How to Store Your Patio Furniture for the Cold Weather

Autumn is a lovely time of year, and there are many delightful ways to use your outdoor space in the fall. However, as the weather starts to get colder, you may want to think about preparing your outdoor furniture for its offseason. It's one of those tasks that's better to get done before the weather really starts to turn, and it's worth the effort to keep every table, chair, and cushion in the best possible condition. Here are some pointers on storing your patio set to keep it in great shape for years to come.

Clean Everything

You'll thank yourself when spring rolls around again! Cleaning all of your outdoor furniture before storing it is an important step for maintenance. Start by removing any cushions, and brush off as much dirt and debris from the furniture as possible with a dry cloth. Use a mild soap and water, with a ratio of about one tablespoon of soap per gallon of water, and apply to the furniture using a soft-bristle brush. If your furniture is wood, be careful not to oversaturate, and always scrub with the grain. Rinse with clean water and allow to fully dry. Some cushion covers and umbrella fabric can be easily removed and cleaned in a washing machine. If they are not machine-washable, just wipe them down with a mild soap and water, then rinse and allow to dry.

If your patio furniture is made of metal, preventing rust is vital in keeping it in good shape. If your patio furniture is wood, you'll want to add a layer of protection from the elements. In either case, an excellent solution is paste wax. Once your furniture is clean and fully dry, dip a clean cloth into paste wax and apply in small circular motions with even pressure. Once the entire piece is coated, allow it to dry completely for about an hour, then use another clean cloth to wipe off any excess wax.

Patio furniture covers are your friend. Even if you're storing everything in a shed, it helps to at least have a tarp to keep everything wrapped up. In general, it's a good idea to keep your furniture covered whenever it's not in use to help prevent damages.

We know that year-round grilling is not an uncommon hobby these days. However, if you tend to primarily switch to indoor cooking when fall rolls around, make sure you properly store your grill for the cold weather. Clean it thoroughly, removing any chunks of food that might be stuck to it. A great way to burn it all off is to let the grill run for fifteen to twenty minutes on high heat with the lid closed. It's best to store it indoors - sheds, garages, and basements work well - but if you intend to keep it outside, a grill cover is essential.

We know it's a chore, but putting in the time now to protect your outdoor furniture is absolutely worth it. When warm weather rolls around again, you'll be so happy when you discover your outdoor gear is in great shape and ready for enjoyment all spring and summer long!