How Do I Prevent Mould on My Garden Furniture Cover?

Mould growth on a garden furniture cover often occurs during storage, especially in damp or poorly ventilated spaces. Fortunately, this is easy to prevent. By storing the cover correctly (clean, dry and with sufficient ventilation) it stays fresh and lasts longer. Here you will learn how mould develops, what you can do to prevent it, and how to treat a cover if it does occur.

Why does mould appear on garden furniture covers?

Mould develops when moisture and lack of ventilation come together. A garden furniture cover stored while wet provides an ideal environment for mould and bacteria. This mainly happens in closed spaces such as a shed, garage, or storage box without air circulation. If the cover material is not breathable, condensation will remain inside, creating a damp environment where mould can quickly grow.

Also, when leaves, twigs, or dirt remain under the cover, these organic residues can hold moisture and contribute to mould growth. In autumn and winter, when humidity is high, the risk is greatest. By understanding why this happens, you can take more targeted measures to prevent it.

How to prevent mould during storage?

• Clean the cover thoroughly with lukewarm water and a soft brush at the end of the season.

• Let the cover dry completely in the open air before storing it.

• Use a storage bag or plastic box, but do not seal it airtight.

• Store the cover in a ventilated space, such as a garden shed or garage, with air circulation.

• Choose a breathable cover, preferably with a PU coating or TPU layer.

• Check the cover regularly during the storage period, especially in humid months.

By following these measures, you greatly reduce the risk of mould growth.

Extra tips to keep the cover fresh

Do you want to make sure your cover comes out of storage fresh? Then take a few extra steps. If the cover smells musty, that is a sign of remaining moisture. In that case, let it air out by placing it outside, preferably in the sun. Even during the storage season, take the cover out of its bag every now and then and leave it outside for a few hours to freshen up.

Using moisture absorbers or silica gel sachets in the storage bag also helps to absorb excess moisture. This is especially useful if you store the cover indoors in a shed or garage where humidity is high.

Also make sure you do not fold in leaves, twigs, or dirt with the cover. Organic material is a food source for mould. Finally, after cleaning, it is smart to lightly spray the cover with an anti-mould agent as an extra precaution.

With these extra steps, you will keep your cover not only dry, but also fresh and odour-free.

What to do if mould has developed anyway?

Has mould appeared on your cover despite all precautions? Then quick and careful action is important. Start by beating out loose dirt or mould spores outdoors to prevent spreading. Next, clean the cover with lukewarm water and a soft brush, optionally combined with mild soap.

For stubborn mould stains, you can use a mixture of water and natural vinegar (1:1 ratio). Let it soak for a few minutes and then gently scrub the affected areas. Always rinse the cover thoroughly and let it dry completely in the open air, preferably in the sun.

Avoid harsh cleaning agents such as bleach, as these can damage the coating of the cover. Once the cover is dry again, you can lightly spray it with a special anti-mould spray for textiles to prevent recurrence.

Choose Raffles Covers garden furniture covers

Do you want to enjoy well-protected garden furniture for many years without worries? Then Raffles Covers is the logical choice. This brand was developed out of love for garden furniture and frustration with covers that only last a few seasons. Thanks to a combination of breathable and waterproof material, smart details and durable finishing, Raffles Covers last for many years. So no more mould problems (as long as the tips above are followed).