Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last



Get Landscape and Gardening Info on mps-landscaping-gardening.com. Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last topic will increase your understanding on Landscape and Gardening Info. We at mps-landscaping-gardening.com only provide news, articles, information in Landscape and Gardening Info. Landscape and Gardening Info at mps-landscaping-gardening.com provides the most up to date news and articles. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

In many parts of North America, the end of "porch season" has arrived. Whether you're clearing out for some oncoming bad weather, closing up the cottage for the season, beating the vandals on devil's night, or just retreating to your nest for the winter, you'll want to store away all of your outdoor items with maximum care.

Dirt particles can settle deep into fabric and wood fibers and making tiny cuts that hasten their deterioration. Untreated soiled spots can become irremovable stains. Moisture can breed mold, mildew and rot. Rust will spread, eating through metal. So proper storage will not only make your spring set-up more pleasant, it will prolong the life of your furnishings and décor.

The first step is to clean and dry all pieces.

  • Remove any loose dirt and dust from all pieces. For cushions and wicker furniture, use a vacuum or a soft-bristle brush. Then attack any specific problems.

  • If there are mildew spots from a humid summer, remove them with a bleach and water solution (1/4 cup bleach to 3 gallons of water).

  • Remove rust spots on metal frames; sand the area lightly to remove as much as possible.

  • Use toothpaste applied with a dry cloth to get rid of scuff marks on vinyl furniture or strapping.

  • Once specific areas have been treated, wash all pieces with mild soap and water and rinse well. If you have cedar furniture that is dingy, you can use a pressure washer set on low to help restore its lustre. Umbrellas covers may need to be scrubbed with a bristle brush.

  • Wipe down all pieces with a dry cloth and then leave to thoroughly air dry. This is probably the most important step.

Secondly, repair and protect surfaces.

  • Apply vinyl protectant to vinyl straps.

  • Oil moving parts such as wire umbrella frames and hinges by spraying silicone on the joints.

  • Use furniture paste wax to polish wooden umbrella poles.

  • Apply car wax to non-textured metal finishes, and baby oil to textured ones. This will help maintain the surface.

  • If there were rusted spots that you have cleaned up, apply touch-up paint or clear lacquer.

Third, store your items away.

  • If you live in a climate with long snowy winters, seriously consider indoor storage of your furniture & decorations for the season, whether that's in your back shed, a neighbour's garage, or a rented storage facility.

  • If you cannot store your items inside away from the brunt of winter's fury, then do cover them - but make sure the furniture is dry before you cover it! If it is not, the plastic tarp can promote mold growth. Inspect the tarp carefully for tears so that water and snow do not leak in.

  • Some furniture, such as teak benches, cedar chairs and wrought iron table sets are designed so that they can be left in the elements year round. If you have some of these furnishings and will not be using them in the winter, bring them in if you have the space. Yes, they will endure the winter, but winter protection will extend their life.

So take some time now to store away your outdoor paraphernalia. It will pay big dividends next spring.



Largemouth Bass Extreme. - Top Secret Techniques Of The Professionals Exposed. Highest Conversion Rate In The Outdoor Marketplace. 75% Commissions.
Fix That Glove! - eBook on how to quickly repair/restore baseball and softball gloves.


Article Index: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33

More Articles:


1. Patio Maintenance in Fall By Linda Jenkinson
Ahh fall! Crisp air, beautiful colors, and -- oh no! -- winter preparation! It's true that fall brings many household maintenance tasks, but the pleasant weather makes it enjoyable to be outside, and the time spent maintaining your patios and yards will add years to their life span.Patio maintenance is particularly important in the fall. Patios which are made of wood should be treated with a waterproofing substance to protect them from the winter weather. This is not a big project -- it ca…

2. Soil Basics - Creating Fertile, Healthy Soil By Francis Kilkelly
Have you ever looked at the soil in your garden and considered it as anything more than soil? If not you should because there is a lot more there than meets the eye. It performs many functions that you may not be aware of and having good quality soil in your garden is essential for your plants. In this article we will look at the functions of soil, what different types there are and finally some ways to make it healthier. Functions of Soil The most immediately apparent function of soil is a m…

3. You Can't Beat Perennials For Glorious Color All Season Long By Yvonne Cunnington
When you start gardening with perennials, it's easy to think that all you have to do is get your plants into the ground, and with the exception of weeding, watering and cutting back, your garden will be done. But here's what really happens: in the first year your new plants are underwhelming – the clumps small, the flowers sparse. By the second year, your perennials have grown fuller and have more flowers, but in the third season – watch out – your plants look like they're on steroids, and yo…

4. Christmas Lights Aren't Just For Christmas Anymore! By Branka Ilech
Who says that Christmas lights are just for Christmas trees? In fact, why should they be limited to just one month of the year? Renowned designers across the globe are using miniature white lights-traditionally used only for Christmas time-to create unique and unforgettable statements in their client's homes.But you don't have to be a designer (or hire one!) to learn how to use Christmas lights in your home décor. These versatile decorating tools can be used to create a whimsical look in a …