Moisture Under Your Garden Furniture Cover? Here’s How to Stop It

October 23, 2025

Many garden owners know the problem: you remove the cover from your garden or lounge set and discover moisture or condensation droplets on the inside.
Even a waterproof cover cannot always prevent this. Temperature differences cause condensation, which lingers without proper ventilation.
The result? Moisture build-up, musty odours or even mould growth.

Fortunately, there’s a simple solution. With smart ventilation aids – small accessories that allow air to circulate beneath the cover – you can prevent moisture issues. This keeps your garden furniture dry, fresh and in top condition all year round.

Why does moisture form under a garden furniture cover?

Moisture under your garden furniture cover is usually caused by condensation. This happens when warm, humid air beneath the cover cools due to lower outside temperatures.
It also occurs when humid air under the cover contacts areas where rainwater remains on the cover, creating temperature differences.
In those spots, the moisture condenses into droplets on the inside of the cover, which then fall onto your garden furniture.

This phenomenon is often mistaken for leakage, but in reality it’s a natural condensation process.
Many covers are completely waterproof but not breathable. As a result, moisture cannot escape and a clammy environment develops in which mould, musty odours and stains can easily form.

In the long term, this can even lead to permanent damage to wood, cushions and coatings.
That’s why it’s important not to ignore the problem and to ensure adequate ventilation beneath the cover.

Extend the lifespan of your garden furniture with proper ventilation

Good ventilation beneath your garden furniture cover is essential to prevent moisture problems and condensation.
By allowing air to circulate, excess moisture can escape and the space under the cover stays dry.
This not only prevents mould and musty odours, it also protects your furniture materials from premature wear and discolouration.

Ventilation also extends the lifespan of the cover itself.
A cover that stays damp for long periods will lose its protective coating and water-repellent properties more quickly.
With sufficient airflow, the fabric remains in top condition and your cover stays durable, effective and reliably waterproof.

The ventilation aids from Gardenfurniturecovershop.com

Fortunately, there are several smart accessories that easily improve ventilation beneath your garden furniture cover.
These ventilation aids ensure that air can circulate freely and that moisture has no chance to accumulate.
This helps prevent condensation, mould and premature wear of both your furniture and the cover.

Ventilation openings in Raffles Covers
All Raffles Covers come as standard with strategically placed ventilation openings. These allow air to escape without letting rainwater in – keeping the climate under the cover dry and fresh.
Breathable material from Raffles Covers
The covers are made from high-quality polyester with PU coating. This material is waterproof and breathable, allowing excess moisture to escape in a controlled way. Your garden set stays optimally protected, even with fluctuating temperatures.
Water Shedding Cushions
An inflatable cushion placed on the furniture under the cover. It creates a natural dome so rainwater runs straight off the cover and extra ventilation is created. Ideal for larger surfaces – and with most Raffles Covers included free of charge.
Water Shedding Poles
An adjustable pole (shaped a bit like a mushroom) that you place under the cover. It creates a slope so water runs off easily and space is created for air circulation. We supply this Water Shedding Pole free of charge with most AeroCovers covers.
Sandbags and fixing accessories
By tensioning your cover tightly with sandbags, weights or bungee cords, you prevent folds where moisture or condensation can collect. This keeps your garden furniture cover better in place and dry on the inside.

With the ventilation aids from Gardenfurniturecovershop.com, your garden or lounge set remains optimally protected against moisture, mould and condensation – all year round.

How to use ventilation aids in practice

Ventilation aids are easy to use and deliver immediate results. With the right application, you can prevent moisture build-up, condensation and mould beneath your garden furniture cover.

Follow these tips for the best results:

Ensure enough slope so water runs off the cover
Use a Water Shedding Pole or Water Shedding Cushion to create a gentle dome. This allows rainwater to run off naturally and gives air room to circulate. This prevents pooling and promotes ventilation.
Always tension the cover tightly
A well-tensioned cover prevents moisture from collecting in folds. Use drawstrings, quick-release buckles or weights to secure the cover firmly. A snug fit improves airflow and reduces condensation.
Combine aids for optimal effect
A breathable cover with built-in ventilation openings works best in combination with a raised support under the cover. This creates constant air circulation and keeps the climate under the cover dry and fresh.
Check regularly during wet or cold periods
Lift the cover occasionally to air out and check for moisture build-up. On a sunny winter’s day, let your garden set air for a few hours – this extends the lifespan of both your furniture and the cover.

Common mistakes with condensation and ventilation

When preventing moisture and condensation under a garden furniture cover, the same mistakes are often made. By avoiding them, you’ll keep your furniture beautiful, dry and mould-free for longer.

Using cheap PVC covers
PVC covers are usually fully waterproof, but not breathable. Moisture cannot escape, so condensation lingers beneath the cover – often leading to mould.
Not adding height
Without a slope, water remains on the cover, greatly increasing the risk of condensation. Use a Water Shedding Pole or Cushion to drain rainwater and promote airflow.
Storing the cover damp or dirty
A damp or dirty cover is an ideal breeding ground for mould and musty odours. Always let the cover dry and clean it before storage.
Mistaking condensation for a leak
Droplets on the inside of the cover are usually condensation, not leakage. Condensation is caused by temperature differences between inside and outside air – not by water “seeping through”.
Letting the cover hang too loosely
Loose covers create folds and pockets where moisture accumulates. Temperature fluctuations also increase, which boosts condensation. Always tension the cover with drawstrings, buckles or weights.

Protect your garden furniture against moisture

Moisture and condensation under your garden furniture cover are common problems – but fortunately easy to prevent.
Choose a breathable cover such as the models from Raffles Covers, and combine it with ventilation aids for optimal airflow.
Accessories like the Water Shedding Pole or Water Shedding Cushion improve drainage and prevent moisture build-up.

This keeps your garden furniture dry, clean and protected, and also extends the lifespan of the cover itself.
Explore our wide range of garden furniture covers and accessories – and give moisture under the cover no chance.