As the cooler temperatures arrive, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning and storing your patio furniture for the season. Outdoor furniture works hard all summer. Between sun exposure, rain, humidity, pollen, food and drink spills, dirt, and everyday use, your patio cushions and furniture can accumulate more than you might realize. Putting everything into storage without cleaning it first can leave stains, odors, mold, and mildew waiting for you when spring arrives.
A little preparation now can go a long way toward protecting your outdoor furniture, extending its lifespan, and making sure everything is clean and ready to enjoy next season.
Here are a few important steps to take before storing your patio furniture for winter:
1. Clean Your Patio Furniture Before Storing It
One of the most important steps in preparing your outdoor furniture for storage is also one that is often overlooked: clean everything before you put it away.
Patio cushions, umbrellas, outdoor rugs, upholstered furniture, and other outdoor furnishings can collect dirt, pollen, oils, food residue, and moisture throughout the season. Even when you don’t see an obvious stain, those contaminants can become more difficult to remove after months in storage.
Depending on the material, outdoor furniture may require different cleaning methods. For upholstered cushions and other fabric furnishings, professional cleaning can help remove embedded dirt and stains while addressing odors and other buildup that household cleaning may not fully remove.
2. Don’t Store Dirty or Damp Cushions
Before storing outdoor cushions and fabric furnishings, make sure they are completely clean and completely dry.
Trapping moisture inside a cushion or placing damp fabric into storage can create an environment where mold and mildew can develop. That’s especially important in humid climates or when furnishings are stored in areas without good ventilation.
Never rush the drying process simply because you’re ready to put everything away. Give cushions and other fabric pieces plenty of time to dry thoroughly before covering or storing them.
3. Take Care of Stains and Repairs Now
Found a stubborn stain, small tear, loose seam, or other damage? Don’t wait until spring to deal with it.
Winter storage is the perfect time to address problems with your outdoor furnishings. Stains can become more difficult to remove over time, while small tears or damaged seams can potentially become worse during handling and storage.
Professional outdoor cushion cleaning and fabric care can be particularly helpful for patio cushions and upholstered outdoor furniture made from specialty fabrics and materials. At HC by Fabricare, our cleaning professionals understand that different fabrics and furnishings require different approaches. We’ll evaluate the material and condition of your pieces and determine the appropriate cleaning process.
4. Consider Professional Patio Furniture Cleaning
Some outdoor furnishings are too valuable, too large, or too delicate for a simple backyard scrub. That’s where professional cleaning can make a difference.
HC by Fabricare has 40+ years of dry cleaning experience, and specializes in cleaning and caring for the furnishings throughout your home—including outdoor cushions, upholstered furniture, area rugs, draperies, and other specialty items.
Our experienced team understands that outdoor fabrics and materials can require specialized cleaning techniques. Rather than treating every piece the same way, we consider the fabric, construction, condition, and type of soiling when determining the appropriate cleaning process.
Professional cleaning before seasonal storage can help you start next spring with outdoor furnishings that are fresh, clean, and ready to use.
5. Store Everything With Next Season in Mind
Once your patio furniture and cushions are clean and completely dry, organize your storage area so everything is protected and easy to access when warm weather returns. Avoid placing heavy items on top of cushions or other upholstered pieces, which can compress or distort them. Keep fabric furnishings protected from dust and moisture, while allowing appropriate ventilation. No space? HC by Fabricare can store your pieces for the season after cleaning.
Why Clean Patio Furniture Before Winter Storage?
It may be tempting to simply put everything away and deal with it next spring. But storing outdoor furniture while it’s dirty can allow stains, odors, dirt, and other contaminants to sit on the fabric for months.
Cleaning your patio furniture before seasonal storage can:
- Help prevent stains from becoming more difficult to remove
- Reduce dirt and buildup that can contribute to odors
- Help protect outdoor fabrics and furnishings
- Reduce the risk of storing moisture along with your cushions
- Extend the useful life of your outdoor furniture
- Make spring setup easier and more enjoyable
Let HC by Fabricare Handle the Cleaning
Your outdoor furniture is an investment. Proper seasonal care can help you enjoy it for many years to come. If your patio cushions, outdoor furniture, rugs, or other furnishings need professional cleaning before winter storage, HC by Fabricare can help. We’ll pick up your items, bring them to our facility for professional cleaning, and return them (or store them!) to you when they’re ready—making seasonal furniture care convenient from start to finish.
Don’t wait until the first warm day of spring to discover that your cushions have stubborn stains or odors. Clean them before you store them and start next season fresh.
Have questions about cleaning your outdoor furniture or cushions? Contact us at 203-957-3838 pr email to learn more about our professional cleaning services.