I hate to admit it, but summer will be on its way out soon and we need to start preparing ourselves for shorter, colder and wetter days as the onset of winter approaches. One of these preparations is to make sure our cherished garden furniture is safe and well-protected over the winter season. Follow this simple guide with top tips on storing your garden furniture to keep it in tip-top shape ready for next Spring.
Why should you store your garden furniture over winter?
Storing your garden furniture over winter helps protect it from damage, extends its lifespan and makes it easy to clean and maintain. Here are some key reasons to keep your garden furniture covered or stored over winter:
- Protection from harsh weather – Rain, snow, ice, and strong winds can cause wear and tear, leading to rust, mould, or warping.
- Prevention of rust and corrosion – Metal furniture is particularly susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture for long periods.
- Avoiding mould and mildew – Fabric and hardwood furniture can develop mould and mildew if left damp.
- Preventing cracking and warping – Freezing temperatures can cause wooden and plastic furniture to crack, warp, or become brittle.
- Extending lifespan – Proper storage helps maintain the quality of your furniture, reducing the need for repairs or replacements.
- Preserving cushions and fabrics – Upholstered cushions and fabrics can fade, weaken, or grow mould if left outside.
- Avoiding pest damage – Mice, insects, and other pests may take shelter in outdoor furniture if left unattended.
- Reducing maintenance in spring – Proper storage makes cleaning and preparing your furniture for use in warmer months much easier.
If storing indoors isn’t possible, using weatherproof covers or placing furniture in a sheltered area can still help protect it.
1). Give your furniture a good clean:
Before putting your garden furniture in storage, it is essential to ensure it is clean to minimise the chance of any rot, mould or rust developing. It’s a quick and easy process – Just wipe down your furniture using a sponge and soapy water to remove any dirt or grime. Afterwards, rinse it down with cold water and let it dry (best to pick a sunny day for this!).
If your garden furniture comes with any cushions or upholstery, you will need to remove these and store them indoors to prevent them from getting damp and mouldy. If the instructions allow, wash them in a washing machine after removing them. If this is not possible, wipe them down with a sponge and soapy water. If you have a sunshade or parasol, this will also need to be stored away for safekeeping. As with your other garden furniture, clean it with a sponge and warm soapy water and allow it to dry completely before storing it away for the Winter months.
2). Tables and Chairs
Garden tables and chairs come in all shapes and styles, many of which are foldable. If your table and chairs are of this persuasion, fantastic, it will make your life a lot easier. Once the items are clean and dry, simply fold them away and place them in your chosen storage location.
If your table and chairs are not foldable, you should still try to place them in storage if you have the space. If you do not have the space, you will need to invest in some waterproof furniture covers to protect them from the cold and wet weather.
3). Protecting and Storing Wooden Garden Furniture
Wooden garden furniture is extremely versatile. It can be kept inside, or outside to weather naturally and only requires minimal work to keep it looking fresh. Keep your wooden furniture clean with a brush and wood cleaner, hosing it down when you are finished. If you want it to stand out more, you can add wood stain or varnish.
4). Protecting and Storing Wrought Iron Garden Furniture
It is best practice to keep wrought iron furniture in storage over the Winter months, as the cold and wet weather may lead to rust, which can be difficult to get rid of. Before placing your items in storage, you need to ensure it is clean and dry. You can clean your wrought iron furniture easily using water, soap and a cloth. Let it dry naturally in the sun before you move it into its storage location. If you do not have room to store your wrought iron furniture, then you should invest in a waterproof furniture cover to keep it protected.
Protecting and Storing Aluminium Garden Furniture
Aluminium garden furniture is one of the most self-sufficient materials, requiring minimal work to maintain it. But this doesn’t mean you can just leave it and forget about it! It is still a good idea to keep it stored away over Winter to prevent any damage from the elements. Before placing it in storage, first give it a good clean using a soft brush, then hot soapy water to remove any stains or marks. To keep it shining you can polish it with vinegar and finish off with car wax. If you do not have room to keep it in storage we recommend covering it with a water resistant or waterproof furniture cover.
Protecting and Storing Plastic Garden Furniture
There’s a good reason plastic garden furniture is so popular, besides being cheap, it’s because it stands up to the elements better than other materials. It’s also easier to keep clean than any other material. It can handle any type of cleaning product and you can even use a power-washer without causing any damage. We would even go as far as to say that you don’t need to store plastic furniture indoors over winter, provided you are willing to give it a good clean and polish when Spring comes around.
Protecting and Storing Rattan Garden Furniture
Rattan garden furniture tends to be stylish and can be quite pricey. Because of its high market attributes, it does require a fair amount of upkeep to keep it in good shape. The woven material can make cleaning it a rather tricky process, particularly with the hard-to-reach areas. The best way to keep it clean is to use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to get the dust and dirt from the crevasses. You can then wipe it all down with water and a cloth. Rattan furniture requires regular cleaning to keep it looking great and it should be placed in storage, where possible, over the Winter months. To prevent discolouration from the sunlight, it is also recommended that you keep it covered between use, if it is left outside for a few weeks at a time.
So, there you have it! No excuses now for your garden furniture not to be kept in tip-top shape ready for next Spring.