It can be a bit sad when the time to stop using your outdoor patio for the winter comes. However, it can be even worse if you aren’t preparing your furniture correctly. Harsh winter weather can take its toll on your furniture and take away its natural shine and luster. Properly preparing it is the best way to ensure that it will be ready to go when the weather gets warm again.
In this article, we laid out everything you need to know to winterize your outdoor furniture. By ensuring that your chairs and tables are protected from the elements, you can be confident that it will be just as good-looking next summer.
Why Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture?
No matter where you live, colder weather can take its toll on all kinds of materials. Rain, snow, and ice can seep into materials and cause mold and mildew, which can end up being hazardous to your health. Colder weather can also weaken the structural elements of your furniture, including tables and chairs, and consistent warming and cooling can make them less stable or even warp them. Properly winterizing your furniture will ensure that it isn’t exposed to as many harsh elements.
A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture
Step One: Clean the Furniture
Image credits: Wicker Paradise via Creative Commons
The best way to prepare your furniture for the winter is to make sure it is clean. If you have things like cobwebs or debris sitting on your tables and chairs, this will get mixed in with the moisture and could start to deteriorate the material. Not every type of material needs to be cleaned the same way. That's why understanding how to clean different types of furniture is crucial.
Plastic
Your plastic furniture will be fairly well protected from the cold weather no matter what you do. However, it is important to make sure it’s clean before the weather turns bad. With plastic furniture, you can hose it down completely and make certain that all the cobwebs and dirt have been removed.
Wicker
To clean wicker furniture, mix a few drops of oil-based mild soap and warm water. Then, with a cloth, carefully wipe down your chairs and table with the solution. Make sure you get all the various nooks and crannies of the patio furniture and that all debris is removed with soapy water.
Aluminum
Aluminum metal furniture is fairly rust-proof and will be well protected from snow and ice. However, it is always best to give it the best chance at staying nice during the winter. To clean aluminum furniture, simply scrub it with a few drops of mild laundry detergent in warm water and a scrub or wire brush. If you notice any scratches, you can also fill those in with some paint. For a bit of extra protection, wipe down your aluminum patio furniture with a coat of car wax.
Wood
Generally, outdoor wood furniture is made from teak which can withstand winter weather by keeping water and moisture out. However, like plastic, it is important to do some light cleaning to remove any debris, dirt, or grime. Clean your wood furniture using a cloth and mild soapy water. If there are tougher stains, a soft brush will do.
Step Two: Find a Cover
Image credits: Ned Dunn via Creative Commons
One of the best ways to protect your outdoor furniture pieces is to keep them covered. It will protect it from all the different wintertime elements coming along when the weather starts to get cold. If your furniture doesn't come with covers, there are a couple of DIY options. One of them is to use traditional blue tarps to keep all the pieces covered. You can secure the tarps with bungee cords and snugly cover them or use store-bought removable covers. You can also use plastic wrap. It is a great way to make sure they are airtight and that no moisture will get inside.
Step Three: Bring it Inside
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Even if you can completely cover your furniture, it is still best to bring it inside if at all possible. It is the most effective way to protect your outdoor furniture and keep it safe from mold and rot, which can occur if even a little bit of moisture gets under your cover. If you have a garage or shed, furniture can be stacked in the corner and covered where it will be safe until the next warm time of year. If possible, try to store your furniture in an area where it won't be exposed to freezing temperatures. Keeping it close to water heaters or furnaces is a great way to keep it warm.
Keep Your Furniture Nice During all Seasons
Your patio furniture is one of the central points of your outdoor living space. By keeping it nice during the winter months, you can be sure that it will be aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound the next time you use it. Following the above steps can help you feel confident that your investment is protected.
Do you have a way of winterizing the outdoor furniture that you absolutely love? Let us know about it in the comment section below!