Being in the Carolinas, we know the 'February Fake-out' all too well, that weird window where you’re wearing shorts on Tuesday and a parka on Thursday. But while you're enjoying that 65°F 'false spring' day, the pine pollen is already lurking. Leave your cushions uncovered for one afternoon, and they’ll be coated in yellow dust by sunset.
The Strategy: Keep the covers on, even when it’s pretty out. If you want to sit outside, pull out one or two chairs, but don't uncover the whole set.
The Danger: Once pollen gets wet (from our inevitable February rains) and settles into the fabric weave, it becomes a biological feast for mold.
Beware the "Carolina Sweat"
When we jump from 30°F at night to 60°F during the day, condensation forms on everything. If you’re using heavy-duty covers, that warmth + moisture = a mildew goldmine.
The Fix: On dry, sunny days, unbuckle the bottom of your covers for an hour.
The Upgrade: If your current covers feel like stiff plastic or heavy tarps, it might be time to switch to Viridien’s Furniture Covers. They are designed to let moisture escape while keeping the elements out.
The Rule: If you see condensation beaded on the underside, wipe it down immediately before cinching it back up.
Pro-Tip - The "Dry or Die" Rule for Cushions
If you brought your cushions out for a surprise warm weekend, do not put them back into storage or under covers until they are bone dry.
*Even a tiny bit of dampness from morning dew can get trapped.
*When the temperature drops again that night, that moisture expands as it freezes, which can stress the fibers and seams of your fabric.
Surface Cleaning (The "Pre-Spring" Hack)
February is actually a great time for a "soft" clean. Pollen and dust start moving the moment the air warms up. If that grime sits on your covers and then gets rained on, it creates a paste that's much harder to scrub off in April.
Is your furniture already looking a little weathered? Don't wait until your first backyard party to realize it needs help. Our Viridien CPR (Clean, Protect, Revive) service can professionally deep-clean your sets and apply a fresh protective coating before the spring rush hits.
Optimize Your Storage Location
If you’re currently storing cushions in a garage or shed, February’s temperature swings can cause "sweating" on concrete floors.
*Elevate everything: Get your cushion bags or bins off the floor and onto a pallet or shelf.
*Toss in a desiccant: Throw a few silica gel packets or a moisture-absorbing tub (like DampRid) into your storage bins to handle the humidity spikes.
The Bottom Line
February isn't about "set it and forget it" storage; it's about vigilance. Keep things breathable, keep them elevated, and never trap moisture under a cover just because a cold front is coming. Your future self, the one lounging comfortably in May, will thank you.
