Although the pieces of outdoor furniture are built to withstand all weather conditions, you really need to store them properly when the winter comes. You might find them cracked or chipped if you leave them on a windy freezing days.
Even when you store those pieces of furniture, you have to do so properly to prevent further damage. For instance, you can’t store wood chairs and tables in wet conditions to avoid mold and mildew growth.
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As outdoor furniture is made of various materials, each one of them requires different ways of storage. It’s completely necessary to find out the proper ways on How to Store Patio Furniture to get the job done properly.
How to Store Patio Furniture
Storing outdoor couch
The couch of your patio is the main focal point which makes it important to bring it inside during the freezing season.
- Separate the cushions and pillows of the couch then wash them. The safest way is to handwash them, but if you use a washing machine, make sure that you use the gentlest mode. If the cushions and pillows are non-removable, you can simply wipe them with a microfiber cloth that is dampened by soapy water. Dry up the cushions and pillows thoroughly before storing them.
- To protect your cushions and pillows from moisture, you need to store them in sealed storage bags or plastic bins. This is important to keep them from mold or mildew.
- If the frame of your outdoor couch is made of wood, you can mix vinegar, ammonia, baking soda, and water as the cleaning solution. To prevent the frame from moisture damage, rub the wood frame with furniture oil.
- If the frame is made of wicker or metal, you can simply mix detergent and warm water to clean them up. To protect wicker and metal frame, you can use paste wax after they are dry completely.
Storing outdoor bench
Proper cleaning and storing are important to extend the lifespan of your outdoor bench. Just like the couch, different material of an outdoor bench requires different treatment.
- Wood outdoor bench – Water or moisture damage are the main problems when it comes to wood. You will see mold or mildew on your wood bench due to those elements. Therefore, always make sure that you store the bench in a completely dry condition once you have cleaned them with the mixture of oil-based soap and warm water.
- Wicker outdoor bench – Treating wicker bench is almost similar to wood in which you need to clean them with a similar cleaning solution and dry them completely before storing. Always store them in a cool and dry environment.
- Metal outdoor bench – You may find some grime and dirt build-up on the surface of your metal bench that you can simply clean with water. To keep it looking good all year long, you might want to repaint the frame once it’s completely dried.
Storing outdoor chair
You may have different types of outdoor chairs like rattan armchairs, wooden Adirondack chairs, plastic chairs, and rattan chairs. Keep in mind to clean and store them properly during the snowy season.
- Wood chairs – Mix mild soap and water to gently wipe your wood chairs then rinse with dampened cloth. Let the chairs dry and store them in a dry environment.
- Metal chairs – Use a soft-bristled brush to remove the dust and dirt from the metal frame. Mix detergent and warm water to wipe it up. Make sure to store the metal chairs in dry condition to prevent rust.
- Plastic and rattan chairs – They can be cleaned easily with a simple mixture of dish soap and warm water. Dry and store the chairs during the freezing season.
It would be best to store the chairs stacked and covered so you can save the space in your garage in a very safe way.
Storing outdoor table
As the station where you put your drinks, meals, candles, and plants, your coffee table needs a thorough cleaning before you store them.
- Simply clean the wood, metal, and plastic outdoor table with the mixture of mild soap solution and warm water. Let the tables dry completely after rinsing.
- Use white vinegar as an alternative to commercial glass cleaner to clean glass tables. You can wipe the surface of the glass with a soft microfiber cloth.
- Mix oil-based soap and warm water to clean wicker tables and make sure you also clean the crevices.
Cover the tables with sheets, tarps, or bubble wrap to protect the table from scratches. If you have some tables which are quite sturdy (except glass table), you can stack them to save space.
Storing outdoor swing
If you have a swing installed in your outdoor living space, you can’t skip it from cleaning and storing when the winter comes. The swing can be quite difficult to clean and store, especially when you have the big one.
- Clean up the dust from the seat, ropes, and chain. Make sure that there’s no dirt, grime, and bugs left.
- Use dampened soft cloth to remove the grime and air-dry each part completely.
- If the swing is permanently attached, you just need to cover each part tightly, and if you can detach it, store it in a cool dry surrounding.
Storing dining table
A dining table is made to withstand any weather conditions but you still need to store it properly during winter.
- Mix oil-based soap and water to clean the surface and frame of the dining table. Let them dry.
- If your dining table comes with sharp edges, you might want to pad them with bubble wrap so it won’t damage other furniture.
- If you can disassemble the table, you can do so when you store it. Put each part safely inside a plastic bag.
So those are the steps on how to store outdoor furniture properly. Keep in mind that you need to apply different ways for each material of your furniture.
(Image deposit: depositphotos.com)
