It’s hard to imagine anything but sunny days when you purchase a set of patio furniture. The reality is, though — while you’ll have plenty of time to sunbathe, grill out and enjoy your new set — you’ll have to protect your furniture when the weather isn’t so perfect. Below are five of the best ways to maintain your patio furniture.
1. Clean It — No Matter What
As you read on, you will most likely find one maintenance option will work best for you and your patio set. No matter which option that may be, you should always start by cleaning your patio set before you store it. Even if your table and chairs are securely covered, they can still collect dirt over the winter months. To make sure this accrual is minimal, wash each piece with mild dish soap at the end of summer.
2. Cover It Up
One of the easiest ways to keep your patio furniture in tip-top shape is to buy weatherproof covers. Typically made from vinyl or other water-resistant fabrics, these covers are ideal if you’ve got a set that’s too heavy to move. You might also consider purchasing covers if you don’t have the storage space to move your set indoors when it’s out of use. Even if just for the bulkier items — everything from sofa to umbrella covers exist, after all — these might make the most convenient option when it comes to protecting your investment in outdoor furniture.
3. Move It
As mentioned above, you can move your patio furniture indoors during the winter in order to keep it in pristine condition. Although patio covers are certainly more convenient, indoor storage provides temperature control in addition to protection from precipitation and sun damage. If you’ve got an empty corner in your basement or garage, make it your patio set’s winter home in order to extend its lifespan.
4. Weather- and Stain-Proof It
If covers are out of the budget and space is hard to come by, you can always manually prepare your furniture for the frost. Head to your local hardware store to find the right formula for protecting the material that makes up your set. After cleaning your wicker, wrought-iron, or wood, apply the appropriate formula so your set can withstand the elements more effectively, even if it’s stored outdoors.
5. Keep Upholstery Indoors
Although your seat cushions might be made of water-resistant fabrics, you should still keep them inside over the winter. Of course, you’ll have to clean the fabric — whether it’s made of weather-resistant material or a natural fabric, like cotton — before you do so.
As summer winds down, it’ll be time for September’s answer to spring cleaning. An end-of-the-season scouring of your outdoor furniture can help extend the life of your set, no matter how you choose to store it. Whether you cover it, put it inside, or simply coat it in a weather-resistant formula, you’ll be happy to unveil your pristine set come next spring.
Adrienne is a freelance writer and designer who loves the great outdoors. To see more of her work, follow @adrienneerin on Twitter or visit her blog, Design Roast.