The most important step in preparing furniture for storage is to get it clean. Thank you for your tips to repair any scratches or damages your furniture has, as well as brush corrosion away before you store. If you have the room to bring furniture in, a cool, dry place is best. Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture Wrought iron patio furniture for the most part should not be left out in the weather during the winter. Are you unsure what items you should store outdoor? It might be a good idea to look for some nearby storage facilities and see how much they cost. Cold air can compromise … As sad as it is to move indoors after enjoying your outdoor furniture all summer, taking a little extra time to care for your patio set now will keep everything pristine for spring’s return. Just make sure the pieces are free of any water, inside or out. Steel: Steel-framed furniture is another type that just won’t be able to handle the cold weather. If you put your furniture away for the winter… If left outside they will become dirty and damp, therefore very uncomfortable to use. It’s prone to rust, so it’s best to store out of the elements if at all feasible. Use furniture covers, tarp, cloth or sheets. Aluminum patio furniture can stay outside, as long as you don’t let water get in the frames where it could freeze. Depending on what your patio furniture is made of, it will need different types of upkeep in the winter months. You can place the pieces in a storage shed or secure a tarp over them. Teak outdoor furniture is particularly durable in all weather conditions. If you have cushions covered in fabric or canvas, prepare a solution of 1/2 cup Lysol and 1 gallon hot water and use a soft brush to scrub them clean. How to Keep Warm, in the Cold, Deck Ideas for Small Yards - Living Outdoors, Outdoor pieces made from composite materials, including. Resin used in outdoor furniture can also be known as resin wicker or all-weather wicker. When winter comes, though, you may be experiencing conflicted feelings about whether to place that furniture in storage or to leave it all outside through possible inclement weather. UV stabilized synthetic rattan: is the hand woven thread UV stabilized before it’s created? Did I ever tell you about the time I left my bike outside for 2 weeks we had a beautiful Indian Summer much like the past few days and then bam rained for three straight days, much colder air came afterwards and I forgot about it. Thank you for reminding me that I have to clean my furniture from all the possible dirt and grime and repair them if necessary before storing them away for winter. HOW TO STORE YOUR OUTDOOR CUSHIONS FOR THE WINTER First prepare a suitable place: the basement, attic, or garage can be ideal, or even the top shelf in a closet. Use a brush to gently loosen food off the grates, along with any rust, Remove wood chips or charcoal left in the grill, and discard, Wash and clean the grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions, If you plan on storing the piece inside, disconnect its propane tank or gas line before moving, Brush loose all dirt and grime, and take the time to repair any scratches and dings, Inspect the furniture’s hardware for signs of rust or stripping, If you spot corrosion, gently brush it away and apply an appliance paint in the appropriate hue. You can expect steel furniture to only come with a one-year warranty, however, it is a cheaper option which means that replacing your furniture will not be too costly. Rattan furniture may be weatherproof, but the garden furniture cushions are not. Mold can grow and spread quickly, leaving your furniture in bad shape by the time you are ready to use it again. Cushions also need to be clean and dry before you put them away for the winter. While it may take a bit of time now, you won’t regret it when it's springtime. It can rust because of the snow or freezing rain. That way, any moisture inside the frames of hollow furniture can escape through tiny drainage holes. Winter Decorating 102: A Refresher Guide for Outdoor Living (When the Temperature Dips Far Below 102 Degrees), Shopping for an Outdoor Rug for Your Deck, Winter Decorating 102: A Refresher Guide for Outdoor Living (When the Temperature Dips Far Below 102 Degrees) - Living Outdoors, Illuminate the Night with Strings of Light, Our Top Fall Entertaining Tips - Living Outdoors, Heat Things Up! One of the most important aspects of keeping your patio furniture protected during the winter is to either store it or put a tarp over it. On the walls, a giant piece of colorful art can add some color to the room. In the Shed. Are you afraid an item may become damaged? Can I Leave my Patio Furniture Outside in the Winter? For more specific guidelines on your patio pieces, check with your furniture’s manufacturer. Store cushions indoors, mice are looking for a nice warm, soft place to call home right about now. Mold can grow and spread quickly, leaving your furniture in bad shape by the time you are ready to use it again. So much can go wrong, but you don’t have space! Securing a climate-controlled Self-Storage unit may be worth it, depending on the investment of your furniture. Thank you for your comments MrsTittleMouse; this is exactly my concern. You may simply use your outdoor wicker inside during the winter months, caring for it as you would the rest of the year. THOUGHT OF THE DAY: When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. A sisal/jute or even indoor/outdoor rug would be great. Mildew, rust, corrosion, decay — rain can wreak havoc on ill-equipped outdoor pieces. Cold air can compromise low-quality plastic. Rinse cushions thoroughly and let dry. The material needs a cool, dry storage space. If you want your outdoor furniture to last for a long time, it should be put under cover for the winter. After your furniture is clean, a protective coating will help keep it looking good for next spring. Any kinds of cushions or fabric will probably need to get put away except in very balmy climates. Your email address will not be published. Furniture covers are great for additional protection from the elements, even if you are storing your pieces in a shed or garage. In the cold, the furniture material may expand, contract … and ruin your pieces. We recommend taking the cushions off and storing them indoors when not in use. Covering wood with a weatherproof material seems like a good idea, but the key is to keep moisture from sitting on the wood and damaging it. Here some good news: rain doesn’t have to be the downfall of your beloved outdoor living room. Treat your outdoor furniture the same way. 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