Patio Furniture Cover Care & Maintenance

Because outdoor furniture is made to withstand the elements, you may wonder whether patio furniture covers are really necessary. Patio furniture covers provide an extra layer of protection to help keep your outdoor furniture in good shape, prolonging its life. You should consider adding patio furniture covers anytime your furniture won’t be in use for long periods of time or if you expect severely inclement weather.

Patio Furniture covers protect your outdoor pieces from a number of elements, including mildew and mold build-up, rain, high temperatures, cold weather, UV rays, and unwanted wildlife. Furniture covers are made of weather- and moisture-resistant materials with UV protection, making it simple to maintain your chaise lounge or tabletop.

Covering your outdoor furniture is always a good idea. But before you protect your outdoor furniture with furniture covers, take a few easy steps to make sure you’ve cleaned each piece. Here are some guidelines for how to clean your outdoor furniture before you put furniture covers on:

• Acrylic cushions: Clean acrylic cushions with a mixture of soap and water. The best method is spot cleaning with a sponge.
  
• Metal furniture: You can clean metal furniture such as steel or wrought iron with water and a gentle soap. For pieces that aren’t rust resistant, use a paste wax.
  
• Wicker: For wicker furniture, hose down with water. Be careful to use a lower pressure so as not to damage the individual pieces. You can use mild soap and water with a sponge for more stubborn spots.
  
• Wood: You can clean any varnished wood furniture with soap and water. Just remember to rinse.