The Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA summer has come to an end and while you may be trying to stretch patio season as long as you can, before you know, it will be time to say goodbye to your outdoor space for the year, and hunker down for the snow-filled winter ahead. While most patio furniture is created to withstand years of exposure to heat, rain, light wind, and the sun; the ice, snow, and strong winds that usually arrive during the winter months can significantly shorten the life of your patio furniture. We are going to review how you can winterize your patio to protect your outdoor furniture.
Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture
When you designed your outdoor space, you likely intended for your furniture to last you as long as possible. If you winterize your patio to protect your outdoor furniture, it should help you to be able to enjoy your furniture for years to come.
Below are some ways you can prepare your outdoor furniture for the blistery cold Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA months ahead.
- Clean Furniture: Regardless of what type of outdoor furniture you have, the first step to winterize your outdoor furniture should be to clean it. Moisture, dirt, and debris left on patio furniture and textiles can lead to mold or mildew growth, leaving your furniture in less than desirable condition when you are ready for it in the spring. Wood, metal, wicker, plastic, and fabric, should all be cleaned differently, so know your furniture and understand the best way to clean it before you get started.
- Furniture Covers: If you don’t have space to store your outdoor furniture indoors, it is recommended that you use furniture covers to keep your furniture in the best condition possible. Try to find a furniture cover that is heavy duty and moisture resistant to keep as much of the elements out as possible. Even if you are planning to store your furniture inside, you should consider covers for protection against dust, dirt, and pests.
- Storage Location: After you have covered your furniture for the winter months, it is recommended to find a place around your Northeast Ohio or Erie, PA outdoor space that is the most sheltered from the weather (i.e. next to a garage or shed, under an awning, etc.). If possible, bring your fabric items inside for the winter, or put them in a sealed tote or plastic bag for dry storage. If you have a location to store your furniture indoors, that is the ideal option; however, most people don’t have space to store, sometimes bulky, patio furniture inside.
While it may be time to trade in your flip flops for snow boots, if you winterize your patio to protect your outdoor furniture, it should be ready for you when the sunshine, flowers, and birds arrive again in the spring.
At Litehouse Pools & Spas we have furniture covers to help you protect your loved outdoor furniture. You’ll also find quality hot tubs, grills, patio furniture, gazebos, billiards, massage chairs, and saunas too.
Come see us today at one of our convenient 15 locations throughout Northeast Ohio and Erie, PA.