Storing Your Patio Furniture Set and Umbrella for the Winter

It's a chore, but if you want to keep your patio furniture set and umbrella looking new, you have to put them away for the winter.

Do I Really Have To?

There are very few climates that allow patio furniture sets to be kept out all year without risk of damage. Cold, windy, and wet weather wreaks havoc on resin patio furniture sets, cloth or vinyl pads, and umbrellas. Wrought iron and wooden patio sets fare better, even in extreme climates, but you still have to take in or store the pads and umbrella.

How Do I Clean my Patio Set and Umbrella Before Storage?

The best way to clean your patio furniture set is with a pressure washer, using plain water or a mild soap solution. If you don't have access to a pressure washer, a soft brush with mild soap and water will do. After you have cleaned your patio furniture and allowed it to dry completely, apply a high-quality car wax to resin or vinyl sets.

The cloth or vinyl pads and umbrella should also be pressure-washed and left open to dry. It's very important that you give these cloth components ample time to dry inside and out before storage, to prevent mildew.

Helping Your Patio Set Hibernate

Basements, garages, and storage sheds are ideal places to store your patio set. It is a good idea to wrap your patio furniture in plastic sheets or tarps to keep it safe from bumps. If you have to leave your patio set outside, be sure to wrap it thoroughly and secure the wrappings well.

By taking the time to put your patio furniture set away for the winter, you will get years of additional use from it.