Yes, outdoor furniture covers can be washed. Thank goodness, because leaving them dirty is like letting your Garden Furniture wear last year’s muddy festival outfit. The short answer? Most covers can be cleaned safely, but you need to check the material first. Stick around for the best cleaning tips, common mistakes to avoid, and clever ways to keep your covers looking new season after season.
Outdoor covers take the brunt of everything; rain, dust, falling leaves, and even the neighbour’s cat using them as a nap spot. If you leave them grimy, they’ll start smelling musty, growing mould, and breaking down faster. A simple annual wash not only keeps them fresh but also adds years to their life.
Here’s the catch: scrubbing too hard or grabbing any old detergent can ruin the built-in waterproof or UV-resistant finish. Once that’s gone, your cover is basically just fabric in the rain. Cleaning gently means you get the best of both worlds, freshness and protection.
That little tag on the inside seam is your best friend. It tells you if the cover can handle the washing machine, which detergents to use, and the safe temperature. Ignoring it is like cooking without a recipe, you might get lucky, but you might also ruin dinner.
Lost the care label? Don’t stress. The safest bet is hand washing with mild soap and lukewarm water. Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals, and if you’re not sure, always test a small hidden corner first.
Start with the basics, shake off dust, leaves, and dried mud. A soft brush works wonders and saves you from rubbing grit deep into the fabric when washing.
Bird droppings, tree sap, or mildew patches? Dab them with a mild soap solution and a sponge. To clean mildew from outdoor furniture covers, a simple mix of white vinegar and water can do the trick. Always rinse well afterwards.
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a little gentle detergent. Work over the cover with a sponge or brush, then rinse until the water runs clear. Never wring the fabric, it stretches fibres and weakens the seams.
Not all covers are machine-friendly. Polyester, vinyl-coated fabrics, or synthetic blends usually cope well. But natural cotton canvas? That can shrink or warp if you’re not careful. Always double-check the label before throwing it in.
If machine washing is safe, stick to a delicate cycle, cool water, and a non-biological detergent. Hot washes are a no-go, they can melt coatings or make fabrics lose shape. Gentle cycles keep your covers clean without punishment.
It smells lovely, sure, but fabric softener kills water resistance faster than a downpour. Want freshness? Try cleaning outdoor cushions with baking soda or simply let them air-dry in the garden breeze.
Forget the tumble dryer, heat is a cover’s worst enemy. Instead, hang them in a shaded, breezy spot until they’re bone dry. Even a little leftover dampness is an open invite for mould.
After a good wash, covers often need a top-up of waterproofing. A quick spray-on fabric protector helps restore their defence against rain and UV rays. It’s like giving them an invisible shield before the next storm rolls in.
Mix warm water with mild soap and gently scrub the surface with a brush. For stubborn odours, sprinkle baking soda over the cushion before rinsing. Rinse well and dry fully in sunlight.
Resist the urge, it’s too aggressive. Pressure washers can strip coatings or even rip seams. A garden hose does the job without the drama.
UK weather is famously unpredictable. A light clean every 3–4 months and a proper wash once a year usually does the trick. If your garden is damp and shady, more frequent cleaning may be needed.
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