Wash covers in cool water with mild detergent, then air-dry them completely before storing

Most patio furniture covers can be cleaned with a garden hose, a soft brush, and basic laundry detergent—you do not need special products or a washing machine. The goal is to remove dirt, mildew, and bird droppings without damaging the fabric's water-resistant coating. A cover that sits outside all season collects more grime than you might think, and washing it once or twice a year keeps it from breaking down early.

The exact method depends on what your cover is made of. Polyester and vinyl covers (the most common types) handle gentle scrubbing well. Canvas or specialty fabrics may need a lighter touch. Check the manufacturer's tag or care instructions first—most are sewn into a seam or printed on the underside. If you have lost the tag, treat the cover as polyester unless you know otherwise.

Key Takeaways

  • Rinse the cover with a garden hose first to remove loose dirt and debris before you use any soap.
  • Mix cool water with a small amount of mild dish soap or laundry detergent, then scrub stains with a soft-bristled brush.
  • Rinse thoroughly until all soap is gone, because leftover detergent can trap moisture and cause mildew.
  • Hang or lay the cover flat in the sun to air-dry completely—usually 24 to 48 hours—before folding or storing it.
  • Never use a pressure washer, bleach, or hot water, as these damage the protective coating and fabric fibers.

Rinse away loose dirt with a garden hose

Start by laying the cover flat on a clean surface—a driveway, deck, or large tarp works well. Use a garden hose set to a normal spray (not a jet setting) and rinse both sides thoroughly. This step removes dust, pollen, leaves, and loose debris before you explore any soap. Spend 2 to 3 minutes on each side, paying extra attention to seams and corners where dirt collects.

If the cover has stubborn dried mud or bird droppings, let the water soak into those spots for a minute before rinsing. Do not scrub yet—you want to loosen the debris first. Once the cover looks noticeably cleaner and the water running off is mostly clear, you are ready to move to the soap step.

Mix a gentle cleaning solution and scrub stains

Fill a bucket with cool water—warm or hot water can damage the fabric and its water-resistant coating. Add a small squirt of mild dish soap (like Dawn) or laundry detergent. You want the water to look slightly soapy, not sudsy. A good ratio is about 1 tablespoon of detergent per gallon of water.

Dip a soft-bristled brush (a deck brush or soft car-wash brush works well) into the solution and scrub the cover in circular motions. Focus on areas with visible stains, mildew spots, or discoloration. Work in sections so you do not miss any part. For mildew or stubborn stains, let the soapy water sit on the spot for 5 to 10 minutes before scrubbing—this gives the detergent time to break down the grime. Avoid wire brushes or stiff scrubbing pads, which can tear the fabric or strip away the protective coating.

Rinse thoroughly until soap is completely gone

Once you have scrubbed the entire cover, rinse it again with the garden hose. This step is just as important as the scrubbing, because leftover soap traps moisture inside the fabric and creates the perfect environment for mildew to grow back. Rinse both sides until the water running off is completely clear and you see no more bubbles or foam.

Pay special attention to seams, hems, and any textured areas where soap can hide. If you are unsure whether all the soap is out, do one more full rinse. It is better to rinse too much than too little. Squeeze out excess water gently with your hands—do not wring or twist the cover, as this can damage the seams and fabric.

Air-dry the cover completely before storing

Hang the cover on a clothesline, fence, or lay it flat on a clean surface in direct sunlight. Sunlight naturally kills mildew spores and helps dry the cover faster. If you hang it, make sure air can flow underneath and around it. If you lay it flat, flip it halfway through drying so both sides dry evenly. This process usually takes 24 to 48 hours depending on humidity and temperature.

Do not fold or store the cover until it is completely dry—even a little moisture left inside will cause mildew and musty smells. You can test dryness by touching the inside seams; they should feel dry to the touch. Once fully dry, fold the cover loosely and store it in a cool, dry place like a garage, shed, or storage bin. Avoid damp basements or attics where humidity can creep in.

What to avoid when cleaning covers

Pressure washers blast water at high force and can tear the fabric or force water into seams where it gets trapped. Bleach breaks down the protective water-resistant coating and can discolor or weaken the material. Hot water has the same effect—it damages the coating and can shrink some fabrics. Machine washing is too rough for most covers and can break seams or zippers.

Do not use stiff brushes, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners. These scratch the surface and remove the protective layer that keeps water from soaking in. Avoid leaving the cover wet for long periods or storing it damp, as this guarantees mildew growth. If you notice mildew returning quickly even after washing, the cover may need more frequent cleaning or better air circulation where it is stored.

How often to wash patio furniture covers

Wash covers once or twice a year depending on your climate and how much the furniture sits outside. In humid areas or places with heavy pollen, spring and fall cleanings work well. If you live somewhere dry, once a year in spring is usually enough. Covers that stay on year-round need more frequent washing than those you remove in winter.

If you notice visible mildew, stains, or a musty smell, wash the cover right away rather than waiting for your regular schedule. Mildew spreads quickly and becomes harder to remove the longer it sits. A quick wash every few months during heavy-use seasons (spring and summer) keeps covers looking better and lasting longer than waiting until they are visibly dirty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a washing machine to clean a patio furniture cover?

No. Washing machines agitate the fabric too much and can break seams, damage zippers, or force water into areas where it gets trapped and causes mildew. Hand washing with a brush and hose is gentler and more effective for covers.

What should I do if my cover has mildew spots that won't come off?

Let the soapy water sit on the mildew for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing, then scrub gently with a soft brush. If spots remain after drying, repeat the process. Stubborn mildew may need two or three washings over several weeks. Make sure the cover dries completely and gets good air circulation to prevent mildew from returning.

Is it safe to use bleach on a patio furniture cover?

No. Bleach damages the water-resistant coating, weakens the fabric, and can cause discoloration or fading. Stick to mild dish soap or laundry detergent instead. Sunlight during air-drying naturally helps kill mildew and lighten stains without chemicals.

How do I know if my cover is completely dry before storing it?

Touch the inside seams and hems—they should feel completely dry to the touch, not damp or cool. If you are unsure, leave it out for another 12 hours. Storing a cover that still holds any moisture will cause mildew and musty odors within days.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my patio furniture cover faster?

No. Pressure washers force water at high speed and can tear the fabric, damage seams, and push water into areas where it gets trapped and causes mildew. A garden hose and soft brush take longer but are much safer for the cover's material and protective coating.