Wicker furniture is an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces like patios and decks. Not only is it stylish and attractive, but it’s also durable and weather-resistant.
With proper care and maintenance, your outdoor wicker furniture will last for years to come. But, before you can even think about enjoying your outdoor furniture, you’ll need to know how to properly store it for the winter months when it’s not in use.
Clean Your Furniture
Before you store your outdoor wicker furniture away for the season, make sure you give it a thorough cleaning first. Vacuum up any dust and debris from the surface of the furniture, then use a mild soap solution and a soft cloth or sponge to wash away dirt and grime buildup. Rinse off any soap residue with clean water, then let the pieces air dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Treat Your Furniture
Once your outdoor wicker furniture is completely dry, you’ll want to treat it with a protectant like polyurethane or teak oil. This will help prevent cracking or fading due to weather exposure while in storage. Use a soft cloth or brush to apply a thin layer of protectant over each piece of furniture.
Find an Appropriate Storage Space
When selecting a space for storing your outdoor wicker furniture for the winter months, be sure to choose one that is dry, cool and free from direct sunlight. A basement or garage is usually an ideal spot as long as there isn’t any excess moisture present in either location. If you don’t have access to either of those areas in your home, consider investing in waterproof tarps or covers that can be used outdoors.
Cover Your Furniture
Once you have identified an appropriate storage location for your wicker furniture, take measures to keep it protected while in storage. Cover each piece using large sheets of plastic drop cloths or tarps that are specifically designed for storing patio furniture. This will help keep dust particles away while also protecting against extreme temperature changes that could damage the finish.
Conclusion:
Storing outdoor wicker furniture correctly during the off-season months will help ensure its longevity so that you can continue to enjoy it year after year. Clean and treat each piece with protectant prior to storage, then find a dry storage space such as a basement or garage where temperatures remain consistent throughout the season. Cover each piece with waterproof tarps or covers once everything has been loaded into its new home.
