Fall is in the air. The days are becoming shorter and the dew has appeared on the patio furniture.
The coloured leaves on the trees are falling and the smell of pumpkin surrounds us everywhere we go.
And at this time of year it is important to prepare your outdoor furniture for the fall months.
Properly caring for your outdoor furniture before storing it for the winter months will extend the furniture’s life for many more years to come.
Moisture and dirt that is left to sit on your patio furniture will result in mold and mildew to grow during the winter.
Weather-resistant outdoor pieces are also prone to deterioration if not properly cleaned before they are stored.
Here are some tips from the pros on how to prepare your outdoor furniture for the fall:
Metal furniture may be cleaned with a combination of warm water and dish soap or detergent.
Scrub all areas with a soft brush and rinse with a garden hose. Allow the pieces to completely dry before storing them away.
If you notice any areas of rust it is recommended to treat the area with a rust neutralizing primer, which are available at paint stores.
You may have to touch up the area with a spray paint afterwards.
At this point it is also recommended to add a thin coat of car wax for full protection.
Plastic furniture is probably the easiest type to clean and store over the winter.
A simple combination of warm water and soap and a soft brush and cloth will do the job. Dry the furniture completely and store it all in a location that will not drop below freezing during the winter.
Wicker furniture can be treated with a simple wash of dish soap and warm water.
Be sure to remove mildew and mold in those hard to reach areas with a small brush.
Store the furniture in a dry, cool location over the winter months.
Wood furniture is wonderful but does take a little more work to maintain.
To prepare wood pieces for the winter (other than teak and cedar) it is recommended to wash the furniture with a detergent based cleaner and rinse with a hose.
Let the pieces completely dry. Then fix any paint-related issues if the furniture is painted.
Apply a coat of thin car wax to help protect it over the winter.
Teak and cedar furniture should be cleaned with a bleach solution. This is important to kill any mold or mildew.
Sand the wood with a teak-friendly sand paper and then apply appropriate teak or cedar oil. Store these pieces under cover in a cool, dry location.
You may also choose to store these pieces outdoors over the winter if you properly treat the wood.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blue Dog Staging & Redesign. Bludogstagingandredesign.com.
