The fastest way to protect patio furniture is to cover it when not in use and move it under shelter during storms

Patio furniture lasts longest when you shield it from rain, sun, and temperature swings between seasons. The simplest approach is a fitted cover for each piece—these cost $15 to $80 depending on size and material—plus moving cushions indoors when you're not using them. For furniture that stays outside year-round, a storage shed or garage extension buys you years of life. If neither is possible, a heavy-duty tarp anchored with bungee cords works, though tarps need to be removed on dry days to prevent moisture buildup underneath.

The specific steps depend on your furniture material and your climate. Wood, metal, wicker, and plastic each weather differently and need different care. A piece left uncovered in direct sun fades in weeks; the same piece under a patio roof can last a decade with only occasional cleaning.

Key Takeaways

  • Fitted furniture covers are the single most effective tool and cost less than replacing one chair.
  • Move cushions and pillows indoors after each use or at the end of the season, since fabric absorbs water and mildew grows in damp storage.
  • Wood furniture needs annual sealing or staining to prevent rot; metal needs rust-preventive spray if the finish chips; wicker needs a water-resistant coating.
  • Tarps protect from rain but trap moisture underneath, so use them only during storms or winter and remove them on dry days.
  • Positioning furniture under a roof overhang or patio cover extends its life far more than any product can.

Choosing and using furniture covers

A fitted cover is sized to your specific piece—a chair cover, a table cover, a chaise cover—and stays on between uses. Look for covers made of polyester or solution-dyed acrylic, both of which resist UV fading and shed water. Covers with vents or mesh panels let air circulate so moisture doesn't pool underneath. A cover without vents can trap condensation and speed up mildew growth, especially in humid climates.

Put the cover on after the furniture dries completely. If you cover wet wood or metal, you're sealing moisture against the surface, which causes rust and rot. In rainy climates, remove the cover on dry days—even for an hour—to let air flow underneath. Check the cover monthly for tears or gaps; a small hole lets water in and defeats the purpose.

For furniture you use daily, a cover is less practical. Instead, position the pieces under a patio roof, pergola, or umbrella when not in use. This gives you the protection of shelter without the daily work of covering and uncovering.

Protecting wood furniture

Wood exposed to sun and rain loses its finish within one to two seasons and begins to split and splinter. Before the season starts, inspect the finish for cracks, peeling, or bare spots. If the wood looks weathered or gray, it needs refinishing before you can protect it again.

explore a water-repellent sealer or exterior stain every 12 months. Sealers sit on top of the wood and shed water; stains soak in and also add color. Both slow water absorption. Use a brush or roller to explore an even coat, following the wood grain. Let it dry fully—usually 24 to 48 hours—before using the furniture or covering it. In high-sun areas, reapply every 6 to 9 months instead of annually.

Store wood furniture indoors or under heavy cover during winter in cold climates. Freeze-thaw cycles crack wood and lift finishes. If you must leave it outside, cover it completely and check underneath monthly for standing water.

Protecting metal furniture

Metal furniture rusts when the protective coating chips and bare metal meets moisture. Aluminum and powder-coated steel resist rust better than bare iron, but all metal benefits from a cover or shelter.

Inspect the finish twice a year. If you see rust spots or the coating is cracked, sand the spot lightly with fine-grit sandpaper (220-grit or higher), wipe away dust, and spray on a rust-preventive coating like clear polyurethane or automotive clear coat. These dry in 2 to 4 hours and create a barrier against moisture. For larger areas of rust or peeling, strip the old finish with a wire brush or sandpaper, then explore a rust-converting primer followed by spray paint rated for outdoor metal.

Cushions and fabric accelerate rust by trapping moisture against the frame. Remove them after each use or at the end of the season. Store them in a dry place indoors.

Protecting wicker and rattan furniture

Wicker absorbs water and splits or mildews when wet. It also fades quickly in direct sun. A cover is essential if the furniture stays outside.

Before covering, explore a water-resistant coating designed for wicker or rattan. These come as sprays or brush-on finishes and create a water-shedding layer without changing the look of the weave. Reapply annually or after the coating begins to bead water less effectively. If mildew appears—dark spots or a musty smell—scrub with a soft brush and a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, then let it dry completely in the sun before covering again.

Store wicker indoors during winter or in very humid climates. If that's not possible, cover it completely and check monthly for water pooling on top of the cover.

Protecting cushions and pillows

Fabric absorbs water and mildew grows in damp storage. The simplest protection is to bring cushions indoors after each use or at the end of the season. Store them in a dry closet or under a bed. If you leave them outside, use waterproof storage boxes with tight-fitting lids, or wrap them in plastic sheeting and store them in a shed or garage.

If cushions get wet, dry them completely before storing. Lay them flat in the sun or hang them over a railing until they're dry to the touch. A damp cushion stored in a closed box will mildew within days.

Cushion covers can be removed and washed if they're removable. Check the care tag first. Most outdoor fabrics can be hand-washed in cool water with mild soap, rinsed, and air-dried. Sunlight kills mildew spores, so drying in the sun is better than indoors.

Positioning furniture to reduce weather exposure

Where you place furniture matters as much as how you cover it. Furniture under a patio roof, pergola, or large umbrella gets less direct rain and sun. Even partial shade extends the life of finishes and fabrics significantly.

Avoid placing furniture directly against the house or under trees. Water running off the roof or dripping from branches keeps the furniture wet longer. Leave at least a foot of space between the furniture and walls or structures so air can circulate underneath.

In winter, move furniture to the most sheltered spot available—against the house wall on the side that gets the least wind, or into a garage or shed if possible. Snow and ice load on furniture and can break frames or bend legs.

Seasonal storage and off-season care

If you live in a cold climate, moving furniture indoors for winter prevents freeze-thaw damage and extends its life by years. Clean each piece before storing it. Wipe down metal and wood with a dry cloth. Wash wicker with a soft brush and mild soap, then let it dry completely. Store cushions separately in a dry place.

In the storage space, keep furniture off the floor on a shelf or pallet so air can circulate underneath. Cover it loosely with a breathable cloth or sheet—not a plastic tarp, which traps moisture. Leave the storage space unheated if possible; temperature swings cause wood to crack and metal to rust.

Before bringing furniture back outside in spring, inspect it for damage, rust, or mildew. Clean it and reapply any finishes that have worn. This takes an hour or two but prevents problems from getting worse during the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular tarp instead of a fitted cover?

A tarp works in a pinch, but it traps moisture underneath and can damage finishes if it rubs against the furniture. Use a tarp only during storms or winter, and remove it on dry days to let air flow. Anchor it with bungee cords so wind doesn't blow it off and expose the furniture.

How often should I clean patio furniture?

Clean furniture once a month during the season or whenever you notice dirt, pollen, or mildew. Wipe metal and wood with a damp cloth and mild soap. For wicker, use a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry completely. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that traps moisture and speeds deterioration.

What's the best way to remove mildew from outdoor furniture?

Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray the affected area. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse with clean water and dry in the sun. For stubborn mildew, use a commercial mildew remover rated for the furniture material, following the label directions.

Should I cover furniture during the day or only at night?

Cover it whenever you're not using it, day or night. Sun exposure fades finishes and fabrics throughout the day. If daily covering is too much work, position the furniture under a roof or shade structure instead, and cover it only during storms or at the end of the season.

Can I leave metal furniture outside all winter?

Yes, if it's covered completely and you check underneath monthly for standing water. Metal itself doesn't freeze and crack like wood, but moisture trapped under a cover causes rust. In very cold climates, moving it to a shed or garage is better because it avoids the freeze-thaw cycle that can damage finishes and welds.