How to Dry out a Wood Chair That Was Left in the Rain

A painted indoor wood chair left outdoors.

This also helps prevent damage to the finish.

The Drying Process

Pat the chair dry with absorbent white towels to remove as much moisture as possible; dyed fabrics may bleed onto the wood. Keep blotting the chair until no more moisture transfers to the towels. Wipe off any hardware such as screws or nuts visible anywhere on the chair, including the bottom, in case water splashed on them. Keep the chair in a protected outdoor environment, such as a covered porch or garage, or indoors if the humidity and temperature matches outdoor conditions. Drastic changes in humidity or temperature may cause the chair to crack, buckle or swell, so it is best to allow it to dry out slowly. Turn on a portable fan, blowing near but not on the chair, to help it dry for at least several hours. Take the chair indoors, but do not use it for a while; it may take weeks for the chair to dry out completely if the rain soaked the wood, such as in the space between joints.