Are You Using Your Patio Covers Correctly? Avoid These Common Pitfalls

You’ve spent good money on that stylish patio set—maybe it’s a sleek sofa, a chair set, or a heavy-duty dining table. Yet when the seasons change, you leave it out in the elements and expect it to survive unscathed. The fact is that Mother Nature doesn’t care about your decor.

An outdoor furniture cover is your first line of defense. However, if you use it wrong, you might as well leave your cushions in the rain. In this blog, we will discuss the most common mistakes people make with patio covers and show you exactly how to fix them for top‑notch outdoor furniture protection.

Why Patio Covers Matter More Than You Think?

Rain, UV rays, dirt, bugs, bird droppings—you name it, your patio set battles it all. That’s where a high-quality outdoor furniture cover comes in. It acts like armor, protecting your furniture from the elements and keeping it looking new season after season. But here’s the catch: a cover only works if you use it the right way.

Smart Ways to Use and Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture Covers

1. Choose the Cover in the Correct Size

A cover that’s too small leaves parts like legs, cushions, or armrests exposed to sun, rain, and pests, while one that’s too big flaps in the wind, collects water and debris, and may even lead to mold growth. You can fix it by:

1. Measure Precisely: Measure the length, width, and height of your furniture.
2. Check Product Specs: Check the dimensions of the cover and match them to your measurements.
3. Allow a Snug Fit: Aim for a cover that’s 1-2 inches larger than the furniture on each side.

2. Leaving Covers On in High Winds

Loose covers can flap like sails in the wind, putting strain on seams and causing them to tear. The excess fabric can also whip around, potentially scuffing paint and scratching glass surfaces.

1. Secure It: Use straps or drawstrings. Most covers already include these.
2. Weigh It Down: Place a light cushion or sandbag under the edges.

3. Not Cleaning the Cover Itself

Dirt, pollen, and mildew can slowly break down the fabric of your outdoor furniture cover, reducing its lifespan. Worse, a grimy cover can transfer that buildup onto your furniture, completely defeating the purpose of outdoor furniture protection. 

The fix is simple but essential: give your cover a monthly wipe-down using a soft brush and a mild soap solution. Every few months, do a deep clean by laying the cover flat, hosing off loose dirt, scrubbing gently, rinsing thoroughly, and letting it air-dry completely. And don’t ignore stains. Spot-treat any green or black patches immediately before mildew sets in.

4. Covering Wet Furniture

When you cover damp furniture, it traps moisture between the cover and the surface, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. That trapped moisture not only damages your furniture but also shortens the life of your cover. The fix? Always dry first. After rain, open the cover, wipe away any water, and let your furniture air-dry for at least an hour.

5. Storing Covers Improperly When Not in Use

Crumpled covers can develop permanent creases and weak points that eventually lead to rips and tears. And if you store them in damp areas, you’re practically inviting mildew to take over. Follow these tips below to store them properly:

1. Clean & Dry: Always start with a spotless, bone-dry cover.
2. Fold Loosely: Avoid tight creases and fold along natural seams.
3. Store in Breathable Bag: Many covers come with storage bags—use them. If not, a mesh bag or even a pillowcase works.
4. Pick the Right Spot: Find somewhere dry, cool, and off the ground. Do not shove your cover in a plastic bin with no airflow.

6. Ignoring UV Damage

UV rays beat down on your covers day after day, weakening the fabric, fading the color, and making it so brittle it can tear with the slightest pull. The smart move? Go for covers that say “UV-protected” or “sun-resistant” right on the label—they’re built to handle the sun without falling apart. If you can, rotate your chairs or tables every season so one side doesn’t take all the heat. And don’t be shy about adding some shade with an umbrella or pergola. Cheap covers without UV protection might save you a few bucks now, but they’ll cost you way more when they fall apart.

7. Not Ventilating

Condensation builds up under sealed covers. This leads to mildew on both the cover and your furniture. You need to look for: 

1. Built‑In Vents: Choose covers with mesh vents near the top.
2. DIY Ventilation: Prop up the cover slightly on one side with a stick or broom handle, just enough for air to circulate.

8. Using One Cover for Everything

A single cover for a table, chairs, and cushions never fits right. You're either stretching it too far and straining the seams, or leaving awkward gaps that let in water, dust, and bugs. The better move? Use tailored covers made for each piece. One for the table, one for the lounge chairs, another for that pile of cushions. Everything fits snug, stays protected, and lasts way longer.

9. Forgetting Seasonal Transitions

Winter demands heavy-duty, water-resistant covers, summer needs breathable, UV‑blocking ones. One-size-fits-all year‑round covers compromise on key features. You can fix it with: 

1. Two-Cover Strategy: This is when you opt for different covers for summers and winters. Each cover has its own properties and offers different protection options.
2. Swap on Schedule: Mark calendar reminders to change covers in spring and fall.

10. Neglecting Hardware and Fasteners

Loose snaps, buckles, and straps render the best cover useless. Rusty grommets, torn fabric and broken buckles mean no secure fit. Make sure to check all the straps and buckles. Try to lubricate all the metal parts with a silicon lubricant to prevent rust. If the furniture or cover is broken beyond repair, do not wait to replace it.

Conclusion

Using an outdoor furniture cover isn’t difficult, but it does require attention to detail. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll enjoy your patio set for years instead of seasons. Good outdoor furniture protection starts with the right cover. Make sure to use it the right way, and maintain it properly.