Winter is fast approaching. With record-breaking rain nearly every year and plummeting temperatures, storing your garden furniture during winter is not just about maintaining its aesthetic appeal; it’s a practical step to ensure longevity and sustained value.
Even when labelled weather-resistant, outdoor furniture can suffer from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, moisture, and snow. These elements can lead to fading, warping, rust, and structural damage. Furthermore, the weight of accumulated snow on seating or tables can strain the furniture and reduce its lifespan.
Storing your furniture during the chillier months keeps it in prime condition. It can save you money in the long run, preventing the need for early replacements or repairs. So, as winter approaches, give your outdoor pieces the care they deserve, and you’ll be greeted with garden furniture ready for use when warmer days return.
Clean your garden furniture before putting it in storage
Cleaning your garden furniture before putting it in storage is a must. Removing dirt, debris, and mould can ensure you have a fresh start in spring. Here are some ways to clean each type of furniture before storing it:
Wicker furniture: With its intricate weave and design, cleaning wicker furniture can be particularly tricky. Begin by gently brushing or vacuuming the surface to remove loose dust and debris, ensuring you target the crevices and undersides. Next, clean down the furniture using soap and a sponge. Once cleaned, rinse the furniture with a cloth dampened with plain water, then dry it thoroughly using a soft towel or let it air dry, ideally outdoors. If you struggle with hard-to-reach or stubborn stains, a soft-bristled toothbrush can be great for close up precision.
Wooden furniture: Begin by dusting the surface with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any superficial dirt or debris. Prepare a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild dish soap for a deeper clean. Dampen a cloth with the solution, wringing it out thoroughly to prevent over-wetting the wood. Gently wipe the furniture’s surface, following the grain pattern to avoid scratches or damage. For any persistent stains or sticky spots, a mix of equal parts vinegar and water can be lightly applied, but always test on an inconspicuous area first. After cleaning, wiping down the wood with a dry cloth is essential to remove any residual moisture, as prolonged wetness can damage the finish or cause warping.
Plastic furniture: Start by brushing off any loose dirt or surface debris. Combine warm water and dish soap for a thorough clean. Using a sponge and the solution, gently scrub the plastic surfaces, paying extra attention to areas with scuff marks or stubborn stains. For more challenging spots, a mix of baking soda and water can create a gentle abrasive paste; apply this mix with a soft brush in circular motions. Once the cleaning is complete, rinse the furniture with clean water using a cloth or a garden hose.
Best-selling garden furniture cleaning solutions
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- HG Garden Furniture Cleaner: A powerful anti-mould & mildew spray which quickly & easily removes stubborn dirt & deposits from all types of garden furniture, outdoor seating & picnic tables
- Versatile spray for quick cleaning: For all types of garden furniture including aluminium, cane (look), rattan, poly-wood, stone & metal, but also furniture made from lacquered & galvanised metals
- Extremely powerful: Removes stubborn dirt & leave a streak-free shine & clean looking finish. Removes bird droppings, mud, dust, mossy marks, cobwebs & other mucky build ups
- FAST-ACTING GARDEN FURNITURE CLEANER – spruce up your outdoor furniture with Max Outdoor Furniture Cleaner. This fast-acting garden furniture cleaner cuts through dirt with maximum effect and...
- REMOVES STAINS – Max Outdoor Furniture Cleaner easily removes dirt and stains, giving your garden furniture a new lease of life. Ideal for cleaning off residue, moss, mud, other weathering mess and...
- POWERFUL FORMULA – our powerful garden cleaner makes light work, easily removing stains and dirt, helping to make your patio furniture look as good as new
- HG Carpet Cleaner: Gentle yet tough carpet cleaner solution, with a fresh fragrance, ideal for carpeted floors, rugs, sofas, cushions, mats, car interiors, curtains, soft furnishings & more
- Penetrates deeply & quickly: This carpet & upholstery cleaner also fills the uneven fibre surfaces on carpet & upholstery with a dirt-repellent layer, ideal for pet owners
- Effective formula: Fast acting, for a deep refreshing clean, without damaging fabrics or carpets. Always perform a patch test before treatment
- Stains on upholstery like red wine, grease, coffee or even pet messes can now be easily removed with specially formulated Upholstery Stain Remover. All while removing odours and leaving behind a...
- The innovative and unique triangular soft brush provides the perfect 2in1 solution for hard-to-reach stains on a wide range of furniture and upholstery e.g. sofas, mattresses, soft furnishings and car...
- The cutting-edge anti-odour Freshplex technology tackles unpleasant odours while expert Oxi-Power formula targets even stubborn stains effortlessly
- Suitable for wooden, metal, plastic and stone garden furniture
- Gentle formula
- Easy to use trigger
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to choose the right type of storage for your garden furniture
It is essential to store your garden furniture in a dry and secure place. However, some types of garden furniture require specific storage conditions to ensure its longevity and protection.
