A patio cover offers protection from the elements and acts as an extension of your home. As time goes by, dirt, dust, and even mold can collect on your patio cover, making it look unsightly. Thankfully, you can easily clean most types of patio covers to restore their beauty and functionality. Proper maintenance of your patio covers can make them last for years. The following guide will show you how to properly clean different types of patio covers to get the most use out of them.
Vinyl Patio Furniture Covers
Cleaning vinyl patio furniture covers is pretty easy. Before using soap or anything else on your covers, the first thing you should do is to sweep any loose dirt or debris from them. Avoid letting it sit on your covers for long periods. Then, use a warm, soapy cloth to wipe down all surfaces of your covers and rinse with water to remove excess soap suds. Ensure that you air-dry your covers well before storing them, so they stay mold-free throughout winter storage! You can also try using bleach on particularly dirty spots; be careful not to let bleach touch other parts of your furniture. If you have a vinyl cover that needs cleaning but doesn’t include an umbrella stand, you can hang it over a fence or on a clothesline instead!
Nylon Outdoor Furniture Covers
Nylon is one of the most popular and widely used patio furniture covers, and it’s easy to see why. These covers are super sturdy and can withstand rain and extreme weather conditions, so they’re perfect for use all year long. Cleaning these covers shouldn’t be an issue if you consider a few key points, especially since nylon repels dirt rather than attracting it.
When you decide to wash your cover, make sure that you completely turn it inside out so that all areas of it can be cleaned properly; then, run it through a gentle cycle with warm water. Let your cover air dry outside in an area where it is likely to get some sunlight so it can be free of mildew when you put it back on. Remember to clean only when necessary or once or twice a year as over-cleaning your patio furniture cover may cause damage to it. Also, don’t forget that UV rays will weaken any material, even nylon, over time so always remember to store these covers in a cool, dry place when not in use for long periods.
Polypropylene Patio Furniture Covers
Polypropylene is a synthetic resin that’s used to make patio furniture covers. Polypropylene covers are often more durable than their acrylic counterparts and don’t contain any metal components, making them excellent for windy locations. For these covers, you’ll need to clean regularly. A mild soap and water solution will help remove any dirt and grime accumulated on your cover between cleanings. You can also use a mild detergent in a 5-gallon bucket with water and a scrub brush or sponge. Be sure to rinse well before folding it up to prevent any residual detergent from getting onto your furniture when you put it back on later. Remember, even if your cover is waterproof, don’t let it sit out in rain or snow as moisture will deteriorate its quality over time.
Polyester Patio Covers
Like vinyl, cleaning polyester is simple: Wash with a mild soap or dish detergent, rinse well, and dry fully in the sun. If you’re using a power washer, avoid blasting your cover—the force of water moving at high speeds can potentially damage it. Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals. For tougher stains, consider mixing one part of chlorine bleach with water, then applying that mixture with a spray bottle directly onto dirty spots on your cover. You may also choose to rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store for stubborn areas such as grime from bird droppings. Your top priority should be to protect your patio cover from water damage by avoiding washing in rainy conditions and keeping these fabrics as dry as possible after cleaning.