Fall storage tips for your patio furniture.
Finding Storage
Your storage area can be most anywhere, provided that your patio furniture is protected from the elements and isn’t at risk of being invaded by rodents seeking a place to build a nest for the winter. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to prepare your furniture for colder weather:
Prepare the grill — Your grill has accumulated much gunk since spring and should be cleaned inside and out. Remove the propane tank and close the valve. Place utensils away and cover the grill. Wheel it into your garage, inside of a shed or leave it outside covered.
Clean your furniture — Dust, dirt and debris will gather on your patio furniture, and needs to be cleaned off. Remove the cushions and find a place inside of your home where they can be wrapped and stored. Hose down the furniture and dry. Stack chairs and cover with plastic if placed in a shed. Do the same for the table and umbrella.
Place toys away — Children’s toys can be put in a sand box, covered and left outside for the winter. Secure the top to the box to ensure that wind will not blow the lid off or that moisture will not invade, ruining what is inside. Dispose of old sand first, wash out the sand box, dry it and then place the toys inside.
Prepare tiki torches — Popular with some homeowners are tiki torches, making for a great way to light the patio area on summer nights. Before storing, drain each torch of its fuel and examine each one for leaks and cracks. Make repairs or dispose of old torches. Clean each torch with a mild cleanser, dry, cover and put away. Electric lights simply need to be disconnected, wrapped and stored.
Outside Storage
If you are considering leaving anything outside, even if properly covered, consider what moisture can do to it. Ice can accumulate inside, with constant freezing and thawing ruining what you own. Minimally, wrap everything left outside tightly with a tarp or plastic sheeting, tying same to ensure that nothing can get inside. Check everything periodically throughout the winter, by brushing off snow and looking for evidence of rodents taking up residence.
See Also — How to Prepare Your Garage for Winter
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