What To Do With Patio Furniture in The Winter
Winter tends to bring not only cold temperatures but also severe weather, both of which can be quite a challenge to your outdoor furniture. It is quite tempting not to think about the things you have on the terrace and just let the cold pass its way, but a little effort and preparation will indeed take you a long way in the future to the life of outdoor furniture. All the information you need to maintain the good condition of your outdoor furniture during the winter season is available here.
1. Clean Your Patio Furniture
Before winter, it is essential to clean your patio furniture thoroughly if you plan to store it or leave it outside. Gradually, the furniture gets covered with dirt, pollen, and leaves, and these might cause staining or rotting. Don’t rush to do the job; make sure you scrub every piece thoroughly:
Wood:
Diluted soap is used to clean the surfaces and a wood-safe cleaner and conditioner follow to rejuvenate it.
Metal:
The first step is to wipe off the dirt with warm, soapy water. In the case of metals prone to rust, use a rust inhibitor to prevent it from getting worse.
Plastic:
If the plastic or resin parts are dirty, get rid of the filth using a non-abrasive cleaner. If the furniture is filthy, a power wash might be more helpful.
Cushions and Fabrics:
If removable cushions can be taken off, wash them following the instructions that come with the manufacturer. If the cushions cannot be removed, spot cleaning with fabric-safe cleaners is the option.
Cleaning your furniture as it should be is the best way to avoid having mold, mildew, or dirt in and on the furniture, which could cause decay in the long term if kept during the winter months.
2. Use Covers to Safeguard Your Furniture
In case you intend to store your garden furniture inside, it is still advisable to use weather-resistant covers to keep your furniture safe from the elements. Outdoor furniture covers act as shields against snow, rain, and ice, which are the main causes of rust or fabric discoloration. Make sure to select breathable covers so that there is no moisture accumulation, which can result in mold or mildew.
If your furniture is large, such as a sectional or a dining set, it would be wise to purchase custom covers that are tailored for your pieces. This additional protection will keep you away from costly repairs and replacements down the road.
3. Store Your Furniture
If you have enough room, the most wonderful way is to place your furniture inside the house during the cold season. In case you own a shed, garage, or basement, then your furniture will be the least affected by the cold, wind, and snow. Furniture kept inside can help maintain the finish of the wood, and the weather can be the cause of the damage.
Disassemble Where Possible:
You’d better disassemble your furniture if it is possible in an effort to save space and to make sure that the parts are not damaged. Stack your chairs and fold your tables.
Elevate the Furniture:
If you are to put your furniture on the ground, you’d better lift it a little with wooden pallets or bricks so that no water can go into the furniture, especially if you live in a very damp place.
Do not store cushions in the open:
If it is possible, you’d better store them in the house or in airtight storage bins. Moist cushions are a source of mold, so keeping them indoors is the most secure way.
4. Consider Outdoor Storage Sheds
In case you don’t have sufficient space inside your house to keep your patio furniture, it is better to buy a storage shed for outdoor use. The purpose of such sheds is to provide protection for your items and allow easy access during the summer season. Try to buy a shed made of a material like resin or metal, which can resist weather conditions and be sturdy for a long time.
Besides storing your patio furniture, storage sheds can also be the perfect places for garden tools, outdoor decorations, or pool accessories.
5. Leave Some Furniture Outside – If You Must
In case you don’t have enough space to store your furniture, leaving it outside might be the next option to think about. The great part of the story is that some kinds of outdoor furniture are made to survive all sorts of weather, like top-quality resin wicker and certain metal furniture. Nonetheless, you still have to be careful:
Keep It Elevated:
If you are not allowed to keep your furniture indoors, make sure that it is off the ground, especially if it is made of wood. In this way, you will be preventing water from reaching the bottom of the furniture.
Use Furniture Covers:
As was emphasized before, taking care of your furniture with good covers is fundamental. It is the most effective protection against the cold season.
6. Plan for Next Spring
While getting your patio furniture ready for the cold season, it is also a good idea to make a plan for the next spring. Look over all your furniture to see if there is anything that might need to be fixed or replaced. Maybe the cushions that you have for your outdoor furniture are getting old, and your umbrella is losing its color. By dealing with these matters now, you will have a wonderful outdoor area ready for you to relax in when the next spring comes.
7. Final Tips for Winterizing Your Patio Furniture
Check for Wear and Tear:
The best time to do the “winter” check of your furniture is to look for any damage that needs fixing. Check if any screws might be loose, if the frame is cracked, or if pieces are missing.
Reapply Protective Coatings:
If you really love your furniture and have had it for quite some time, it would be good to reapply protective coatings such as paint, varnish, or sealants. This will keep your furniture from fading, rusting, and showing other signs of wear.
Bring in Accessories:
Any outdoor accessories like throw pillows, rugs, or outdoor lighting should be stored indoors or covered to protect them from the elements.
By taking good care of your furniture following these simple steps, you lengthen the life of your patio furniture to ensure it’s ready to use once the warmer months roll back around. Whether you’re keeping your furniture inside or protecting it outdoors, a little effort now can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
If you want to have a large variety of quality outdoor furniture that can withstand the harsh winter, just visit Feidao Furniture and get your patio ready for the season ahead!
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