As sad as it is to have to pack away all of your outdoor patio furniture after enjoying it during the hot summer months, taking the time to properly store it will help keep it in great condition so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come. While many outdoor lawn and patio products are made to be left outdoors during the cold winter months, bringing them indoors during harsh conditions can help with longevity and will ensure that nothing gets damaged by weather.
If you find yourself wondering how you can store your patio furniture for the cold season, look no further! We’ve put together a list of storage tips and have highlighted why self-storage is a great option for seasonal storage.
How To Store Patio Furniture: Why Choose Self-Storage?
When it comes to deciding where to store your outdoor furniture, some people might have an easier time than others. In some cases, you might have a garage or outdoor storage shed that provides you with the space you need to bring your patio furniture indoors. For those who lack storage space, such as people who live in condos or small townhouses, then choosing to store your items in a self-storage unit might be a better option. With several different storage unit sizes available, Vernon Storage Centre is a great choice for any seasonal storage, whether it be storing patio furniture in the winter months, or winter recreational gear, such as skis and bulky winter clothing, in the summer months.
Storing Your Patio Furniture
Patio furniture comes in a number of different materials, from metal to wood to plastic. The key to extending the life of your furniture comes with understanding how to properly clean and store your items. For metal patio furniture, you’ll want to wash all surfaces with water and soap, scrubbing with a brush before rinsing. Inspect your furniture pieces for any rust or oxidization and treat with a rust-neutralizing primer before storing if there is any. Wood furniture should be cleaned with a water-soap-bleach solution to help remove and clean any mildew before rinsing it with a garden hose. Plastic patio furniture should be washed thoroughly with a soap solution, rinsed, and stored somewhere where temperatures won’t drop below freezing. Patio furniture that is made of teak or cedar will require a bit more care, which includes applying a bleach solution to kill mildew and lighten the wood. You’ll typically want to let the bleach act for a day or two before you sand the surface and treat the wood with tung oil.
Storing Your Patio Accessories
It’s likely that your patio furniture came with some sort of cushions or pillows, so it’s important to know how to store your patio accessories as well! While many outdoor, acrylic fabrics are designed to deter mildew, it is still possible for them to harbour mold. If you want to avoid black spots, shake off or vacuum any cushions or umbrellas at the end of the season and keep anything stuffed with foam in a dry place for the winter. Use a mixture of bleach and soap to treat any pesky, tough stains, but remember not to use bleach on any printed or cotton fabrics. Many people have outdoor hammocks on their patios, so if you have one that you need to store during the winter months, wash them in the washing machine and dry them fully before storing them indoors.
Self-storage units can be a lifesaver when it comes to storing patio furniture and other seasonal items and is a great way to keep your belongings clean, dry, and safe until you need them next!