How to Look After Garden Furniture in Winter

How to Look After Garden Furniture in Winter

Knowing how to look after garden furniture in winter saves you time, money and a lot of scrubbing come spring. The clocks have changed, the evenings are drawing in, and it’s the perfect moment to give your outdoor furniture a little care before the wet weather arrives.

The good news is that it’s simple. Here’s our guide to getting your teak, rattan and metal furniture through winter in great shape.

 

Should You Leave Garden Furniture Outside in Winter?

It depends on the material. Teak is naturally dense and oily, which gives it excellent protection all year round, so it can stay outside. Other materials, and anything with cushions, benefit from a little more help. Wherever you can, store cushions and parasol canopies indoors, and if you have a shed or garage, use it for lighter pieces.

How to Look After Garden Furniture in Winter: Step by Step

1. Give it a clean first

Dirt and damp trapped under a cover cause most winter problems. Wipe furniture down with warm water and a mild soap, rinse with a hose and dry it with a clean towel. Choose a dry, mild day if you can.

2. Make sure it’s completely dry

Never cover or store furniture while it’s damp. Let it air dry fully first.

3. Bring cushions and parasols indoors

Cushions soak up moisture and are the first thing to go mouldy. Store them somewhere dry. Close, secure and cover or store parasols, especially large cantilever ones, which can catch the wind.

4. Cover it with something breathable

A waterproof cover that lets air circulate keeps off rain, leaves and bird droppings without trapping moisture. Fit it loosely, so air can move underneath.

5. Move it away from trouble spots

Avoid positions under gutters, next to drains or where water collects. Raising furniture slightly off the ground can also help it stay dry.

Winter Care for Teak, Rattan and Metal

Teak: teak is naturally oily, so it needs no maintenance, and it will weather to an attractive silver-grey over time. A gentle clean before winter is all it needs. If you see mould or mildew, a mild soap clean is a good start, and our teak guidance suggests vinegar for stubborn spots. You don’t need to treat it before winter unless you want to keep the golden colour.

Rattan: wipe over with warm, soapy water, dry thoroughly and store cushions inside. Check the care advice that came with your set.

Metal: wipe it down and dry it, and check for scratches or chips so you can touch them up before moisture gets in.

Benches, Kitchens and Fire Pits

• Benches: our teak benches are made from oily, weather-resistant timber, so a clean is usually plenty. Recycled plastic benches need very little attention beyond a wipe with a damp cloth.
• Outdoor kitchens: keep worktops and appliances clean, and cover grills and equipment when not in use. Follow the manufacturer’s advice for your BBQ.
• Fire pits: make sure they’re cool, clean and covered or stored before winter. See our BBQs and fire pits.

Winter Garden Furniture Checklist

Clean all furniture

Dry it completely

Bring cushions indoors

Close and cover or store parasols

Cover with breathable covers

Check furniture isn’t under gutters or on damp ground

Look it over once or twice over winter, especially after storms

Keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for storm warnings, and give things a quick check afterwards.

Not Sure What Your Set Needs?

Call us on 01564 793652 or visit our Warwickshire showroom at Yew Tree Farm Craft Centre in Wootton Wawen. Browse our teak furniture, rattan furniture and metal furniture, or see our current offers.

 

FAQs

Can teak garden furniture stay outside in winter?
Yes. Teak is naturally oily and weather-resistant, though a clean before winter is a good idea.

Do I need to cover garden furniture in winter?
Not always, but a breathable cover helps keep it clean. Always make sure furniture is dry first.

Should I store cushions indoors?
Yes. Moisture is the biggest risk for cushions.

How do I clean teak furniture?
Use warm water and mild soap, rinse with a hose and dry with a towel.