GardenForever.com - Table and Chair Covers

More and more, gardeners are investing in turning their outdoor spaces into beautiful exterior living rooms, with as much art, design, and furniture as the indoor versions. These offer great retreats for the summer, spring, and fall; however, real damage can be done very quickly if proper care is not taken during winter months. High winds, dirt, grime, and cold can damage your outdoor furniture, and as a result, you may need to purchase new pieces within only a few years. Use the following step-by-step guide to help you protect your patio furniture so that you can have a great backyard retreat year after year.

Step 1: Clean Your Patio Furniture

This step depends on what sort of material your furniture is made of. Metal furniture requires very little cleaning. You can simply spray with a bit of water or mild soap and you should see a clean surface. Be wary of any rust — consider purchasing rust-resistant paint should you want to extend the life of your chair or patio table. Cover the area with the paint and the product should outlast most other types of materials. Hardwood furniture can last longer once you clean it with a penetrating oil to help resist moisture. Wicker is probably the most difficult material to clean: Spray it with a hose, and for more difficult cases, use a soft brush and mild soap to work out stubborn areas of moss or mildew. Cushions, canvases, or vinyl covers for outdoor furniture also require cleaning — make sure you allow enough time for it to dry before storing.

Step 2: Protect Your Items with Vinyl Covers

For areas where winter is less extreme, patio chair covers and outdoor table covers may be optimal for protection. On the other hand, regardless of whether you plan on continuing to the next step and storing your furniture, these vinyl covers should be used during foul weather or the off-season. Water-resistant patio table covers with UV protection to help prevent fading are optimal when protecting your outdoor table. Covers that protect both chairs and tables are available, so check the size for what you might need.

Step 3: Storing Your Items During Harsh Weather

For those living in areas that have more harsh winters, storage is the best option. When storing tables, consider also storing them with outdoor table covers on them to prevent damage from moving and from any unwanted moisture from the storage space. Definitely consider storing wooden furniture or furniture with any type of tiling or mosaics, as the fluctuations in temperature can cause damage to these types of pieces. Note that items left outside will be put under considerably more strain that items that are stored, so plan carefully. Also, always be wary of excess moisture.

If you want to extend the life of your outdoor furniture, contact MJJ Sales. They have a large selection of vinyl covers, from umbrella covers, to grill covers, to table covers, to patio chair covers. They provide quality, affordable pieces that can help you protect your furniture and save money!