pigments
No recalls or reported issues with dye safety on Better Homes & Gardens outdoor pillows. Polyester blends accept synthetic dyes safely when applied at standard industrial concentrations. Washing before use reduces any loose dye residue.
Polyester fabric degradation and microplastic shedding
All polyester textiles shed microfibers when washed or weathered. Outdoor exposure (UV, moisture cycles) accelerates fiber breakdown. This pillow's lifespan in direct sun is typically 2-3 years before significant degradation; end-of-life disposal sends polyester fragments to landfill or water systems. Not a health hazard during normal use, but an environmental consideration.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Outdoor Cushions
Better Homes & Gardens
19 inch x 18 inch Rectangle Outdoor Seat Pad Cushion, 1-Piece, Medallion
polyester fabric fill, cotton cover
Lower concern. No PFAS-prone treatments reported for cushion.
⚠Risky category by default
West Elm
Cut Garden Flowers Pillow Cover
100% cotton canvas
Lower concern. Plain cotton pillow cover unlikely to contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
West Elm
Outdoor Knotted Border Pillow
outdoor pillow, likely synthetic fibers or polyester blend
Outdoor pillow with no disclosed PFAS or water-repellent coating treatment info.
⚠Risky category by default
More waterproof outdoor cushions 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.