Outdoor furniture: how to protect it from moisture and cold

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Outdoor furniture in winter is vulnerable not only to cold temperatures and frosts, but also to high humidity and frequent precipitation. Without cleaning and treatment, tables, chairs, and armchairs can become susceptible to mold and rust, which can damage them. They are also vulnerable to insects, beetles, and rodents living in the surrounding area. The suitability of outdoor furniture for winter depends on the material it is made from.

Choosing materials for a garden interior

Rattan, wood, metal, and plastic garden furniture are popular. Only pieces made of hardwood, plastic, and aluminum can survive the winter outdoors. Wicker furniture requires careful covering and overwintering indoors.

Rattan

Rattan furniture is made from vines, an environmentally friendly material. It doesn't rot and doesn't release toxins in the sun. Rattan is resistant to scratches, damage, and cracks. The furniture is lightweight, comfortable, and durable, and can withstand heavy loads. However, it doesn't tolerate high humidity, precipitation, or temperature fluctuations. The frame must be made of aluminum to ensure the durability of the rattan furniture. Synthetic rattan is less sensitive to weather conditions but still requires covering for the winter.

Wipe away dirt and dust on rattan with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water and rinse with a hose. Avoid using hard brushes or sandpaper, as they can damage the structure of the rattan fibers. This furniture should be stored on a veranda under cover and covered with water-repellent sheets.

Tree

The most popular garden furniture is made of wood. However, to ensure long-lasting durability, wooden items need to be treated with special impregnations, varnishes, and enamels. Wood releases moisture and oils, and it also absorbs moisture, so it's essential to treat this material with appropriate treatments.

Tables and chairs made of beech, larch, and spruce should be kept indoors in a warm place. Acacia, eucalyptus, and teak are denser and can be left outdoors after treatment. For the winter, it's best to cover wooden items with covers and avoid placing them on damp ground. Wooden items should be placed on tiles or paved surfaces.

Attention!

Wood cannot be stored in polyethylene; wood must breathe, otherwise it will deteriorate.

Metal and plastic

Before winter storage, metal items are wiped with an alkaline solution and rinsed. Any traces of corrosion are removed by brushing the affected areas and using anti-corrosion materials. Metal can be painted or varnished.

Aluminum products are the most weather-resistant. They don't rust and require no treatment or covering. Scratches don't lead to corrosion. All that's required is wiping aluminum items with a damp cloth to remove dirt.

Plastic is easy to store and clean; it's a versatile material. It doesn't rot and is impervious to sun and moisture. It can be safely left outdoors without cover. Simply wipe off dust from plastic items periodically.

Care of garden furniture

Before winter, garden furniture needs to be cleaned and protected. Some furniture will have to be brought indoors, as it won't survive precipitation and frost. If your garden furniture isn't winterized, it will eventually lose its appeal, become short-lived, and become unusable.

Cleaning

During the warmer months, chairs and armchairs accumulate dirt, dust, and moisture. They sometimes become coated with lichen and mold. To clean before winter, use a soapy solution with ammonia and a cloth. A sponge or soft brush can be used instead of a cloth. After applying soap, thoroughly wipe hard-to-reach areas, then rinse with water. To make the cleaning easier, use a hose and then let the garden items air dry.

Soft cushions, seats, and covers become dirty over the summer. Cushion covers and the cushions themselves are machine washed and dried. Fabrics are put away for the winter; moisture will stiffen them, changing their color and size.

Rust removal

Signs of corrosion appear on metal furniture over time. If rusty areas are not cleaned, the corrosion will worsen over the winter. Wipe rusty areas with a cloth soaked in ammonia.

Another way to remove rust is to use baking soda. Add a generous amount of baking soda to water to create a thick solution. Leave the solution on for 30-40 minutes. Then continue scrubbing with a wire brush.

Another gentle method is to apply salt and lemon juice. Rub the affected areas of the furniture with salt, then pour lemon juice over them and scrub with a stiff brush. Rinse off any remaining salt with water.

In case of severe rust damage, the following steps are required:

clean the corroded areas with sandpaper or a wire brush;
degrease the surface with alcohol, kerosene, or solvent;
coated with anti-corrosion primer;
painted with enamel.

Protection from moisture and dust

Water-repellent covers are essential for protection from rain and snow. Choosing a cover just the right size isn't always possible, but there are universal products that can be adapted to any size and shape. You can buy covers for tables, armchairs, chairs, sofas, ottomans, and more. They are attached with Velcro, fasteners, or zippers. Any protection—varnish, paint, oil, and impregnation—will sooner or later become ineffective without covers, especially if you live in a region with harsh winters and rainy autumns.

Covers are typically made of durable synthetic fabrics. They are impregnated with a special liquid and easily repel moisture and dust. These covers are usually single-sided.

Advice!

There are garden furniture manufacturers who already include covers when purchasing their products, or they can be purchased in the same store.

Garden furniture covers are not washable. They should be hand washed at a low temperature of 30°C (86°F) to preserve the water-repellent finish. Dry the material at room temperature, away from heat sources. Machine washing is not suitable for garden furniture covers.