Patio furniture and winter go together like oil and water. In other words, they don’t mix. Harsh winter elements can ruin outdoor furniture and cost you a pretty penny. Brand new furniture can end up looking old and rusty after facing one winter when not properly cared for. Learn how you can keep your outdoor furniture looking fun and fresh this winter with simple tips to prepare and how to properly cover outdoor patio furniture for winter.
Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
While patio furniture should be cleaned several times a year, cleaning your furniture before preparing them for hibernation is a crucial step. For commercial usage furniture, this step is crucial to protecting your investment. Before storing or covering your furniture for winter, you will need to remove the dirt and grime built up from weather and daily use.
To clean, mix a small amount of dish detergent with warm water and scrub down furniture using a non-abrasive sponge or brush. Make sure to get in between all the weaves and crevices. Then rinse off the soap with regular water and dry the furniture item immediately and completely.
Be sure to check for any rust, mold, or mildew prior to cleaning and take care of those concerns. Allowing your furniture to dry fully after cleaning will help in verifying these issues won’t arise while being winterized.
Store or Cover Your Outdoor Furniture for Winter
Leaving your furniture untended in the harsh winter months will lead to expensive recourse in the future. Be proactive this winter and prevent a possible problem before it starts. This includes figuring out the best way for you to store or cover your patio furniture.
Option 1: Move Outdoor Furniture to a Garage, Basement, Storage Unit or Shed
To ensure the protection of your patio furniture for the duration of winter, storing it indoors is the best option. This is especially important for items such as sling seats, metal, plastic and fabric pieces. The winter elements can cause extreme dampness to soak into and ruin your outdoor upholstery and stretch, warp, and rust the material. When running low on storage room, stacking the furniture is a good way to utilize space and keep your pieces together.
If you don’t have room to store your patio furniture onsite, consider renting a storage unit. Although this is an added expense during the holidays, you want to keep your outdoor furniture preserved for years to come. Storing your items can add years onto your furniture’s life and save you money in the long run.
Option 2: Protect Patio Furniture with a Cover for Winter
Furniture covers are a good alternative to storage. There are several great types of covers in a variety of shapes and sizes. Covers will protect your patio furniture from snow and ice while allowing you to keep your items outdoors until spring. You can even continue to use covers in the rainy months to preserve your furniture longer.
There is a chance for mold and mildew to develop while your furniture is being covered. It’s best to look for a breathable fabric cover that includes mesh vents. Leaving an inch or two of space between the cover and the ground will also allow for any moisture that leaks in to evaporate as quickly as possible. It is also recommended that you check on your covers periodically and remove any snow or ice that might build up throughout the winter.
Option 3: Cover Outdoor Furniture with a Tarp
Similar to utilizing a cover, tarps are a less expensive option to shield your furniture. Search for heavy-duty waterproof plastic tarps. These also come in a variety of sizes to guarantee full coverage of your outdoor furniture.
There is a higher likelihood that moisture will seep into your furniture with a tarp because they aren’t specifically designed for furniture protection but using bungee cords or twine to cinch the tarp to the bottom of the items will help with damage prevention. When using a tarp, you will want to check on your patio furniture more frequently to readjust the covering for tightness.
Option 4: Leave the Frame and Bring in the Cushions
Whether storing your outdoor furniture pieces in an indoor space or covering them with a cover or tarp, it’s necessary that removeable cushions are brought inside for the winter. Cushions that are exposed to harsh conditions will only last a short period of time.
After being brought inside, clean them as recommended on their tag, and once completely dry, pack them in boxes or plastic bags. This is a general good practice to keep throughout all seasons depending on the weather.
Too late? Let Us Renew Your Damaged Patio Furniture
If you have struggled with winterizing your outdoor furniture in the past, or you have already been hit by a brutal winter storm, at New Again we will breathe new life into your patio furniture. We offer vinyl strap replacement, mesh sling replacement, and powder coat finishing for all of your restoration needs.
Contact us today! To get in touch, call (913) 764-1999.