A lot of people love spending time in their gardens. It is an extension of your home where you can enjoy the lovely flowers and plants. Some people do not even mind if the weather gets a bit chilly. However, as winter approaches, there comes a time when you have to think about getting your garden ready for the cold months of winter.
You will not be able to spend much time in your garden in the midst of winter. Therefore, while the weather is still agreeable, you will need to set up your garden so it can maintain itself for several months. Examples of a few tasks include mowing the grass one last time, trimming the hedges, and storing your garden furniture to protect it from the weather until you use them again next spring.
It takes more than just stacking your furniture in your shed. You need to be mindful of a few things to store them properly and keep them in good shape.
- Make sure your furniture is clean and dry before you store them.
- Look for any damaged areas and fix them now.
- Pay more attention to the legs and beneath the chairs, and treat if necessary.
If you do not have a shed, store your furniture in an area where they can get some shelter.
- Do not just leave furniture on grass.
- Cover them with something sturdy like a tarp. The furniture should be protected from the rain, but they also need air to circulate through. Secure the cover so it does not blow away.
- Put away your parasol. Use a damp cloth to clean it first, then allow it to air dry before storing it in the shed.
- Fold or stack chairs. Garden furniture is usually designed to be stackable or foldable so they won’t take up a lot of space in storage. If you must keep them outside because you don’t have interior storage space, move them to an area where there is shelter. Use a tarp to cover them and tie it down securely.
- Store patio tables. If you purchased your garden furniture as a set and your chairs are foldable, chances are your table is also foldable. If it is not, and you don’t have a large enough interior space to store it, leave it outside, cover it and tie down the cover to the table legs.
Check your furniture every now and then. If you have to keep your garden furniture outside and you cover them, check on them occasionally during winter. Sometimes water or snow can accumulate under the cover. If this goes unnoticed, the water can damage your furniture. Even if you were able to store your furniture inside a garage or shed, you should still check them for any moisture problems.
Garden furniture can be constructed from different types of materials. The way to clean and care for each material type is different.
It is important to clean your garden furniture and accessories before you pack them up for the winter. All you need to do is to wipe down the items with a mixture of water and washing liquid. Use a sponge that will not scratch your furniture. Allow the items to dry thoroughly before you store them away. Things like cushions and umbrellas can develop mould if any moisture is left behind.
Storage and Security
You spent a lot of money on your garden furniture, so make sure that your storage area can be secured with a lock. A solid lock will discourage potential burglars who are looking for easy targets. If your neighbourhood has a lot of crime, consider storing your furniture in a self-storage unit that provides good security during the winter.
Other Options for Storage
If your home has no secure space for storing your garden furniture, your other alternative is to rent a self-storage unit. The units we have are inside and perfectly protected from the outside elements and pests. Our units are also monitored by a security system with alarms and CCTV. We can also provide space for you to store your garden equipment so they will be kept in great condition until you get them next spring. These units start from 10 sq.ft. and the cost is only several pounds per week. This is a convenient and economical way to store all of your garden furniture and tools.
Storage Tips For Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture has a risk of discolouration if mildew develops on the surfaces. Mildew develops when the area is damp and not well ventilated. After you clean your furniture with warm water, soap, and a soft cloth, let it dry completely before you cover it or store it in a shed. If your furniture is made from white plastic and it is stained, use a bit of bleach and test it on a small area to see if you can get back the original white colour.
Storing Wood Furniture
Wood furniture needs to be protected from the rain because the water can damage the wood if it is left wet. You must allow the furniture to dry thoroughly before you store it away. The wood furniture can remain outdoors if necessary. To prevent water from accumulating in an area, tilt the furniture so the rain will run off of the surfaces. If you need to stack the furniture, check and make sure that there is enough air circulation around the furniture to prevent dampness.
Furniture made from pine or other soft woods need to be treated every year. The treatment protects the furniture from water damage. Find out the right treatment to use by doing some research on the furniture you have or by asking a staff in a DIY store.
Furniture made from oak and other hard woods can tolerate moisture and do not require special treatment. However, over time, the wood will fade to another colour, usually a grey tone. If you prefer, you can treat it with a light coat of oil several times a year. You should still make sure that the conditions are not too wet.
If you keep wood furniture outside, protect them with a tarp and try to move them to a spot that is not too exposed to the weather. Make sure air can flow through beneath the tarp so any dampness can air dry.
Storing Iron Furniture
The biggest threat to garden furniture made of iron is rust. After you clean and dry the furniture, check for signs of rust and remove it with an appropriate product for rust removal. You can also use a soft cloth to apply some vinegar to the rusty spot, then rub it with aluminium foil. Rinse the spot with water and let it dry thoroughly. After the furniture is dried, you can store it in a shed or cover it with a tarp.
Storing Rattan Furniture
Rattan furniture is very durable, and it is typically made with an aluminium wire frame. The rattan material has UV protection. Therefore, it can tolerate the hot sun or cold rain. Still, mould and mildew can develop between the rattan weaves. Therefore, you should move the furniture to a sheltered area, cover them with a tarp, and allow air to circulation around the furniture to mitigate mildew.
Storing Furniture Cushions
You should always store cushions indoors. If you place them in a shed, do not leave them on the floor because rodents will chew through the fabric. Store cushions on shelves and remove their covers to prevent mould from developing.