At Hilltop Garden Centre, we know how much your outdoor space means to you. It’s where you relax, entertain, and enjoy nature. As the weather shifts in autumn and winter, protecting your garden furniture becomes more important than ever. That’s why we’ve created this simple yet thorough guide for garden furniture maintenance tips to help you care for your furniture during the colder months.
When spring returns, your outdoor space will be ready to enjoy—without any extra hassle.
Clean Thoroughly Before Storing or Covering
Before covering or storing your garden furniture for the season, give it a deep clean. Dirt, leaves, and moisture can cause long-term damage if ignored. A clean surface helps prevent mould, mildew, and rust.
Wooden Furniture
Start with a soft brush or cloth to remove loose debris. Then wash the furniture using mild soapy water and a soft sponge. Avoid soaking the wood, as too much water can lead to warping. Rinse with clean water and let it dry fully before applying treatments.
Metal Furniture
Powder-coated or painted metal furniture is easy to clean. Wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough grime, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid scratching. Once clean, dry the surface thoroughly to stop rust from forming.
Rattan or Wicker Furniture
Use a soft brush to remove dust from the weave. Follow up with soapy water and a sponge. Avoid pressure washers—they can damage natural and synthetic fibres.
A clean start ensures your furniture stays fresh and damage-free through winter.
Protect Your Furniture from Harsh Weather
Rain, frost, and snow can take a toll on your garden furniture. To keep it in top condition, protect it with the right covers or store it indoors.
Covers
Choose high-quality covers that are waterproof, breathable, and well-fitted. These prevent moisture from seeping in and causing mould or rust. Avoid loose covers—they can flap in the wind and let in water.
Storage
Whenever possible, store your furniture in a shed, garage, or dry space. Wooden pieces benefit the most, as constant moisture can cause rot. If space is tight, foldable or stackable furniture is ideal. It’s compact and easier to manage.
Can’t move large items indoors? Raise them slightly off the ground to prevent water damage from wet surfaces.
Taking these steps now can save you costly repairs in spring.
Apply Protective Treatments
Some furniture types benefit from extra protection. Treatments can preserve both appearance and structure through cold, wet months.
Wooden Furniture
Wood absorbs moisture easily. This can cause swelling, cracking, and discolouration. Apply a protective oil or sealant before winter sets in. Teak oil is a great choice—it highlights natural beauty while shielding from the elements. Reapply yearly or as directed.
Metal Furniture
Inspect metal surfaces for rust. If you see any, remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush. Then apply a rust-resistant primer and touch-up paint to seal the surface.
Rattan or Wicker Furniture
Synthetic rattan is more weather-resistant than natural varieties. If yours is natural, apply a weatherproof lacquer. Also, avoid placing it directly on damp ground to prevent mould.
Treating furniture now ensures it’s ready for many more seasons to come.
Don’t Overlook Cushions and Fabrics
Cushions add comfort and style to your garden furniture—but they’re also vulnerable to damp weather. If left outside, they can develop mould and mildew.
Cleaning
Before storing, clean your cushions thoroughly. Wipe them down or wash according to the care label. Some are machine-washable; others may need spot cleaning.
Storage
Store all fabrics in a dry, well-ventilated space. Use zipped storage bags to protect from dust, moisture, and pests. No space indoors? Use waterproof cushion boxes designed for outdoor use.
With a little care, your cushions will look and feel fresh next spring.
Check Furniture Throughout the Winter
Even covered or stored furniture needs occasional checks. Storms and strong winds can shift covers. Moisture can sneak in. Make it a habit to inspect your items every few weeks.
If you notice problems—like loose fasteners, minor rust, or torn covers—fix them right away. Early action can stop small issues from becoming costly repairs later.
Winter maintenance doesn’t take long, but it makes a big difference.
Use a Winter-Friendly Garden Layout
Still want to enjoy your garden in autumn? With a smart layout, you can keep some furniture outside for cosy evenings.
Place chairs and tables near fences or walls to shield them from wind. Use gazebos or pergolas for extra cover. Choose durable, weather-resistant items and pair them with blankets or cushions that can be brought inside easily.
Adding outdoor heaters or a fire pit makes the space even more inviting on chilly nights.
We’re Here to Help You Protect Your Furniture
Following these simple steps will keep your garden furniture looking its best all year long. At Hilltop Garden Centre, we stock a range of high-quality furniture covers and protective products. Our team is always happy to offer expert advice to help you choose the right care for your setup.
Cold weather doesn’t have to mean the end of garden enjoyment. With the right care and preparation, your furniture will stay strong through autumn and winter—and be ready to welcome the sun when spring arrives.
At Hilltop Garden Centre, we understand how important it is to keep your outdoor space looking great all year round, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you care for your garden furniture during autumn and winter, so when spring comes around, you’ll be ready to enjoy your outdoor oasis without a hitch.
Discover the best Autumn and Winter garden furniture products
re and maintenance, your garden furniture will be ready to greet the sunshine again come spring!
