It’s true that patio furniture is designed to withstand all weather conditions, but if you want to keep it look adorable and feel comfortable for years, it’s always better to store them in the winter. You can’t really leave them outside when the snow falls and rain pours.
Below, we share with you a quick guide on How to Store Patio Furniture that you can follow easily.
How to Store Patio Furniture
Storing wood furniture
The protective sealant that is applied to wood patio furniture may freeze during winter which leads to cracks. You might think that covering the furniture with a protective cover is enough when it’s actually not. That’s why you need to also store them in your indoor area with the cover.
It would be best to wash the pieces with a mixture of detergent and water. Also, if you have painted wood furniture, you need to apply a fresh coat before storing them.
Storing plastic furniture
Though plastic is considered a very durable material, it’s also prone to crack when the freezing winter comes. You can store the pieces inside or place them in a warmer area with the cover. Always wash the plastic patio furniture before you store them inside.
(You may also like: How to Maintain Rattan Furniture to Keep It Cozy All the Time)
Storing metal furniture
Of course, rust will damage your metal patio furniture if you let them outside during the snowy season. The longer the rust forms, the more damage it can cause even to breaking the structure down.
If you already find rust on your metal furniture, handle it with a rust-neutralizing primer. Treat the affected area with spray paint after you smoothen it up. If necessary, you can apply a coat of automotive wax.
It’s also a wiser idea to bring your metal furniture inside when the rain comes.
Storing wicker furniture
Though it’s almost similar to wood, wicker is trickier since it comes with nooks and crannies which makes it necessary to deep clean them before storing them. You can simply clean them by mixing bleach and water then apply the mixture using a soft-bristle brush.
If necessary, you can spray paint your wicker furniture and apply moisture repellent. Keep in mind to always store wicker furniture in a dry place.
Storing cushions
If the pieces of your furniture come with cushions, you need to treat them differently before you store them inside. It’s important to store those cushions properly during winter to avoid the growth of mold and mildew.
Follow the steps below to store your cushions properly:
- Vacuum the cushions.
- Wash them with the mixture of one gallon of water, one cup of bleach, and a pinch of detergent.
- Let them dry completely.
- Put the dry cushions in a storage box or wrap them in plastic if necessary. It’s meant to protect them from dust.
Those are the steps that you can follow to store your patio furniture properly. Keep in mind that different furniture requires different treatment.
