Keep Calm and Clean Your Rain Covers! Our 3-Step ‘How to’ Guide

Your rain covers are doing their job… is it time to show them some love? The answer is yes if you notice that the rain covers protecting your beautiful outdoor furniture are looking a little dingy. 

Don’t despair! A dirty rain cover is proof that you made a fantastic investment.

Every bit of dirt, every speck of pollen, and tinge of green on your rain cover is not on your beautiful outdoor furniture. Your rain covers are the ultimate sacrificial shield as your outdoor furniture is snug, dry, and protected underneath, ready for the next sunny day or the whole summer season ahead.

The Outside Space NZ Difference: Covers Built to Last

We’re incredibly proud of the feedback we get for our custom-fitted outdoor furniture rain covers.

• Custom Fit: They aren’t generic squares; they are tailored to fit your specific outdoor lounge suites and dining sets, ensuring maximum protection. (Sorry we only sell them to customers of our outdoor furniture ranges)
• Affordable Protection: We deliberately price our covers really well because we want you to take care of your investment. It’s a no-brainer piece of insurance for your set!
• A Realistic Lifespan: With the harsh Kiwi sun and unpredictable weather, you should expect to get a solid 3 years of life out of your cover. It’s a consumable item that constantly fights the elements. After three years, you should be prepared to buy a new one—it’s earned its retirement.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture Covers

Getting your outdoor rain covers looking fresh again is surprisingly simple. No fancy machine or expensive products—just a little elbow grease and a couple of common household products. 

Step 1: The Initial Wash

For general dirt, all you need is 1)warm, soapy water,  2)a big sponge and 3) a soft brush.

1. Either leave your covers on your furniture or lay your cover out flat on a clean surface (your lawn or a clean paved area).
2. Mix up a bucket of warm water and a gentle dishwashing liquid or a Handy Andy-type product.
3. Use a big sponge to apply the soapy water generously.
4. Using a soft scrub brush in circular motions, focusing on the dirtiest areas.
5. Leave for 5 minutes to let the soap work, 
6. Rinse thoroughly with a hose, making sure all soap residue is gone.

Step 2( If required) : Tackling Any Mould and Algae left on the Covers

Mould thrives in damp, shaded conditions. If you cover your furniture for long periods in winter, it’s normal to see some on the cover.If you have green patches or stubborn black spots (mould), this is where you bring out the big guns.

Our go-to product for this is a Kiwi favourite: 30 Seconds Exit Mould.

1. Safety First: Please wear gloves and eye protection. Do not apply this product in direct, strong sunlight.
2. Test: Apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area first to ensure there’s no colour change.
3. Spray: Lightly spray the affected areas with the mould killer.
4. Wait: Let it sit for about a minute.  You should see the green and black spots start to lift away.
5. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse! This is the most crucial part. Hose the cover down extremely well to remove all traces of the chemical. Leaving residue can damage the fabric over time.

Step 3: Drying

Air-dry your fain cover completely before putting it back on your outdoor furniture or folding it away. Hanging it over a fence or line on a breezy day works perfectly!

A Final Dose of Reassurance

Your rain covers are designed to take the beating so your aluminium outdoor furniture doesn’t have to. You’ve protected your investment, and with a quick annual or biannual clean, you can ensure the cover continues to do its job brilliantly.

Your Questions Answered: Quick FAQ on Outdoor Furniture Covers & Care

We know you have questions! Dealing with the elements can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make it easy. Here are the most common questions customers ask us:

Q1: Do I actually need rain covers for my outdoor furniture?

A: Not necessarily. If your outdoor area is covered, or you are able to store your outdoor furniture in a warn dry space over winter, then you dont need them. Other customers avoid using covers by choosing to manage and clean their squabs and frames regularly so they stay ahead of potential problems. As we often say here “ water alone isn’t your enemy and sun isn’t your enemy, ( our fabrics are shower proof and fade resistant) it is just dirt and usage in general ”

While your naturally rust-proof aluminium outdoor furniture frames and high quality outdoor fabric squabs are incredibly durable, a rain cover is a low-cost insurance policy for protection when other options aren’t available.  While aluminium itself won’t rust, covers protect the powder-coated finish from constant moisture, road salt spray (especially near the coast), and grit. Most importantly, they keep the furniture clean and ready for spontaneous use, saving you the hassle of a major spring clean.

Q2: I thought outdoor furniture was meant to be “all-weather”—why do I need covers?

A: Great question! Our furniture is all-weather in the sense that it can physically withstand rain, sun, and wind without falling apart. However, “all-weather” doesn’t mean “no-maintenance.” Covers protect against:

• Debris & Mess: Leaves, dust, bird droppings, and pollen accumulate quickly.
• Water Trapping: If water pools on a cushion or sits in the frame crevices, it creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. Your covers prevents this contact!

Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture and sun umbrellas for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality outdoor products and design at achievable prices.