The winter season brings more than magic. It also comes with rain, snow, and an extreme temperature drop. So, aside from your closet, prepare your cold climate patio care plans as well. You need to winterize outdoor furniture to prevent damage during this season.
Don’t know how? This guide will walk you through the right steps. Learn how to winterize every piece without ruining them. Use this as your checklist this coming winter!
Why Winterize Your Outdoor Furniture?
The cold temperature and moisture are damaging. They can cause cracks, rot, rust, warp, molding, and become brittle, reducing a piece’s lifespan. Even the fabrics and cushions aren’t safe. By winterizing your outdoor furniture, you can protect it and keep it looking pristine for a long time.
4 Steps to Safely Winterize Outdoor Furniture
Take these steps before the cold weather and winter season set in:
Clean the Furniture
Remove any stain, debris, dirt, and moisture. This reduces the possibility of rusting, mold growth, and other damage. Here’s a general cleaning procedure you can follow:
1. Use a brush or soft cloth to remove all kinds of debris.
2. Mix mild dish soap with warm water for wiping down the surfaces.
3. For tougher stains like mold, use a mix of white vinegar and water.
4. Remove any residue by rinsing everything down.
5. Let the furniture dry in the sun.
In some instances, the specific furniture material affects the way you should clean it. So, here are some material-specific cleaning tips as well:
Wood
Avoid harsh chemicals as they can remove the wood’s natural oils. Use the gentle soap solution. Also, apply some wood sealant or oil after cleaning to replenish the material’s protection.
Plastic
For mildew and strong stains, use a mix of baking soda and water. Don’t use abrasive tools as well, like steel wool or hard brushes—they can scratch the surface.
Metal
Use the same mild soap and water solution. To remove rust, use a rust remover. After cleaning, apply some touch-up paint to prevent more damage.
Fabric Cushions
If your outdoor furniture has cushions, check their care labels. For machine washables, remove the covers and put them on a gentle cycle. For other fabrics, gently scrub using a soapy solution. You can also use diluted bleach or a vinegar solution for tough stains or mildew.
Glass Tabletops
If you have this furniture, use a streak-free glass cleaner. Wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
2. Perform Necessary Repairs
Check for any damage during cleaning. Don’t leave it alone, as it might just worsen over time. Here are some repairs and replacements you might need for different materials:
Aluminum: Remove any accumulated water from the foot caps of the furniture and apply a layer of touch-up paint over scratches.
Wood: Replace holes, cracks, and splinters. Use wood filler for minor dents and scratches.
Wicker: Repair or replace broken fibers of your natural rattan wicker furniture to prevent sagging.
Wrought Iron: After removing rust with a wire brush, cover the same areas with touch-up paint.
Fabric: Sew up any tears in the cushions, pillow covers, and seats.
Glass: Discard cracked tabletops because the temperature fluctuations will just cause them to break.
3. Use Outdoor Furniture Covers and Coatings
When everything’s clean and repaired, you need to add extra protection to the furniture. You have two options: applying a protective coating or using a furniture cover.
Protective Coatings
Depending on the material, here are different types of coatings you should use:
- Spray-on fabric for outdoor pillows and cushions to repel moisture.
- Use a silicone spray like WD-40 or fine car wax on plastic, aluminum, and wrought iron to prevent rusting.
- UV protectant spray to maintain the color of plastic and wicker materials.
- Apply exterior paint, stain, and sealant to wooden furniture.
Take note that you can apply these coatings and still use covers for maximum protection.
Outdoor Covers
Durable covers can protect your furniture from snow, rain, wind, ice, and even wildlife. Some outdoor furniture comes with a cover, but you can also buy a separate one. Here are some tips on what to look for in a good cover:
- Heavy-duty furniture cover material
- Waterproof and UV-resistant fabric
- Sloped angles so snow and leaves can easily slide off
- Buckles and straps for a snug fit
- Waterproof zippers for easy putting on and taking off
- Dry vents for proper airflow and the prevention of mold and mildew growth
Once you have a good cover, never forget to put it on. The best time is during late fall or early winter. Do this even if your outdoor furniture is placed on a covered or roofed area.
If a cover isn’t an option, a heavy-duty vinyl tarp is a good alternative. Just make sure it’s breathable, or you can leave some ventilation underneath. This is to maintain airflow and prevent moisture entrapment. Use bungee cords and ratchet straps to secure it tightly as well, so it stays in place.
4. Store It Somewhere Safe
If you don’t want to use covers, the best way to winterize outdoor furniture is to bring it indoors. Do this for both the furniture and its cushions and pillows.
Garage and Shed
For the actual furniture or the frames, you can store them in your home’s storage space. Just make sure to organize them properly to prevent damage. Don’t stack anything unless you’re sure that it’s stackable. If you have a glass table, don’t put anything on it.
You can also try dismantling some pieces that can be disassembled before storing. For the cushions and pillows, bring them inside the house. Do this even if they have “all-weather” fabrics.
Outside Storage
If you have limited garage or shed space, you can consider outside storage. First off, the covers apply in this option. For the cushions and pillows, you can store them in waterproof storage bins or outdoor storage boxes. This will keep them dry and free from mold.
But if you still want everything stored inside a space, you can rent a storage unit. This is only if you can afford to do so. If you’re trying to stay budget-friendly, your covers and bins are your best alternatives.
Conclusion
The best way for damage prevention is to winterize outdoor furniture. Use this checklist to properly protect your furnishings and investments. Remember to not forget your cushions as well.
If you want to add more pieces to your outdoor area before winter, check out our furniture collection. We even have furniture that doubles as a storage option for your cushions!
FAQs
Q: Do I need to cover furniture if it’s under a roof?
Yes. The roof is only effective against the snow and rain. But the cover adds an extra layer of protection for cold air and moisture.
Q: Can cushions stay outside all winter with “all-weather” fabric?
No. Even “all-weather” fabrics can trap moisture and develop mildew in long, cold months. It’s best to put them in storage.
Q: What’s the best way to prevent rust on steel frames?
Clean the furniture, touch up any scratches using paint, and apply a rust-resistant spray or protective coating. Using covers will also help keep moisture away.
Q: Is a garage or shed better than heavy-duty covers?
Yes, if you have the space. But if that’s not an option, high-quality covers are the next best thing.
