Tips for Storing Patio Furniture

As the fall gives way to winter weather, you’ll be wise to store your outdoor furniture away from the cold. Leaving it out can be a costly mistake, requiring repair or replacement next year. Here are some tips on prepping and storing patio furniture for spring.

Clean, Inspect & Repair

The DIY Network recommends making your own patio furniture cleaner by using 1 tsp. dishwashing detergent and 1 tsp. Borax in 1 quart of warm water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray both sides of the cushions generously. Leave the solution on for about 15 minutes as it breaks up mold, dirt, or bird droppings that may have accumulated over the past few months. Then use your hose to spray off the cleaner and grime – use a scrub brush for any stubborn spots. Stand the cushions on end to let them dry.

Clean the table umbrella by expanding it and spraying it down with the same cleaner. Rinse with the hose and keep it open until fully dry. Clean the furniture frames – taking care to fix any broken pieces, missing springs, splinters or other parts in need of repair.

Patio Furniture Storage

When cushions are completely dry, put them into light duty trash bags to keep them free of dust and critters while in storage. When the umbrella is dry, close it and roll it up in a tarp or large plastic sheet.

If you have room indoors, like a dry basement, storage room or large closet – bring the furniture inside to store. But don’t fret if you haven’t the space. Most patio furniture will hold up fine in an unheated storage shed or garage. Most importantly, make sure the storage area is dry and out of the wind.

A Job Well Done

Kick your feet up and relax, knowing that when the spring comes, you’ll have clean and well-kept patio furniture to simply remove from storage and enjoy.