Top Tips for Winter Storage – How to Clean and Protect Your Garden Furniture

To ensure your outdoor furniture lasts for years to come, it’s important to take proper care during the winter months. Even though garden furniture is designed to be left outdoors, failing to protect your outdoor furniture could lead to damage, deterioration, and costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about maintaining and cleaning different types of outdoor furniture, plus the most effective ways to protect your furniture set from the elements. By following a few of the simple steps below, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture remains in excellent condition throughout the winter and is ready to enjoy again in the spring.

If you plan to keep your furniture outside throughout the year, the key to protecting it is to use a waterproof cover. Before covering your furniture, make sure it is free from dirt and dust. Be mindful that substances like bird droppings and tree sap can damage the finish due to their acidity, so it’s best to clean them off as soon as you notice them.

Once your furniture set is clean, allow it to dry before putting on the cover. In winter, cold temperatures can cause any trapped water to freeze and expand, which might weaken the structure or weave over time. Also, leaving a small space between the cover and the ground will promote airflow, reduce moisture build up, and help prevent mould and mildew from forming.

To keep the cover secure against the wind, consider using clips or a bungee cord. You can also tie part of the cover to a furniture leg to ensure it stays in place.

To avoid rainwater pooling on your table cover, consider raising the centre since there’s often a height difference between the chair backs and the table top. Carefully placing an object in the middle can help create a slope, preventing dips where water might gather. Remember, while waterproof covers are designed to repel water, they shouldn’t be left to hold stagnant water for long periods as this can damage both the cover and the furniture.

At our store in Wellingborough, we have a range of waterproof Outdoor Furniture Covers available in store throughout the year to fit outdoor sofa and dining sets of all different sizes. Just let us know the measurements of your set, and our in-store team will be happy to help find a cover that fits your set.

Synthetic or resin Rattan weave furniture is usually treated with a UV and weather-resistant coating to enhance its durability and reduce fading. Start by taking off and storing the cushions, then use a handheld brush to clear away any loose dust and dirt from the rattan. If you encounter more stubborn debris, a toothbrush works well and is also great for reaching into those tight spaces.

The rattan weave can then be gently cleaned using a soft sponge or cloth along with a mild soapy solution. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive items that can damage the rattan weave. After cleaning, gently rinse the furniture with a hose to remove any leftover soap (Do not use a pressure washer as this can damage your set). Let the rattan furniture dry completely before storing it to prevent any mould or mildew from forming.

When it comes to Metal garden furniture, aluminium and steel are the two most common materials used for the furniture frames. Be sure to consider the specific type of metal used in your furniture set.

Aluminium has become the go-to material for garden furniture thanks to its lightweight properties, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance. While it tends to be pricier than steel, aluminium is ideal for outdoor settings since it doesn’t rust, ensuring a longer lifespan than steel framed furniture. Although unprotected aluminium can oxidize in salty environments, like coastal areas, most aluminium furniture comes with a protective powder coating to guard against this.

Steel is a cost-effective option that offers strength and durability, making it another popular material for garden furniture. However, it’s important to note that steel can rust if not properly maintained. Most metal furniture sets have a protective powder coating that helps to prevent rust and corrosion. While this coating provides a layer of protection, it’s still important to clean and inspect your furniture regularly. If rust is allowed to develop, it can compromise the steel’s integrity and lead to structural problems.

If you notice any chipped or damaged powder coating, it’s a good idea to use a touch-up kit that may have been provided with your set, or consider applying another protective coating. To remove any rust or corrosion use a soft-bristled wire brush – just make sure the bristles are soft enough to avoid any scratches. For more stubborn rust or corrosion spots, rubbing with fine sandpaper can be effective. Afterwards, spray the affected area with WD-40 and wipe off any excess. This will leave a thin, water-resistant layer that helps prevent further corrosion and protects the metal surface.

To clean your metal furniture, start by taking off any cushions. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth with a mild soapy solution to wipe down the metal frame. After cleaning, rinse the furniture with a hose to wash away any soap residue. To further protect the metal, you might want to apply some car wax, which helps water to bead and run off. Remember to allow any protective coating to dry completely before putting the cover on or storing.

There is a wide range of wood types suitable for garden furniture. Teak stands out for its durability and appealing aesthetics, as it naturally resists decay. However, it’s still a good idea to clean and maintain it from time to time. Wooden furniture also comes in cedar, pine and other types of wood, but they typically require more frequent care.

To clean wooden furniture, use a handheld brush to remove any loose dust and dirt from the wood. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean the furniture with warm, soapy water. Once done, rinse it with a hose and let it dry naturally.

If the wood requires any treatment or coatings, apply a wood sealant or finish to protect it from moisture and weathering. Once the coating is completely dry, you can put on the cover. Be careful to keep the cover from touching the freshly treated wood.

If possible wooden furniture is best stored in a dry, sheltered spot, such as a garage or shed. This will help avoid potential damage from temperature swings and high moisture levels, which can cause the wood to crack, warp, or rot.

Cushions:

Some brands have furniture sets that come with weatherproof cushions that can safely remain outdoors. This information in normally found in the care instructions. However, the majority of outdoor furniture sets feature cushions that should not be left outside, therefore it is advisable to put them away when not in use.

While a waterproof cover is great for keeping your cushions clean during dry weather, it’s best to store your cushions indoors if you plan to cover your set for a long time. This will help to protect the cushions from any moisture and condensation build up that may occur under the cover. Cushions can be placed in a storage bag and kept in the garage or shed. Another option is to store them in a waterproof cushion storage box. Remember, storing cushions when they are still damp can trap moisture, which may cause mould and mildew to form.

Other Storage Options:

If there is room in a conservatory or sunroom, think about moving your outdoor furniture there to keep it safe during the winter months. This way, you can still enjoy using your furniture set even when the weather turns chilly. If this is not an option, another great solution is to store your furniture in a garage or shed. This will protect it from the elements, keeping it safe and dry until the warmer weather returns. If your garden furniture is too big to store, you might need to consider disassembling some parts to make it easier to store.