How to prep your outdoor furniture for winter

Regardless of your outdoor patio setup, when winter rolls around, you should pack up at least some of your patio furniture.

When it comes time to put any item away into storage, there are 3 simple rules that almost universally apply: clean everything up, repair any damages, and store safely.

Constant sunlight, freezing temperatures, mildew growth, and small animals can all cause premature, lasting damage to your outdoor furniture.

Here’s how to properly prep your outdoor furniture for the impending winter months.

Always check manufacturer's instructions first! Then spot test out your cleaning agent of choice.

For most surfaces, it’s a good idea to start with a mild cleaner initially, like plain dish soap. You’re looking for any sign that the finish or paint might come off.

If you need more cleaning power than dish soap, you could try mineral spirits. This can definitely damage some surfaces, so remember to spot test first.

Cushions are especially important to clean, as they’re very porous. If they're machine washable, that’s the best way to get them clean.

One way to wash a bunch of cushions by hand is to draw them a bath. Fill up your tub, add the soap or detergent of your choice, and then scrub all surfaces down with a soft-bristle brush.

If the cushions have removable casings, you can wash both case and contents separately, to make sure every surface is spotless. Any other fabric, rope, or hammock that has been left in the elements should be washed in a similar fashion.

In most cases, air drying them outside for a day is sufficient, and do make sure they’re completely dry before you storing them for the winter season.

If your patio area rests on concrete or stones, make sure to keep that area clean of snow and ice as winter progresses.

As snow melts it can seep into cracks, and when it refreezes it can widen those cracks, which leads to your stonework, tiles, or pavers getting pushed out of alignment or breaking.

After thoroughly cleaning everything, you’re probably aware of every nick and scrape around the rough edges of your patio furniture.

Make sure any loose screws or bolts are tightened up before you put them away for storage.

From fabric to metal, you'll want to seal up any vulnerable areas on your furniture to prevent additional weather and animal related damage.

Items in storage will typically be in areas with very low air circulation, so any excess moisture will evaporate more slowly, allowing mildew to flourish.

While stacking everything up in a basement or shed is a better route to take, you can still take protective measures if you don’t have a shed.

If you have to store them outdoors, condense everything into the same small space so they can all fit under a single outdoor-friendly tarp.