Get Your Outdoor Furniture Winter Ready
Preparing your outdoor furniture for the colder months ahead is essential. At Modern Style, our outdoor furniture is crafted from top-quality outdoor materials that provide resistance against various weather conditions. Despite this, taking care of your outdoor furniture regularly not only extends its lifespan but also ensures you can enjoy it for years to come. Our latest blog post features our top tips for preparing your outdoor furniture for the New Zealand winter.
Cleaning and Treating Your Furniture Pre-Winter
As the season transitions into winter, it’s a great idea to give your outdoor furniture a much-needed spa day. Starting this process with some gentle yet thorough cleaning can work wonders. A mix of mild detergent and warm water can be used to wash down each piece. It’s always best to leave your fabric to air dry.
A soft brush or cloth can remove any debris or moisture that has settled, to avert the growth of mould and mildew that thrives in damp conditions. If your furniture has been previously treated with protective products, consider whether a reapplication is necessary to enhance its resilience against the cold months. We recommend the Golden Care Range of Outdoor Furniture Cleaners and Protectors. Their range includes specialised cleaners and protectors designed for every component of your furniture including Sunbrella fabric. See our Care and Maintenance page for detailed information on how to keep your outdoor furniture looking its best for years to come.
Strategic Placement for Furniture That Stays Outdoors
When it comes to outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella is known for its resistance to both fading and moisture, and it’s designed to repel mould and mildew. Quick-Dry foam features pores that facilitate easy air and water flow. Nevertheless, even with these safeguards, constant exposure to moisture and dampness will inevitably cause deterioration in both appearance and structural integrity.
It can be helpful to remove your cushions and keep them inside in particularly bad weather conditions, or if storage space is an issue, identify areas within your outdoor space that naturally offer shelter from harsh conditions, such as under the eaves of your home. By strategically placing your outdoor furniture in a more sheltered area, you create an environment that minimises the winter’s wear and tear, allowing your beloved pieces to maintain their condition.
Covering your furniture is another great option. Some of our product ranges, like the Coast range, have furniture covers available in-store. Designed to shield your pieces from the elements, these covers are a smart investment to protect your furniture during the winter months and beyond.
Warm Up Your Outdoor Area
As the cold and wet winter months approach, it’s tempting to shut the patio door and disregard your outdoor spaces until spring. However, your outdoor area doesn’t always need to be sealed away throughout the winter. With some preparation, it could become a fantastic location during the cooler months, much like in summer.
Transform your outdoor living space into a warm and inviting retreat for yourself and your loved ones this winter. Turn your outdoor area into a year-round destination. Outdoor fire pits and braziers have gained immense popularity as a means to transform outdoor spaces into lively hubs during long, dark, and cold winter nights. With a glass of wine in hand, you can spend time around the warmth of a fire. Alternatively, you could consider using a patio heater to heat smaller sections like outdoor lounges or dining tables. The key is to focus on warming up smaller central areas such as seating and tables instead of heating the entire outdoor space.
Protecting your outdoor furniture from the worst of the winter weather is essential if you want to maintain its original condition and functionality. By taking simple but necessary precautions, you can ensure that your furniture remains in excellent condition for years to come.
FAQs: Outdoor Furniture Care in NZ Winter
If you can, store your cushions inside and cover your furniture. Covers protect against rain, frost, and debris, and they let air flow through to stop moisture from building up.
Make sure your cushions are fully dry before you put them away, clean them often, and keep them in a dry, airy place. Choosing mould-resistant fabrics like Sunbrella and storing them properly in winter helps lower the risk of mould.
Give your timber furniture a good clean, let it dry, and put on a protective oil or sealant before winter. Covering your furniture or keeping it under shelter helps stop moisture damage and warping.
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For more tips on looking after your outdoor furniture in winter, check out these helpful guides:
Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Protected This Winter
Looking after your outdoor furniture now means it will be ready to enjoy when warmer days return. Visit Modern Style to discover quality outdoor furniture, protective covers, and care solutions designed for New Zealand conditions.
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