How to Store Your Patio Furniture for the Cold Weather

You can usually get away with keeping your patio furniture outside for at least some of fall, but as the weather starts to get cooler, you may want to think about how storing everything for the harsher climate. It's better to get it done before gets too bad outside. The process is pretty straightforward, but there are some steps you should take to winterize patio furniture and save yourself some effort the next time you want to bring them out:

1. Clean everything. Most outdoor furniture can be washed with a standard multipurpose cleaning solution, but double check to be sure (don't use soap on wooden furniture!). Check if there are any special instructions for cleaning cushions, since many aren't machine washable. Brush off dirt and debris with a dry cloth, then wash removable cushion covers separately.

2. Apply a layer of paste wax to prevent rust.

3. Patio furniture covers are your friend. Even if you're storing everything in a shed, it helps to at least have a tarp. In general, it's a good idea to keep your furniture covered when it's not in use to help prevent damages.

4. Make sure you take the same care with your grill. Clean it thoroughly, removing any chunks of food that might be stuck to it. A great way to burn it all off is to let the grill run for fifteen to twenty minutes on high heat with the lid closed. It's best to store it indoors (sheds, garages, and basements work well), but if you intend to keep it outside, a grill cover is essential.

It's worth putting in the time now to maintain your outdoor furniture so it lasts longer. It will be so easy to just take it out and enjoy when the warm season comes around again!