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Sitting outside on the porch and relaxing on the patio during the fall season, while sipping coffee – is such a hygge feeling. But then comes the winter and the snow. This is why selecting the patio furniture Naples, FL to suit such climatic conditions is important. Outdoor furniture Naples, FL are of different types that can be apt for even the extreme weather conditions.

Preparing the outdoor furniture for storing in winters

The patio furniture needs to be taken in during the winters or the snow might get to the material of it, leading to decay. Of course, the next step is to store the furniture to protect it. But how? Let us take a look at a few steps that can help to ensure that the furniture survives the weather and is ready to use in the spring again.

The first and foremost step is to clean. Now, this might depend upon the material of the outdoor furniture Naples, FL. The different materials (in general) and the ways to clean them are discussed in brief as under –

1. Wood: The wood material of the furniture or game room furniture Naples like a foosball table, or the pool table are probably most vulnerable to moisture. The best way to clean these surfaces is mixing oil based soap and warm water. Scrubbing off the surface softly and rinsing it off with warm water but not entirely hosing it. One only has to clear off the soap and any stains. Towel drying it and allowing it to completely dry off will allow the furniture to be ready for the next parts. Once all is clean and dry, you can sand it and paint it. The furniture is now ready for some furniture oiling that will keep it from splitting or brittleness.
2. Teak: Teak is a more durable and weather resistant material amongst the different woods. But it's high natural oil content makes It vulnerable to an attack of mold and mildew. For most cases, using a combination of vinegar and water and soft brushing across the surface of the wood is good enough. If it still isn’t clean, using a mixture of bleach, laundry detergent and water does the job. After drying, teak furniture should be applied with linseed or tung oil.
3. Plastic: While it is easy to clean plastic furniture with a hose, low temperatures do make it very brittle. Usually hosing it down with towel drying is enough to take care of plastic furniture.
4. Wicker: The cleaning for this material type depends on if it is one, natural wicker, which is thin and more liable to winter damage or two, synthetic wicker, which is resin based and more durable. Washing natural wicker should be only done occasionally, using a soft cloth with a mild soap and warm water solution with gentle scrubbing. After scrubbing, a light spray of water using a spray bottle is best for rinsing. Hard scrubbing or too frequent washing of natural wicker can cause splintering so it’s best to be aware of that. Natural wicker should be dried immediately after a wash, usually by towel drying or placing in the sun. Synthetic wicker, on the other hand, is more weather and stain-resistant. A good spray down with a hose and immediate drying is enough to take care of synthetic wicker. For tougher stains, use a mix of mild soap and warm help.
5. Aluminum: Its entirely rustproof quality has a significant advantage over other materials. But it still needs care as the drainage holes in this furniture can sometimes lead to water accumulation and freezing during winters, thus weakening the frame. Coating with automotive wax can help add an extra level of protection. Cleaning can usually be done using a small amount of mild detergent with warm water and scrubbing down the furniture. Cracks that might appear after drying will need to be painted over.
6. Wrought Iron: Wrought iron is susceptible to rust and needs extra care during the cold seasons. Always apply a coat of automotive wax and rust neutralizer to add an extra layer of protection. Even with a rust-resistant coating, a layer of rust can develop on them, which needs to be removed using fine-grit sandpaper before any cleaning can begin. For cleaning, just wiping it down with a cloth and using a mixture of mild soap and warm water is good. It might also expose some scratches after drying, which need to be touched up with some paint.
7. Natural Stone: Use a soft cloth or sponge and scrub down natural stone furniture along with a solution of mild detergent and water. Sometimes, using just water is also enough, especially if there isn’t any visible stain on it. Stone needs treatment with a stone sealer, especially to avoid moisture seeping into the pores and freezing. This also helps prevent stains.
8. Outdoor Fabrics: Outdoor fabrics resist most outdoor elements like moisture and rain. They are still vulnerable to stains and need cleaning occasionally. While curtains, pillows, and cushions can be machine washed, refer to the manufacturer’s label for the care instructions. For outdoor umbrellas, brushing with a soft brush or rag using a mix of detergent and warm water is good. The solution should be allowed to sit for at least 15 minutes before rinsing off with water.

The second step is storage. Now, one might wonder that leaving the durable material furniture might not be a bad idea. But playing safe never hurts anyone; it might only make the furniture more durable.

• Wrapping them up into plastic or tarp: Plastic or tarp wrapping is usually the simplest method to protect your outdoor furniture. But care should be taken about the breathability issue with these materials, wherein if water gets in, it won’t be able to escape. This can allow mold and mildew to grow. Make sure the wrapping is secured correctly to the furniture to prevent this problem.
• Covering them using covers: Use a breathable fabric cover like mesh or a cover with vents. This helps to let the furniture breathe while it’s wrapped up and doesn’t block the contact with the outer air, nor does it expose it to the air completely. This way, the safety of the furniture is maintained.
• Stacking them indoors in the Garage or sheds: This is the easiest and a no-brainer option. Stacking the furniture inside the garage or into sheds is always easier. The only concern here is that you might still need to cover these us to save them from any dust or residue leaving a mark on them.

The Bottom Line

Patio Furniture Naples, FL is something everyone loves to use during the beautiful and breezy months of spring, summer, and fall. But it’s equally important to ensure that these are taken care of properly to allow this furniture to live their life. One can use these tips and save their furniture from the wear and tear the winter season brings.