Protective patio furniture and accessory covers are made to protect your outdoor furniture, grills, umbrellas, and other outdoor accessories from harsh weather conditions, ensuring that your furniture stays clean and dry. As a result, the covers can become dirty rather quickly. Dirty covers, though, mean that your furniture is being properly protected. While it is not necessary to clean your protective covers until you are ready to store them away, you may decide to give them an occasional washing. Following some basic steps during the cleaning process will help your protective covers remain in good condition for many years.

Cleaning Your Protective Covers

• Remove leaves, twigs, and other loose debris from the cover.
• While the cover is still on your furniture, rinse it with a water hose to loosen dried on dirt.
• Wash the cover with mild, warm soapy water and a rag or sponge.
• Rinse the cover off with a hose and allow it to dry while still on the furniture.
• You may prefer to hang the cover to dry; if so, do not lay it down or allow it to touch the ground, deck, or patio.
• Be sure the cover is totally dry before placing back on the furniture.
• Do not use harsh detergents, bleach, stiff bristle brushes or abrasive cleaning pads. These can damage the fabric and reduce the cover's water resistant quality.

Preparing to Store Your Protective Covers

• When spring comes around and it is time to use your patio furniture again, you will need to store your cover in a dry, cool location.
• Clean the cover first as described above, and make sure it is completely dry before storing. Trapped water can cause the cover to mildew.
• It is not recommended to clean the covers in the washing machine. Repeated machine washing can damage the material and reduce the water resistant quality of the cover.

Protective covers are an inexpensive way to protect your outdoor patio furniture and accessory investment. Proper care of your covers will help them last for a long time and keep your patio furniture looking great.