As the weather starts to cool down and the leaves begin to change color, you know that winter is on its way. For homeowners and restauranteurs, that means it’s time to start thinking about how we’re going to store our patio furniture for the winter. After all, you don’t want your beautiful set to become ruined by the cold, snow, and ice. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! Read on for our top tips on how to store your patio furniture for the winter.
1. Choose the right storage space.
The first step in storing your patio furniture for the winter is to choose the right storage space. If you have a garage or shed, that’s usually the best place to store larger items like tables and chairs for most homeowners. But restauranteurs have a lot more patio furniture to store over the winter. If you have a lot of furniture, you might want to consider renting a large storage unit or shipping container just for your patio furniture. This will ensure that your furniture is protected from the elements and safe from thieves.
2. Clean and dry your furniture before storing it.
Before you store your patio furniture for the winter, it’s important to clean and dry it first. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on your furniture while it’s in storage. To clean your furniture, simply mix a solution of 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water and use it to wipe down all surfaces of your furniture. Once you’ve finished cleaning, be sure to let your furniture dry completely before moving on to the next step.
3. Wrap your furniture in plastic.
Once your furniture is clean and dry, it’s time to wrap it in plastic. This will help keep your furniture protected from the elements while it’s in storage. You can either use large garbage bags or sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap to do this. If you’re using garbage bags, be sure to double them up so that they don’t tear easily. And if you’re using plastic wrap, be sure to wrap your furniture tightly so that it doesn’t come loose.
4. Use padding to protect delicate surfaces.
If you have any particularly delicate pieces of patio furniture, like wicker chairs or glass-top tables, it’s a good idea to use padding when storing them for the winter. This will help prevent them from getting scratched or damaged while they’re in storage. A few moving blankets or towels should do the trick!
5. Put heavy items on the bottom.
When stacking items in storage, be sure to put heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. This will help prevent damage and breakage.
6. Label everything.
Last but not least, be sure to label everything that you put into storage! This will save you a lot of headaches come next spring when you’re trying to remember where you put everything. Trust us, labeling is key!
Following these simple tips will help ensure that your patio furniture stays in good condition all winter long! So take some time now to prep your furniture for storage, and enjoy your time outdoors while you can!
