Patio furniture may be weather-resistant, but they are still susceptible to damage when left at the mercy of harsh elements for long periods. If you’re considering keeping your tables, chairs, and chaises safe in a storage unit through fall and winter, you need to ensure all items are properly prepared. Here’s what you need to know before putting your furniture away for the season. 

A Guide to Storing Patio Furniture for Winter

Why Is It Important to Store Outdoor Furniture Properly?

Furniture is more likely to show early signs of damage when left unprotected during the colder months. Snow, ice, and rain can produce excess moisture that causes rusting, warping, and rotting. Plastic and wooden furniture can crack in freezing temperatures when they become more brittle. If an item is already cracked and water gets into any crevices, it will expand as it turns to ice, further damaging the piece. Storing furniture with residual moisture can also cause mold or mildew to form. You can preserve your investment and lengthen the patio set's life span by placing them in a self-storage facility through the winter.

How Do You Keep Patio Furniture in Good Shape While in Storage?

No matter what type of outdoor furniture you’re storing, clean and dry it thoroughly before putting it away for the season. This ensures all items are in good condition and ready to use when the time comes. When cleaning metal and plastic pieces, use a soft-bristled scrub brush and a water and detergent solution. Thoroughly dust or vacuum up particles and dirt before using a mixture of water and bleach on wicker furniture. You should clean other wooden pieces with a solution of bleach, detergent, and water before applying a protective sealant to keep moisture out.

Inspect all tables and chairs for signs of corrosion or other damage. Consider applying a rust-neutralizing primer to treat metal furniture with rust spots; follow it up with a silicone sealant for greater protection. If corrosion is severe, you may need to repaint the entire piece. 

Put all clean fabric covers and cushions in a bin or plastic tote before leaving them in the storage facility. Always keep all chairs and tables upright, and use dust covers or tarps to protect them while they're in the unit.

Heartland Self Storage in Elizabethtown, KY, offers the ideal environment to help keep your patio furniture safe this winter. This trusted facility provides customers with storage solutions that are hard to beat, including budget-friendly rates, a full range of security features, superior pest control, and climate-controlled unit options. Call (270) 737-2334 today to inquire about their personal, household, or commercial storage services. Visit their website for additional information.