How to Clean and Store Your Patio Furniture Covers

Your patio furniture covers take a beating so your furniture doesn't. Sun, rain, pollen, bird droppings and tree sap all land on the cover first, and over a season that grime can wear down the fabric and its waterproof coating. The good news: cleaning and storing your covers the right way takes about 30 minutes and can add years to their life.

In this guide you'll learn how to clean patio furniture covers step by step, how to deal with mildew and tough stains, and how to store outdoor furniture covers so they're ready to go next season.

Quick Answer: How to Clean Patio Furniture Covers

1. Brush off leaves, dirt and debris with a soft brush.
2. Rinse both sides with a garden hose on a gentle setting.
3. Wash by hand with cool or lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth or sponge.
4. Rinse again until no soap remains.
5. Air dry completely before putting the cover back on or storing it.

Never machine wash, bleach, pressure wash or put your cover in the dryer. Keep reading for the details.

What You'll Need

• Soft-bristle brush or broom
• Garden hose with a spray nozzle (or a bucket of clean water)
• Mild soap, such as a few drops of gentle dish soap
• Soft cloth or non-scratch sponge
• White vinegar (for mildew spots)
• A clean, dry place to hang or drape the cover

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Outdoor Furniture Covers

Step 1: Shake and Brush Off Debris

Leave the cover on the furniture. It's easier to clean when it's stretched out. Brush away leaves, dust, pollen and cobwebs, paying extra attention to seams, corners and folds where debris collects and holds moisture.

Step 2: Rinse With Cool Water

Spray the whole cover with a garden hose on a gentle setting to loosen surface dirt. Avoid pressure washers. The high pressure can damage stitching, the fabric and the waterproof coating on the inside of the cover.

Step 3: Hand Wash With Mild Soap

Mix a small amount of mild soap into a bucket of cool or lukewarm water. Using a soft cloth or sponge, wash the cover in small circular motions, working from top to bottom. For dirty spots, let the soapy water sit for a few minutes before wiping. Skip bleach, abrasive cleaners, solvents and strong chemicals. They can fade the color and break down the coating that keeps water out.

Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse until the water runs clear and there are no suds left. Leftover soap attracts dirt and can leave a residue that makes the fabric less water-repellent.

Step 5: Let It Air Dry Completely

Let the cover dry in the open air, on the furniture or draped over a railing or chairs. Turn it inside out partway through so the underside dries too. On a warm, breezy day this usually takes a few hours. Never use a clothes dryer, and never fold or store a cover while it's still damp. That's how mold and mildew start.

How to Remove Mildew From Outdoor Covers

If you see black or gray spots or notice a musty smell, act quickly:

1. Brush off as much of the surface mildew as you can, outdoors.
2. Mix one part white vinegar with four parts water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the affected area and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
4. Gently scrub with a soft brush, then rinse well with clean water.
5. Dry completely in the sun. Sunlight helps stop mildew from coming back.

Always spot test vinegar on a hidden area first. Mildew keeps returning where moisture gets trapped, so make sure your furniture is dry before covering it and use a cover with air vents that let humidity escape.

How to Remove Common Stains

Can You Machine Wash Patio Furniture Covers?

No. Washing machines and dryers can crack the waterproof coating, weaken seams and damage elastic hems, buckles and straps. Hand washing is gentler and works better for large covers. If your cover is only lightly dusty, a quick rinse with the hose may be all it needs.

How Often Should You Clean Your Covers?

• Every few weeks: brush off leaves and debris, especially after storms.
• Every 2–3 months: rinse and spot clean.
• At least twice a year: do a full wash, at the start of the outdoor season and before storing for winter.

In humid climates like South Florida, or under trees, clean more often. Moisture, pollen and sap build up faster.

How to Store Outdoor Furniture Covers

Good storage is what keeps a clean cover in great shape until next season.

1. Make sure it's 100% dry. Even a little moisture trapped in a folded cover can cause mildew and odors.
2. Fold loosely. Fold along natural lines and avoid sharp creases, which can stress the coating over time. Rolling large covers works well too.
3. Use a breathable bag. A storage bag keeps dust and pests out while letting air circulate. Avoid sealed plastic bins or trash bags that trap humidity.
4. Store somewhere cool and dry. A garage shelf, shed, closet or deck box works well. Keep covers off concrete floors and away from heaters, sharp tools and direct sunlight.
5. Label the bag. If you have several covers, note which piece each one fits so setup is quick next season.

Tips to Make Your Covers Last Longer

• Cover clean, dry furniture. Wet or dirty furniture under a cover creates the perfect environment for mildew.
• Get a snug fit. Use the straps, buckles and elastic hem so wind can't lift the cover or make it flap and wear.
• Prevent standing water. Water pooling on top adds weight and stress. Push it off, or place a ball or bucket under the center of table covers so water runs off.
• Keep the vents open. Air vents let trapped moisture escape and reduce ballooning in the wind.
• Inspect twice a year. Check seams, straps and the waterproof coating. Small issues are easier to handle early.

When Is It Time to Replace a Cover?

Even the best covers wear out eventually. Consider a replacement if the fabric is brittle or torn, water soaks through in several spots, the coating is peeling, or mildew keeps coming back after cleaning. A cover that no longer keeps water out can't protect your furniture.

Built for Easy Care: Khomo Gear Outdoor Covers

Khomo Gear covers are designed to protect your outdoor furniture and make maintenance simple. Our Love Seat Cover, for example, is made from 500 × 300D polyester with a PU waterproof coating and taped seams. It adds built-in air vents to reduce trapped moisture, adjustable straps with buckles, an elastic hem, padded handles and a matching drawstring storage bag.

Shop our Patio Chair Covers, Chaise Lounge Covers, Patio Table & Chair Set Covers and BBQ Grill Covers. Every order over $60 ships free, and every cover comes with a 1-year warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean patio furniture covers?

Brush off debris, rinse with a garden hose, hand wash with mild soap and cool water using a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly and air dry completely.

Can I use bleach on outdoor furniture covers?

No. Bleach and harsh chemicals can fade the fabric and damage the waterproof coating. For mildew, use a diluted white vinegar solution instead.

Can I pressure wash my patio furniture covers?

It's not recommended. High pressure can damage the stitching, fabric and waterproof coating. A garden hose on a gentle setting is enough.

How long does it take for a cover to dry?

On a warm, breezy day most covers dry in a few hours. Turn the cover inside out to dry both sides, and never store it until it's completely dry.

How do I keep my covers from getting moldy?

Cover only dry furniture, keep air vents open, prevent water from pooling on top, clean regularly and store covers dry in a breathable bag.

Should I store my covers or leave them on the furniture in winter?

Both work. If your furniture stays outside, keep it covered and check the cover after storms. If you bring your furniture inside, clean and dry the covers and store them in a cool, dry place until spring.