As the chill of winter sets in, it's time to think about winterizing your outdoor furniture to keep it in top condition for next year. The cold, snow, and ice can take a toll on everything from metal frames to wood slats, but with a little prep work, you can protect your investment and ensure your furniture stays looking great through the seasons.
Here’s how you can winterize your outdoor furniture with the help of Gear Hugger’s powerful, sustainable products:
1. Clean and Degrease Your Furniture
Before you protect your furniture, it’s essential to clean and degrease all surfaces to ensure no dirt or grime is trapped under your protective layers. Over time, grease, oils, and debris can cause deterioration, especially when exposed to winter conditions.
Gear Hugger's plant-powered Degreaser is perfect for the job. It breaks down oils, dirt, and buildup quickly and effectively, leaving your furniture clean and ready for protection. Simply spray it onto surfaces like tables, chairs, and frames, and use a soft cloth or brush to scrub away grime.
Items to Clean:
-Metal frames: Patio furniture with metal frames, such as aluminum or steel, can accumulate grease and dirt. Use the Degreaser to ensure a clean surface.
-Plastic or Resin: These materials often collect dirt, bird droppings, or tree sap. Gear Hugger’s Degreaser works on these materials without damaging their finish.
-Wooden slats: Wood furniture can get sticky or gummy with moisture. Clean it thoroughly before applying a protective coat.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Outdoor furniture that has moving parts—like folding chairs, reclining lounge chairs, or umbrella stands—requires lubrication to prevent stiffness and rust over the winter months. Without proper lubrication, parts can freeze or become corroded, leading to costly repairs.
Gear Hugger's multipurpose lubricant is the perfect eco-friendly solution to keep your moving parts working smoothly all season long. It’s gentle on the environment yet powerful enough to lubricate hinges, wheels, and swivel mechanisms, ensuring they remain functional even in freezing temperatures.
Items to Lubricate:
-Folding chairs and tables: Lubricate hinges and locks to prevent rust and ensure they fold and unfold smoothly.
-Swivel or rocking chairs: Apply to the joints where the chair swivels or rocks, preventing squeaks and rust.
-Umbrella stands: If you have a patio umbrella with a crank or tilt mechanism, be sure to lubricate those parts as well.
3. Protect Against Rust and Corrosion
Metal furniture, such as wrought iron or steel patio sets, is especially vulnerable to rust when left out in the elements. If you don’t winterize your metal furniture, moisture can seep into the material, causing oxidation and corrosion. Fortunately, Gear Hugger’s Rust Protection offers a long-lasting shield against the elements and protects metal furniture from corrosion over the winter.
This plant-powered rust protector creates a barrier that repels moisture, preventing rust from forming. It’s the perfect solution for outdoor tables, chairs, and fire pits made of metal.
Items to Protect:
-Metal tables and chairs: Ensure all exposed metal surfaces, including frames and legs, are coated with Gear Hugger’s Rust Protection.
-Fire pits: If you use a metal fire pit on your patio or in the garden, don’t forget to treat it with Rust Protection before winter.
-Grills: If you store your grill outdoors, give the metal components a protective layer to shield against rust and corrosion.
4. Store Your Furniture (If Possible)
If you have the space, storing your furniture in a shed, garage, or under a protective cover is always the best option for protecting it from the harsh winter weather. However, if storage isn’t an option, be sure to cover your furniture with high-quality covers to shield it from rain, snow, and ice. Be sure that the covers are dry before placing them over your furniture to avoid trapping moisture, which could lead to mold or mildew.
*Tip: Even if you don’t have a storage space, treat furniture with Gear Hugger’s Rust Protection and Multipurpose Lubricant before covering it. This extra layer of defense ensures your furniture stays protected even when the covers come off in the spring.
5. Check Your Cushions & Fabrics
Outdoor cushions and fabric furniture are often the most vulnerable to winter weather. Exposure to snow, ice, and even extended rain can cause mildew, fading, and wear and tear.
While Gear Hugger’s products are perfect for cleaning and protecting hard surfaces like metal and wood, for fabric furniture, it's best to use a fabric-specific cleaner and water-repellent spray. Be sure to store cushions indoors during the winter months to prevent them from getting damaged by the cold.
6. Repeat Seasonal Maintenance
Winterizing your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be a one-time event. For extended protection, consider reapplying the multipurpose lubricant or rust protection every season, especially after cleaning your furniture or after it has been exposed to significant weather. Regular maintenance helps keep your furniture looking fresh, functional, and free from rust and damage.
Our products are safe for you, your family, and the environment, making them a smart choice for your winterizing routine. Whether you're preparing your furniture for the cold, protecting your gear from rust, or simply giving your patio a seasonal refresh, Gear Hugger has the eco-friendly solution you need.
For more sustainable home maintenance tips, check out our Eco-Home Guide for easy swaps in your home, garage, and gear!
