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How To Properly Store Your Patio Furniture For Winter
December 18, 2015 02:55:24pm
After enjoying the patio and deck all summer, it can be sad to pack up the outdoor furniture and move the activities indoors for the colder months. Luckily, here in Jacksonville, our winter is not too long, and spring will be here before we know it. Here are some tips for packing your outdoor furniture so that when the beautiful weather returns, it will be in great shape and ready to enjoy!
1. Find a place for the furniture to be stored indoors.
This could be the garage, a shed, the laundry room, or a hall closet, depending on how much protection each piece requires. Though your garage might become crowded in one corner, it’s just for a few months, and might make all the difference in how well your furniture is protected.
2. Don’t skip the cleaning step.
It’s tempting to just load your deck chairs, wicker sofa, and cushions into the garage and forget about them till spring. However, dirt and moisture left on outdoor furniture can cause mold and mildew to flourish during the cooler months. Wipe down each piece of furniture with a soft, dry rag. This will remove the majority of loose dirt, leaves, and other debris that will have collected on your furniture during the previous few seasons. Have a simple, homemade cleaning solution on hand to help with any residue or buildup, including mold, mildew, and mud. Mix 1⁄4 cup mild dish detergent with 1 gallon of warm water, and you’ll have a solution that is gentle yet effective, and able to be used on almost any type of furniture. As long as manufacturer’s guidelines permit it, this mixture can be applied to nearly any surface, then properly rinsed and dried.
Those two simple precautions will make a big difference in how long you’re able to enjoy using your outdoor furniture. To further prepare, use the following information to prep your furniture for its hibernation.
Fabric – Fabric cushions and padding and other upholstery needs to be properly cared for before being stored. Acrylic fibers are designed to deter mildew and mold, but can still acquire some buildup, especially in warm, wet climates such as ours. Give each cushion a good shake to rid it of dust, and vacuum any cushions or areas that are especially dusty or dirty. If you have a fabric umbrella, shake it out and wipe it down. Examine the umbrella to make sure no insects built nests in any of the folds during recent months. Clean all surfaces, even the umbrella fabric, with the dish detergent solution and allow it to dry. All fabric, and in particular anything with foam padding, must be stored in a dry space to prevent mildew from growing on it. Therefore, if your garage stays dry during the winter, fabrics can be stored there, but if not, find a place in the house where cushions and such can be stored out of the way.
Metal – Wrought iron furniture is sturdy, but is still susceptible to rust. Remove any rust that has accumulated by gently scrubbing with a soft, wire brush or lightly sanding the rust away and wiping it clean. Aluminum furniture can be washed using the dish detergent solution, then thoroughly dried. If possible, store metal furniture indoors, but if it must be kept outside, cover all pieces in a heavy duty tarp or similar covering.
Plastic - Plastic needs little special attention. Once you’ve wiped it down with a dry cloth, and cleaned it with the solution, hose it off with your garden hose and towel it dry, and it’s ready for storage. Plastic can become brittle in extreme weather, so it does need to be stored inside, or at the very least, covered with a vinyl or plastic covering.
Wood - Wood outdoor furniture needs to be covered or taken indoors when not in use. Painted wood will fade, and natural wood can warp and splinter in extreme weather. Wicker and rattan furniture is delicate, and cannot withstand the winter weather.
Misc. materials – If you have an outdoor table or bench that features mosaic tile pattern, be sure to bring it in during the cold months. Though a deep freeze is unlikely in Florida, should it occur, it could dislodge the tiles.
Jacksonville’s Best Furniture Refinishing, Upholstering, And Care
There are many great furniture refinishing services in Northeast Florida, and we pride ourselves in being the best. Furniture is our passion, from wicker or teak patio chairs, to solid oak heirloom tables, to silk upholstered antique sofas, and more. We specialize in making your furniture look new again, whether that means cleaning up an outdoor piece or refinishing a dusty antique. If you are looking for an award winning, highly rated furniture repair shop you can trust, Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering is the perfect service for you and your furniture!
