Before taking the steps needed to protect and store your outdoor furniture and equipment for the winter months, you must first remove any delicate pieces, like cushions or fabric covers and give them a proper cleaning. • Vacuum any dust or dirt from the fabric. • Check the tags to see if the fabric can be laundered. • Use a soft brush and spray bottle with soap to spot-treat any stubborn stains. • When cleaning Sunbrella fabrics, only use mild, natural soaps in cold water and allow fabric to air dry.
After storing any fabric components like removable cushions, give your outdoor equipment a good scrub. This applies to all outdoor pieces, from playground equipment to deck chairs. • Use dish soap and warm water to wipe down the entire item with a rag. • A toothbrush helps clean tough crevices, like the nooks and crannies of wicker furniture.
After cleaning, it’s time to keep furniture and equipment looking – and working – good as new for when spring arrives. • Apply a thin coat of a wax to wood or wicker furniture to protect the finish. • Use a lubricating oil like WD-40 to condition metal exteriors and internal moving parts (especially helpful for outdoor grills or BBQs).
Some metals will rust in rain or snow, so special care should be taken to prepare metal equipment or furniture frames for the winter months. • Galvanized metal has superior rust protection and stands up best to winter’s elements. • For best results, store furniture or equipment with metal framing indoors to prevent corrosion. • If indoor storage is unavailable, use an outdoor furniture protector to extend the life of metal framing.
To keep outdoor furniture and equipment looking its best, make room indoors to prevent exposure to strong sun, dampness, and bitter cold. Common storage environments include: Your garage | A covered shed | Basements and attics
If you simply don’t have the space to store your pieces indoors for winter, care can by taken to ensure your furniture and equipment will be protected even when stored outside. • Keep furniture on an elevated area, such as a deck or balcony, to prevent water damage caused by melting snow or puddles of rain. • Store items so they are protected against strong winds to prevent toppling. • Never stack furniture as it can crack or break. Remember, materials expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures.
All outdoor furniture and equipment should be covered – even when storing indoors – in order to ensure the longevity of the piece. • Take measurements of each piece in order to get the perfect fit. • Pre-fabricated covers are available for many items, but consider custom sizing if you can’t find the right fit. • A good cover should fit snugly in order to keep your furniture protected from inclement weather.
An outdoor furniture or equipment cover must: • Be constructed of heavy-duty fabric (remember that it will have to stand up to outdoor elements like rain, leaves, and even animals). • Repel liquids to prevent water damage and reduce the possibility of cracking. • Include built-in venting for proper air circulation, which will prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Outdoor Fabrics sells a variety of high quality products such as awnings, cushions, drapes, and pillows that are meant to withstand inclement weather. They are purveyors of easy-to-clean, stain-resistant Sunbrella fabrics, with a huge selection of styles and colors to choose from. For more info, visit https://www.outdoorfabrics.com/ or call 1-800-640-3539.
During the cold months, ensure the longevity of your outdoor furniture and equipment using these simple steps for cleaning and storing. Though built to last, regular outdoor fabric cleaning is just as important as cleaning your wood or metal outdoor items.