Time to Store Outdoor Furniture
With the leaves turning and the weather getting cooler in most of the country that means outdoor time is at a premium. If you have a lot of outdoor furniture you might have a hard time storing all of it. You don’t want to leave it on your deck over the winter, but it does need to go somewhere. That is why many homeowners elect to store their outdoor furniture in a secure self-storage unit.
It is not as simple as renting a unit and throwing your stuff in one though. There are certain preparatory steps you should take first.
Give Your Cushions a Good Wash
If you put away wet cushions it can lead to mildew. If you give them a good wash it will kill any mold and mildew that is developing. Be sure to also dust and vacuum them before putting them in the washing machine. Many covers are removable and can be washed in a regular washing machine, but if not, you can scrub them by hand.
Use Proper Cleaning Materials
Several type of outdoor furniture are made of different materials, so it means that you need to clean them properly. Metal and plastic can be cleaned with regular soap and water. Glass furniture needs glass cleaner. Wicker furniture can be tricky, but a water and bleach solution that is rinsed with water does wonders. Just be wary of using pressure washers. Sometimes those can cause more damage than anything.
Allow Time to Dry
It is critically important to let all furniture dry before storing. If it is put away mold and mildew can grow, ruining the furniture. Also, do not completely drench wood and wicker furniture, as those materials can absorb a lot of water.
Make Necessary Repairs
Do you have a table that is not sitting right or a chair with a bent leg? Now is the time to make any repairs that are needed. It is also a good time for a fresh coat of paint or stain. This way when you bring it back out in the spring it will look good as new.
Cover Your Furniture
By stacking your furniture properly you’ll save space and time when it comes to unpack everything. Also, be sure to cover everything with a tarp or blanket so dust and moisture does not affect things.
These are just a few ways to prepare your winter furniture for storage. Before you know it spring will be here again and it will be time to break everything out.
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