The perfect furnishings can make or break your patio, so they’re a worthwhile investment and they’re worth protecting! Even though patio furniture is designed to withstand normal elemental wear in the warm season, that isn’t the case for colder months. Southern winters can be mild and breezy, but that doesn’t mean that they’ll be mild on your furniture.
This winter, make sure that your furniture is protected with our tips from Noah’s Ark Self Storage! Different materials require different care, so it’s important to take proper care in storing and protecting any of your pieces. With our storage guide, your patio furnishings will look like new for years to come!
Storing Furniture In Cold Weather
Depending upon your town’s climate, your winters may be mild or harsh. Regardless, fluctuations in temperature can really take a toll on your outdoor equipment. Ensuring that your furniture stays dry and tucked away can make a big difference on your furniture’s lifespan.
When it’s time to bring the furniture in, it’s important to deep clean it and repair any broken parts you find. Then, you can cover the furnishings in tarps and secure them with a bungee cord. These steps are essential for outdoor equipment of any kind, but special materials also require special care.
Storing Different Materials
Just like you handle glass, ceramic and plastic dishes differently, you should store different materials in their own way. Let’s find out the best ways to store any yard furniture you may have!
Plastic Furniture
Plastic material is not as absorbent or porous as other materials, but cold weather can quickly break it down. Plastic can become discolored and brittle if left outside. To avoid damage, keep this furniture inside and away from frigid temperatures.
Wood Furniture
In stark contrast to plastic, wood is very absorbent! Water-proof sealant is essential to protect your wooden chairs and tables, because it protects the furniture from absorbing moisture.
If the wood absorbs and keeps moisture when frigid temperatures hit, that water will expand and cause cracks in the wood. Because of this, tarps won’t do much on their own! Instead, coat the furniture in sealant as soon as you can to provide proper protection. Once the sealant is on, the tarp can go on, too!
Metal Furniture
Metal gives a fantastic look and strength to any furnishing, but it also has its weaknesses. Metal furniture will rust quickly in rainy, cold weather. When your furniture rusts, it weakens and breaks down the metal.
Before storing these pieces, check them over for rust spots. You can treat any you find with a rust-neutralizing spray. Then, you can smooth the area and add matching paint, if needed. You can also supplement this with water-proof car wax for extra protection.
The best way to store metal furniture is by bringing it indoors in cold and rainy weather.
Fabric and Cushions
Any fabric will deteriorate with consistent exposure to harsh weather or moisture. Even worse, the stuffing inside of your cushions can grow mold and mildew! It’s important to keep your patio cushions clean, so a vacuum and a bleach and detergent solution will help tremendously!
First, vacuum the fabric of your cushions. Then, use a mixture of one cup of bleach, one gallon of water and a dash of detergent to wash them. If your fabric is cotton, however, you can just use soap and water.
To store any cushions, it’s best to keep them indoors and packed in a box or storage bag. Just remember that rodents enjoy shredding cushions for nesting, wrapping them in a tarp can help prevent any undue damage.
Protect Your Valuables With Noah’s Ark Self Storage
Whether you’re looking to stow away seasonal furniture, home decor options or outdoor equipment, Noah’s Ark has you covered! We are here to help you keep your items safe, clean and out of your house. We offer temperature-controlled units, various unit sizes and 24/7 security camera recordings for your peace of mind!
Find your perfect unit today!
