Patio furniture needs protection during winter months

By Stacy Downs

It’s best to start protecting patio furniture before all the leaves have fallen. Autumn’s wind, rain, changing temperatures and leaves damage even the most durable furniture over time. Umbrellas won’t last more than a season if they’re left uncovered outside.

The top method of caring for outdoor furniture during the cold months is to store pieces in the basement, garage or shed. “They’ll get the longest life that way because they’ll be away from the elements,” says Dale Johnson, manager of Seasonal Concepts in Overland Park, Kan.
A few things to consider when storing your furniture inside:

Cleaning: It’s recommended to clean furnishings before you store them indoors. It’s also important to wash them before you return them outside in the spring because they’re probably dusty.

Cushions: Wrap them in an old bed sheet. Make sure they’re completely dry before you put them in a container, otherwise they’ll be moldy when you’re ready to put them outside in the spring.

Umbrellas: Keep them upright, leaning against the wall or hung from grip hooks. Keep them off the ground where they can be chewed on by mice and insects.

The second best way to protect furniture takes an investment: Outdoor covers start at $12 per item. They’re a solution for those who don’t have storage space and have heavy furniture.

Covers are available for Adirondacks, stacking chairs, chaises, gliders, tables, ottomans and umbrellas. Barbecue grill covers should be kept on grills when they’re not in use year-round.

“You want grills to be sanitary because you cook on them,” says Steve Sweet, president and owner of Fireplace & Bar-B-Q Center in Overland Park, Kan. “Covers are a good way to protect surfaces from bird droppings and other debris.”

Some furniture covers can protect entire patio sets. They start at $45 for a small round table and four low-back chairs and go up to more than $190 for a 102-inch-long oval table and a dozen chairs.

When using patio set or table covers, Johnson suggests placing a cardboard box or beach ball on the furniture’s flat surface. The resulting tepee shape sheds water more effectively. Here are some other considerations in buying outdoor furniture covers:

Material: Go with a tear-resistant, heavy-gauge vinyl or textaline, a high-thread-count plastic. Some covers have a felt-like lining. Make sure the material is breathable so it doesn’t trap moisture. Avoid using cheap tarps because they easily puncture and blow away in the wind.
Coverage area: Ideal protection means covering the object from the ground up. But some table and patio set covers stop mid-leg, exposing the bottom half of the furniture. You don’t want birds or squirrels taking shelter under the cover.

Fasteners: Make sure adequate fabric fasteners and/or drawstring ties secure the cover.

Lifespan: Most last three to six years.

Color: The covers will be on from October until April, so it’s important to like how they look. Covers commonly come in beige, gray and dark green. Some are reversible. Kmart sells a hunter green/awning stripe; Frontgate offers a sage floral/taupe.

When outdoor furniture covers aren’t in use, they, too, should be protected. They should be hosed clean, air dried and stored in plastic containers — inside.

Outdoor furniture covers

• Brookstone Hard to Find Tools catalog, (800) 926-7000, www.brookstone.com
• Kmart, www.kmart.com
• Frontgate catalog, 1-888-263-9850, www.frontgate.com
• Target, www.target.com

Cleaning patio furnishings

Aluminum: Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Rinse by hosing down. To protect the finish and shine, apply baby oil with a soft cloth every two to three months.

Umbrella: Open umbrella and carefully lay it on its side. Mix a solution of 3/4 cup liquid color-safe bleach and a squirt of dishwashing detergent with 1 gallon warm water. (Avoid using bleach on acrylic prints.) Wear rubber gloves and use a soft-bristle brush to scrub one section at a time. Rinse by hosing down. Dry metal hardware with a cloth. Let fabric dry before storing.

Wicker: Vacuum wicker with the soft-brush attachment to remove dust and flaking paint, then wipe with damp cloth.

Wood: Use a soft scrub brush dampened with water and a mild oil-based soap, such as Murphy Oil Soap. Rinse by hosing down. To get the gray out, use a water-based teak protector to return it to its natural auburn.

Wrought iron: Wipe with a clean cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a mild dishwashing detergent. Rinse by hosing down. To remove rust, lightly sand the affected area and wipe thoroughly with a clean cloth. If needed, apply touch-up paint.

Sources: www.heloise.com; www.realsimple.com.

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