Here Is How To Protect Garden Furniture Over Winter
Summer has long passed. The sunny days lounging on the patio and warm nights gossiping with friends on the balcony are now replaced with rainy days spent inside and cold nights snuggling in front of the TV. However, at least we have the luxury of hiding inside, far away from the harsh weather conditions winter has to offer. Usually around this time, we start to get our outdoor spaces and homes ready for the cold and icy weather that is to come. For most of us, this means bringing plants inside, mowing the lawn, turning on the heating, and so on. However, with so much to be done before the weather starts getting worse, it’s easy to forget some essential tasks. One important task we should all have on our to-do lists this season is to properly care for and protect garden furniture over the winter season. Today we will tell you everything you need to know when it comes to protecting your outdoor furniture.
Usually, around this time we start to get our outdoor spaces and homes ready for the cold weather
In this article
How To Protect Garden Furniture Over Winter
While we can easily hide inside once the weather starts going downhill, our garden furniture is left to fend for itself. While this type of furniture is created with the idea that it should be able to handle different weather conditions, it still isn’t invincible. In order for it to last you for years to come it will need to be properly protected and stored when the weather is at its worst. Today we will show you everything you need to know on how to prep your beautiful outdoor furniture for the colder seasons.
This type of furniture is created to withstand different weather conditions, but it isn’t invincible
#Wooden
This type of outdoor furniture requires the most maintenance. However, the whole process is still pretty simple. After summer ends you need to give a good clean in order to remove any dirt, algae, lichens, leaves, and bird droppings. You may think there is no point in cleaning it as the rain will start soon and everything will be washed away, however, this is not true. Dirt actually holds onto extra moisture meaning that if it is dirty, your furniture will stay damp for longer and thus more susceptible to decay. So, give your furniture a good wash with some warm, soapy water and a brush. Then let it dry and sand it ever so lightly. If you are dealing with hardwood then you can leave it at that. However, softwood will also need to be treated with a preservative. Finally, if something needs to be fixed, there is no time like the present.
This type of outdoor furniture requires the most maintenance
#Rattan and wicker
This is the most common choice when it comes to outdoor furniture. It’s a durable and low-maintenance option that looks great. Thanks to its woven nature this type of furniture doesn’t need a lot of extra cleaning. Take your vacuum and use the soft brush attachment to remove any dust, debris, and dirt that is hiding in between the weave. Then with a damp cloth remove any mildew or dirt that remains. That’s pretty much all the prep it needs before you store it. If you have soft cushions on the furniture then wash them according to the label, and they will be as good as new.
This is the most common choice when it comes to outdoor furniture
#Iron and steel
While this type of furniture is a real beauty, it does tend to easily rust, especially if it is left exposed to the harsh weather conditions of winter. That’s why they will need some extra love and proper storage before the cold season comes around. You will need to wash off any dirt, dropping, and dust from the furniture. Then with a fine-grip piece of sandpaper get rid of any rust that has appeared. Wipe away the sanded-off rust with a damp cloth dipped in warm water and mild dish soap. Then after everything is nice and clean simply touch up any paint scratches and apply a rust-neutralizer and a thin coat of car wax for some extra protection.
Iron and steel will rust easily if left in bad weather conditions
#Plastic
Plastic furniture is relatively cheap, easy to move, and quite durable. However, it gets dirty really quickly. On the bright side, this type of furniture is super easy to clean. All you need is some warm, soapy water and a sponge to scrub away all the dirt and grime. If you have a power washer at home it can also help you get the job done. Just make sure to not use anything abrasive to scrub with as it will damage the plastic surface and leave scratches. If your furniture is white, and it looks stained, a little bleach can help you out. After everything is nice and clean, it’s recommended you add a coat of car wax to make them shine.
Plastic furniture is relatively cheap, easy to move, and quite durable
#Aluminium
The great thing about this type of garden furniture is that it is nearly rust-proof. However, it’s still not a good idea to leave it out lounging under the heavy snow. All the moisture during winter expands and contracts when freezing and thawing. This process of rapid expansion and contraction weakens the furniture over time. So, you will need to put it away over winter. But before you do take a soft bristled brush and remove any leaves or dirt from the furniture. Then remove any stains with a damp cloth and some soapy, warm water. Finally, apply a polish to the metal.
The great thing about this type of garden furniture is that it is nearly rust-proof
How To Store Garden Furniture Over Winter
When possible, it’s best to keep all your garden furniture in a dry and secure place where it will be protected from moisture, frost, and dirt. However, if you don’t have a place where you can keep your furniture, then it is recommended to get some protective covers for them. These specialized covers help prevent water and UV damage. Making sure your furniture is protected against these harsh conditions will ensure it stays in tip-top shape for many years.
Store your garden furniture in a dry and secure place
These are all the steps you need to take when it comes to preparing your garden furniture for the upcoming season. We hope you found this article useful. Now that you know how to properly protect your garden furniture over winter, you can enjoy it for years to come.
Now you know how to properly protect your garden furniture over winter
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