How To Winterize Your Patio Furniture

Winter is here! And even though Florida doesn’t get a lot of cold days, for the folks who live in states with really cold temperatures its important to “winterize” your patio furniture to protect it from hail, snow, cold weather, high winds etc. Here are 3 easy steps to take in order to winterize your furniture for the cold months ahead.

Step 1- Consider the Weather

First things first, take a look at all the furniture pieces in your backyard to determine what needs to be put away in the garage, what stays outside with or without covers. Take into consideration the type of weather you usually experience in your local winter.

For Places Where It Snows- If it snows a lot where you live, we recommend that you put away all the patio furniture to protect it from the snow.

For Places Where It Doesn't Snow- If it doesn't snow where you live but it does get really cold, we recommend that you partially put away your patio furniture, only leaving those pieces that are made from sturdy materials to withstand the cold. Also remember to cover them up with your patio furniture covers (we recommend Ravenna covers), this way they are protected.

For Places Where It Barely Gets Cold- If you live in Southern California, Florida, or Hawaii where it barely gets cold during the winter we recommend that you simply cover up the items you don't plan on using just to protect them from the elements of the season. Or perhaps you want to leave everything out, but give it a good winter wash!

Step 2- Consider the Materials

Next take into consideration the material of your furniture.

Wood, Teak, Natural Materials- these materials cant be left outside in places where it snows, because they will deteriorate quite fast. Make sure to bring them inside during the winter months, or at least cover them up with water resistant covers.

Synthetic Materials- these include marine grade polymer, synthetic wicker, aluminum, steal, etc. Even those these materials are more resistant to the elements (some being rust proof), it's important that you bring them in if you expect a season with heavy snow, or cover them up with water resistant covers. For warmer climates, these can be left outside with or without covers.

Umbrellas- these should definitely be put away during winter in most climates except warmer ones. Umbrellas were not made to withstand snow, or heavy winter weather, so its best to bring them inside.

Pillows and Cushions- for inclement weather, we recommend you put away the pillows as well. Only for warmer climates can the pillows be left outside. Cotton pillows are especially vulnerable to snow and rain during the winter months, so bring them indoors and mix them in with other sofa pillows.

Hammocks- its a good idea to bring your hammock in as well, if you are expecting heavy snow. However in milder winters you may leave your hammock outside but place it in a covered area for further protection.

Step 3- Clean Accumulated Dirt

No matter which climate you are in or what materials your patio furniture is made out of, its always a good idea to give you furniture a nice winter cleaning. This is especially important if you are planning to put items away, because storing them clean will ensure a longer lifespan of the items. Here's a simple way to clean your patio furniture: rinse it with a water hose, bring a bucket of warm water and soap and start applying the mixture with a brush to the furniture, next rinse the mixture away thoroughly and let it air dry. Here's a quick video on how to clean Sunbrella cushion, and how to clean sling furniture.