Wicker furniture: A protective cover is an excellent start to storage for this garden furniture. An effective cover, such as a PVC sheet, can be an invaluable tool to shield wicker furniture from heavy rain and snow, which can result in structural water damage. For the strongest protection, try to move your wicker furniture into indoor storage during the harsh winter months. While some wicker garden furniture, such as synthetic rattan, can weather the winter conditions, it is always best to keep it indoors, in storage such as sheds or garages, to prolong its lifespan.
Wooden furniture: Depending on the type of wood, it is important to apply a protective layer of sealant or oil before storing. This helps to guard against potential moisture damage caused by the heavy rain during winter. When selecting a storage location, choose a dry, cool, and well-ventilated space, such as a garage or shed. If indoor storage isn’t feasible, invest in high-quality, water-resistant covers that are tailored for wooden garden pieces. Ensure the covers are secured tightly, yet allow for adequate airflow to deter mould. Properly stored, your wooden garden furniture will remain robust and ready for enjoyment in the coming seasons.
Plastic furniture: Putting plastic garden furniture in storage, while seemingly straightforward, benefits greatly from a few precautionary measures to maintain its pristine condition. First and foremost, thoroughly clean your furniture, wiping it down with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Ensure it is fully dry to prevent mould or mildew growth during storage.
When selecting a storage spot, aim for a shaded, cool area, as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to fading or brittleness in certain plastics. Consider stacking chairs or nesting tables to maximise storage efficiency if you have limited indoor space, like a shed or garage. Again, if indoor storage isn’t an option, invest in weather-resistant covers specifically designed for outdoor garden furniture. Secure the covers to prevent wind from lifting them, but ensure some ventilation to prevent condensation buildup.
Best-selling garden furniture waterproof covers
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- 【Enzeno Garden Furniture Cover】 - Is your expensive furniture damaged by rain, sun and dust? The new upgraded garden furniture cover is covered with nano PU coating and high temperature sealed...
- 【Second Generation Stereo Vent】- The new vent has increased the opening design to increase the capacity of air entry, which maximises air flow, reduces internal condensation and keeps the internal...
- 【Upgraded Windproof Design】-- Compared with other buckles, the buckles are more prone to aging, breaking and falling off. We used four velcro instead, in addition to that it has 2 side tightening...
- 【2023 WATERPROOF Fourth Upgrade】 - The new PU coating is upgraded from 8000 water pressure resistance to 10000 water pressure resistance.Waterproof tape is added to the suture to prevent water...
- 【WINDPROOF Upgrade from 6 Velcro stickers and Two side buckles】 - At the bottom, there are 6 Velcro buckles and 2 side buckles that are tightened to prevent your outdoor corner sofa cover from...
- 【Fabric Upgraded】- According to buyers' needs, feedback and suggestions, we have upgraded the materials and details of the rattan corner sofa cover. The original 210D Oxford fabric has been...
- ✔【Heavy-Duty Waterproof Material】- Is your expensive furniture damaged by rain, sun exposure, dust ? The new garden furniture cover is Made from 420D PVC-lined oxford fabric, this heavy-duty...
- ✔【Upgraded Windproof Design】- Compared with other buckles, the buckles are more prone to aging, breaking and falling off. We used 4 velcro instead, in addition to that it has 2 side tightening...
- ✔【Rip Resistant and UV Protection】- Garden Furniture Covers with upgrade soild two-thread stitching,give full protection for the cover from cracking.Inner layer has a silver coating,UV resistant...
- 【Waterproof Round Patio Outdoor Table Cover】Heavy duty UPDATED 420D oxford fabric with waterproof PU uv-resistant coating.UV-stabilized coating and high-density water resistant backing,protection...
- 【Square Patio Furniture Set Cover】Cover Size: 250x200x90cm. Perfect for 13-seater cube set. Note: The cover depends on the size of the outdoor furniture set, especially the depth of the chairs....
- 【Outdoor Table and Chairs Set Cover's Design】A drawstring provides adjustment of the cover bottom for custom fit, keep the cover more secure on your table and chairs in windy days
- 【Product size】- Kovshuiwe Cover size of 250x250x90cm(LxWxH).The garden furniture cover is apply to all kinds of outdoor furniture, chairs, benches, coffee table, rectangular furniture set etc....
- 【High-performance waterproof material】: Upgraded version of 420D Oxford cloth, the patio furniture cover can withstand 10,000mm of water pressure. With durable Oxford cloth, the thick coating will...
- 【Dual Windproof Protection】- There is a drawstring on the Garden Furniture Covers bottom and 4 buckles.It's special designed to keep the Patio Furniture Cover secure on the Furniture,so that it...
Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips for garden furniture storage
Here is some extra advice for storing garden furniture:
- Air flow: Air flow is paramount for the longevity of your outdoor garden furniture in storage. Proper airflow can deter the growth of mould, and help remove the build-up of bad smells of must and dust.
- Avoid grassy areas: If you had to leave your wicker and wood furniture outdoors during winter, try to avoid placing them on top of grass. Grass attracts unwanted moisture that can cause water damage.
- Storage units: It can be hard to find adequate storage for your garden furniture at home. That is why using storage units may be an effective way to provide suitable protection.
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