Winter’s here, and if your garden furniture is still outside, it’s time to act as experts warn cleaning and storing tables, chairs, and barbecues now prevents rot, rust, and mould
If you are ticking off winter jobs, this is one task that should not be ignored(Image: Getty)
Winter is here and whilst you probably can’t imagine sitting outside in your garden right now, when the first warm spring day arrives and all your garden furniture is soggy and mouldy, it will not be fun.
If your garden furniture is still sitting out there, experts say it is time to act fast. Home specialists warned that outdoor tables, chairs and barbecues should have been packed away by October 24 to avoid rot, mould and rust. Anyone who missed the deadline is urged to store items as soon as possible to limit further damage.
If you are ticking off winter jobs, this is one task that should not be ignored. While there is plenty to tackle indoors, garden furniture is especially vulnerable once prolonged cold and damp set in, The Sun reports.
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It’s time to protect your garden furniture from the elements(Image: Getty)
According to the home experts at Love Property, all outdoor furniture should be cleaned before it is stored away for winter. That includes everything from garden tables and chairs to barbecue equipment.
Experts say items should be wiped down, dried thoroughly and kept in a dry place to prevent rust, rot and long term damage. Even furniture covers can trap moisture if items are not properly cleaned first.
The exact date
To pinpoint the best time to store outdoor furniture, Ruggable reviewed weather and rainfall patterns across the UK’s capital cities over the past five years. The data concluded that October 24 was the ideal cut off point for putting garden furniture away in the UK.
Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable, explained why timing matters.She said: “It’s essential to bring your furniture indoors before they are exposed to prolonged rain, especially metal items such as tables and chairs that are prone to rust and corrosion.”
With that date now long gone, acting with haste could save your outdoor equipment.
Outdoor tasks during the colder months
Garden furniture is not the only thing homeowners should be thinking about at this time of year. Experts also recommend clearing chimneys, bleeding radiators and testing central heating systems before temperatures drop further.
Draught proofing your home and dealing with any early signs of mould can also help avoid bigger problems later on. Raking up fallen leaves and keeping gutters clear can prevent blockages and water damage during heavy winter rain.
Keep the tools healthy
It is not just furniture that needs attention before winter. Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER, says many people forget about their garden tools once summer ends.
Speaking to Fabulous, he said: “Garden tools often get put away at the end of summer without much thought, but components like lawnmower blades, string trimmer lines and pruners shouldn’t be overlooked. Paying attention to these details now will not only protect your equipment during the colder months but also make next year’s jobs far easier. Neglecting these areas can shorten tool lifespan, compromise performance, and ultimately create more work in the garden.”
Lawnmower blades
Nick said sharp blades are essential for a healthy lawn. A dull blade will tear blades of grass rather than cut them which can be damaging and leave the garden open to pests and disease. As a general guide, blades should be replaced every season or after around 25 hours of use. Before storage the blade should be cleaned, plus you don’t want to have to deal with it when you get the lawnmower out in the summer.
String trimmer line
Trimmer line naturally wears down and can fray or snap with use. Nick recommends replacing it every few uses, or sooner if it starts to break. Before storage, replace the line and wipe down the spool to prevent tangling or damage over winter.
Pruners
Sharp, clean pruners make cutting back plants easier and reduce damage to stems. Before putting them away, wash off sap with warm soapy water, dry thoroughly and oil the blades to prevent rust. If they are blunt, sharpen or replace the blade if possible.
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