During the winter, homeowners will need to securely and safely store their patio furniture to prevent moisture damage. The art of storing patio furniture is crucial when you want to protect your outdoor patio furniture year after year. Here are our top storage tips to help keep your patio furniture safe during the rough Utah winters.
Storing Different Types Of Furniture
Before you just throw your items into storage, it is important to understand the different properties of patio furniture. Different patio materials will be able to withstand different humidity levels or temperatures, while others should not be left outside when the temperature drops below a certain level. Below are some common types of patio furniture and how to care for it before putting it into storage.
Wood
When having furniture outside, wood patio materials need to be sealed to keep out moisture. If your patio furniture is wood and moisture has seeped in, the water will expand when frozen and cause cracks in your furniture. Before storing your furniture and before using it during a wet season, you should apply a sealer.
Teak
Teak furniture is a sub-variety of wood, which means that it still needs some care and attention before storage. Teak is more weather-resistant and durable but it some patio furniture sets are prone to mold and mildew.
Wrought Iron
Iron and metal furniture is known to rust when left out during the spring and winter. These patio furniture sets can also become damaged by bird droppings, pets, or other wildlife. Taking wrought iron furniture out of the elements is the best way to limit rust damage to your exterior decor.
Clean Before Placing In Storage
It is crucial to clean patio furniture before placing it in a storage unit. If you place dirty or rusting furniture in storage, it will be just as damaged when you pull it out to use it again in the summer. Here are some cleaning tips for different patio furniture.
Wood
Before storing furniture or applying a wood sealer, you need to clean the wood to remove any build-up. Use some water and oil-based soap to wash away bugs, dirt, and other debris. Use a soft brush or a household rag to wash, but then allow to air dry before putting furniture in storage or going over the wood with a sealant.
Teak
Cleaning teak furniture will help prevent mold and mildew from spreading, especially before putting it in storage for the winter. If your patio furniture has been exposed to prolonged humidity or moisture, allow the teak to air dry. You can also apply linseed or tung oil to keep the teak in the best condition.
Wrought Iron
Removing rust from patio furniture is easily done with some fine-grained sandpaper. Then clean that area with mild soap and warm water to ensure the rust doesn’t come back. Avoid acidic cleaners that can worsen the problem or remove any coating.
Wrap And Protect
Putting items in a storage unit will put them in close proximity to other belongings, which could lead to damage. Patio furniture is typically heavier than other objects in your storage unit, so it is important to wrap them for the safety of your other belongings, but also to protect patio furniture. Using proper wrapping techniques will prevent scratches, dents, mold growth, or peeling paint.
High-quality covers or even thick bubble wrap can be used to protect your patio furniture. Some of these patio covers can protect your outdoor furniture without the need to store them in a unit. Depending on your climate, thick covers can protect them from some humidity and moisture.
Stack And Store With The Future In Mind
Storing furniture temporarily will require you to store it strategically. Putting the furniture in a storage unit may seem easy, but you will still need to be able to access other belongings in a pinch.
When you store seasonal items, it is best to label items in bins or wrapped items so that you can determine where everything is. Labeling different sections or creating a map of where each item is located.
Simple organization techniques (putting the next season or holiday items at the front and rotating them through the year) will make your storage unit more functional. Stacking or organizing items from large to small will also help prevent heavy items from falling and creating damage to your personal effects. Taking some extra time at the beginning to organize items, will save you hours in the future.
Place In A Climate Controlled Unit
Climate-controlled units from 700 Block Storage are the best way to prevent bacterial growth on your patio furniture. Climate-controlled units stay at a steady temperature and limit humidity in the unit to keep items safe. Climate-controlled storage units are best for metal, wood, and paper belongings. These units help extend the life of your items by keeping them from deteriorating early. Climate-controlled units will also limit the number of repairs that may be needed if you leave furniture exposed to the elements.
Self-Storage From 700 Block Storage
Our storage facility offers units of various sizes to help accommodate many different needs. Located just east of Salt Lake City International Airport, our facility provides easy access to your personal belongings during any season of life. Our facility is top-rated and provides all clients with peace of mind about items, no matter if you are storing them for the long term or the short term. Book your storage unit today!
