As the winter nights draw ever closer, it’s likely that we won’t be spending as much time outdoors as other parts of the year.
While the colder temperatures allow us to get cosy in front of the TV with a hot chocolate, our outdoor spaces can understandably become neglected during the winter. With this in mind, if you own outdoor furniture then it’s important to give it some care and attention to ensure the winter months don’t cause serious damage.
Here at LifestyleGarden®, not only do we provide our customers with leading recycled outdoor furniture that can enhance any space, but we’re also experts in how to maintain it. In this article, our team will provide you with outdoor furniture maintenance tips that will keep your products protected this winter and ready to use once the warmer weather returns.
How to protect your outdoor furniture this winter
It’s no secret that outdoor furniture can make for a great addition to your garden or outdoor space, enhancing both its appearance and functionality. Often, your outdoor furniture will take your outdoor area to the next level, so it’s essential that it’s well-protected so you can make the most of it when you need it most.
Sudden temperature drops can cause furniture to crack and shrink, especially when it’s made from wood. But, by following the tips below you can help protect your furniture during the upcoming winter months.
1. Outdoor furniture maintenance
Often, people don’t bother cleaning or maintaining outdoor furniture during the winter months. After all, you’re not going to be using it so why bother cleaning?
Well, dirt can actually hold onto moisture, meaning that when the temperature drops and the air becomes more moist, the dirty furniture will remain damper for longer. Damp furniture is more susceptible to decay and damage so giving it a clean prior to winter’s arrival is always worthwhile. For wooden furniture, use warm soapy water and a stiff brush to clean it. For teak products, you can also get specialist cleaners that can remove stubborn stains and dirt. For example, this method is appropriate when washing the laminate tables in our Opal range.
If any furniture needs repairing or fixing, it’s also worth doing this at this time so the damage doesn’t worsen during the winter months.
2. Bring your furniture inside
Another way of protecting your outdoor furniture this winter is to bring it inside. Whether this is inside an outdoor structure like a shed or in your actual house, this is a great way to directly protect your outdoor furniture from the harsh winter elements.
This is particularly important for furniture that comes with soft furnishings that can become easily damaged in wet weather. Wicker products, like our Samoa range, should also be kept indoors.
All LifestyleGarden® products are suitable for indoor storage.
3. Use furniture covers
If you’re unable to keep furniture inside, furniture covers are often the next best thing.
We’d recommend protective covers that specifically state that they can prevent water damage. This is because wet weather is far more common in winter, so it’s important to have the correct mitigations in place.
As well as this, you can also get furniture covers that come with UV protection. Winter doesn’t mean a lack of sun, so consider this option if your garden gets a lot of sunlight during the day.
Time for a replacement?
Sometimes, the normal wear and tear your outdoor furniture naturally experiences might become too much. Despite your best efforts, a replacement might be necessary. If this is the case for you, LifestyleGarden® is here to help. We can replace your outdoor furniture, providing you with stunning, versatile options that suit every garden and outdoor space.
To find out more about what we do and to check out our excellent collections, get in touch with the LifestyleGarden® team today.
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