Now that the days are shorter and the rain is more frequent, we have put together our top tips for preparing and storing your garden furniture for the winter months.

Protecting it from harsh weather helps keep your garden furniture in good condition. By doing this, when the sun comes out again, it makes springtime set-up much faster and easier. Looking after your garden furniture also protects your investment. So, although it’s still best to check the advice given to you by Bramblecrest, Kettler, Hartman or whichever garden furniture brand you opted for, these are our tips on the subject.

Preparing outdoor cushions for winter

What kind of state your garden furniture’s cushions are in by the end of summer tends to depend on how it’s been used – or misused! It may have seen everything from posh evening gatherings to the kids and grandkids trampolining on it with sticky lollies. So, an occasional wipe-down with a soapy cloth will have helped with obvious splodges and wine splashes. But maybe it’s time for an end-of-season clean?

If you picked a garden lounge set with removable cushion covers, now is the time to ‘peel’ them for the washing machine. The washing temperature and timing recommendations should be stated on the cover label.

Some cushion covers are not designed to be removed from the cushions. These need inspecting and wiping with warm water and mild detergent. If the fibre of any material is clogged, use a soft-bristled brush to carefully clean without damaging the material’s weave pattern.

Bear in mind that your cushions need to be completely dry before storing away for the winter. Drying washed covers can be a lot slower process if hanging them out to dry in, say, October. Because of this, it’s tempting to just quickly store them away, unwashed, until the springtime. We would always recommend cleaning them, allowing them to dry fully and then storing them away to maintain their quality.

Preparing garden furniture framework for the winter

End-of-season preparation for storage can take a lot of time or virtually no time at all. This depends on how you take care of the outdoor furniture while using it in the warmer weather.

Nowadays, most garden furniture sets have non-rusting aluminium frames. These are often then powder-coated before being wrapped with durable synthetic weave. This combination gives lightweight, corrosion-resistant furniture frames that stand up to the elements when left outdoors. But 4 Seasons Outdoor, LeisureGrow, Life Outdoor Living and most of the other top manufacturers make custom-fitted covers for each of their different sets.

If you have wooden furniture it is important to wash away any bird droppings, mould or green algae using warm soapy water and a soft brush as to not scratch the wood. Once the wood is clean, allow it to dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If the wood is stored whilst wet, it can cause rot. As per the manufacturer’s instructions, it may be advised to apply protection such as wood oil. When storing it, opt for an indoor area if possible. If you have to store it outside, elevate the legs off the ground using rubber feet or blocks to avoid them getting wet. Use a suitable cover to protect the rest of the unit.

There are also universally fitting garden furniture covers for most of the standard-sized sets and larger accessories. These covers are designed to protect from rain, ice, dust, tree debris and bird mess when your furniture is not actually in use. If you use covers, then your cleaning task will obviously be simpler – and the potential damage from UV rays (coating discolouration and weave cracking etc.) – will be much less.

If you’ve decided not to cover up your furniture in between use, now is probably the time to reach for the hosepipe or pressure washer. Remove the cushions, then give the frames a good brush and/or hose-down. If using a pressure-washer, we still advise keeping a careful distance away, or reducing pressure accordingly, as even paint or other coatings could be damaged.

As with cleaning the cushions, furniture frames should be allowed to dry prior to winter storage or covering.

How to store garden furniture cushions for winter

Winter cushion storage is one of the most important parts of ensuring a long life for your garden furniture.

Probably the best place to store the cushions long-term is somewhere that’s completely dry, preferably in the house. Damp conditions will increase the chances of mould and mildew growing, causing stains and odours that are hard to get rid of. Shed or garage storage for cushions depends on your set-up and location. These can be an alternative, but every springtime we hear tales of mice having made a warm home inside stored cushions during the winter, so make sure to check them regularly.

Storage boxes

Don’t leave your cushions in place over the winter under the furniture covers that you use during the warmer months. Although these covers are waterproof, they can create condensation which will adversely affect the cushions over a period of time.

This leaves an option that we can definitely recommend – manufacturers’ Cushion Boxes. Garden furniture cushions can be safely kept in these over the winter as long as they have a waterproof lining and rigid protective lid.

Remember that your cushions need dry storage in order to stop them from deteriorating over the winter months.

Storing frames

If you have the indoor space, storing the frames of your garden furniture inside during winter months would be a good idea. That’s the case even if it’s in a chilly garage, shed or summerhouse. But if you can’t bring them indoors, what are the best options?

We’ve already mentioned how useful manufacturers’ tailor-made and universally fitting covers are to protect your furniture overnight during the summer. This is also the best way to keep your garden furniture frames protected if they have to be left outdoors all year round. These covers aren’t cheap, but they can keep your furniture looking good for years to come. They will look after your furniture by keeping it clean, tidy and shaded from possible damage caused by UV light.

Guarding against winter weather

If you use a cover, make sure it’s held tight, using its fitting cords to hold it in place. This prevents excess material flapping in the wind, which could cause a tear. Covers may also need a little support at times to ensure the run-off of rainwater before it pools too much. Plus, keep an eye on any build-up of snow as its weight might put pressure on the material.

We advise that you tie all your pieces of furniture together so that the wind doesn’t move them around the patio. This also helps to keep the cover on throughout the winter gales. If you are packing away your garden furniture, don’t forget parasols, fire pits and BBQs. These will also need storing for the winter.

Garden furniture with Teak parts and tables are recommended not to be covered. Teak wood needs to breathe, or it will go mouldy.

If you are looking for a cover, click here, and you can use the filter to search by brand. We also have lots of universal-fit options in store and online.

Looking after garden furniture with Norwich Camping & Leisure

Norwich Camping & Leisure’s superstore is in Blofield, east of Norwich, Norfolk. It has large stocks and displays of garden furniture of all kinds – lounge sets, dining sets, firepit sets, bistro sets and recliners, with the accompanying covers.

We also have one of the UK’s largest seasonal outdoor displays of tents and awnings. There are also indoor showroom displays of camping & caravanning equipment and outdoor clothing. Plus, there’s our fully-stocked garden centre which includes a range of garden arbours.

We have over 50 years of experience, provide practical, friendly advice and offer fast delivery on orders over £100. With our Best Price / Price Match Policy and 0% finance terms why not find us online or come along and see us!