Best Ways to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture During Winter

Homeowners often go to great lengths to include artwork, personal design elements, and furniture to complement their outdoor retreats. Focal points of such projects are often fantastic pieces of outdoor furniture, but care needs to be applied when the summer months roll by and winter approaches. Grime, cold and high winds can be extremely harmful to your outdoor furniture, and nobody wishes to buy replacements after only a few years. Here are some tips for protecting your outdoor furniture, extending its life and giving you many more years of use.

Clean Your Furniture

Don’t waste your time covering and protecting your outdoor furniture if you skip this step. Dirt and grime left unchecked whilst in storage may very quickly become mildew and rot whilst undercover, seeing your storage efforts wasted. Different techniques are applicable to different types of outdoor furniture materials. Regardless of the material, remove the cushions or coverings and place to one side. Metal furniture needs the least maintenance. Mild soap and water applied with a soft cloth is enough to brighten up this type of furniture. Monitor any rust spots, as you may need to apply a coat of anti-rust paint to ensure your investment isn’t eaten away over time.

Wooden furniture is susceptible to the elements and arguably needs the greatest maintenance. UV rays, rain and moisture can break down the wood’s protective barrier so a light sand and an application of stain or oil will not only restore its element-fighting properties, but give its appearance a new lease of life.

Hose down wicker furniture to eliminate any mildew build-up, and use a soft sponge to remove any stubborn areas. Clean any cushions with manufacturer recommended solutions to remove stains and mildew before allowing everything to dry.

Protect Your Investment

Vinyl covers are a must-have item to protect your outdoor furniture even during periods of inclement spring/summer weather. An extensive range of covers are available for all types of furniture, from individual chairs to full-sized outdoor dining setting. High-quality water-resistant vinyl covers will also protect your furniture from harmful UV rays, ensuring you can start the next spring season with unblemished furniture. Check your required size before purchasing and ensure your chosen cover has tie-down straps to guarantee your furniture will remain covered through those strong winter winds.

 
Covered Outdoor Furniture

Store Your Outdoor Furniture

An option for those that suffer harsh winter conditions is to cover your furniture and move them to an internal storage area. Keep the covers on as it adds that extra layer of protection even if they are sitting in a shed or garage. It is advisable to store wooden furniture this way, or any café furniture with tiling designs, as strong fluctuations in temperature can warp the wood and damage the tiles.

If you are looking for your next fantastic piece of outdoor furniture, why not browse the extensive range at outdoorfurnitureideas.com.au where you’re sure to find something to suit your outdoor retreat.