When the weather cools down, it’s time to head inside. This shouldn’t mean however that your outdoor furniture gets neglected for the next few months.

Here we’ve created a list of the top 10 tips for keeping your patio furniture in great condition all winter long.

1. Clean all cushion and chair covers before storing them away – If you have fabric cushion covers, clean them as per the manufacturers instructions before storing away. That way when spring comes around they’ll be clean and ready to go.
2. If you have woven resin wicker furniture, brush or vacuum it to remove any loose dirt. With weather-resistant pieces, you can also scrub down gently with mild soap and water before drying off and protecting with a cover.
3. Protect your patio furniture under a sheltered/roofed area – If you have a roofed patio, your furniture is far better off than if it’s out in the open. On top of this, having a roof on your patio means that with the addition of a heater you may just be using your outdoor furniture all throughout the year.
4. Use custom patio furniture covers – By using protective covers on your furniture that is meant for that purpose, you are ensuring that your outdoor dining table and chairs has the best chance against the elements.
5. Store your furniture away in a protected secure location – Many people that live in climates that experience extreme weather conditions prefer to store their patio furniture away in the shed or in the basement for winter. If you have the space and know you won’t get a chance to use your outdoor furniture during the cooler months, this is a good idea.
6. For aluminum furniture that has a powder coating, clean and touch up as recommended by the manufacturer before storing away.
7. Remove rust as soon as you see it – Before packing away any items, check for rust. If you see it, remove it immediately. This will reduce the likelihood that it will spread and cause further damage while in storage.
8. For natural wooden furniture you’ll need to apply oil at least once a year to outdoor wooden furniture, and as the sun fades the wood you’ll want to replenish it with a fresh coat of paint. This also helps protect the wood from further damage.
9. Store your wrought iron furniture away from the elements – While all patio furniture needs to be protected from the elements, especially during winter, wrought iron is susceptible to rust and so even if you use covers moisture can get trapped. Make sure your furniture is kept dry to prevent this from happening.
10. Clean and reseal your patio – Once you’ve taken care of your patio furniture and BBQ, you should also think about protecting the surface of your patio too. Give it a thorough clean and – if required – reseal the surface accordingly.

If you follow the above steps, you should find that when spring finally does arrive your patio furniture will be in pristine condition and ready to be enjoyed.