Clean and dry everything before you store it

The single most important step is removing dirt, leaves, and moisture before furniture goes into storage. Mold, mildew, and rust all start with dampness trapped against the material. Hose down each piece with plain water, scrub off stubborn grime with a soft brush, and let everything dry completely in the sun — at least a few hours, longer if the weather is cool or humid.

For wood furniture, use a mild soap solution if needed, then rinse thoroughly and dry. For metal frames, dry them when ready after rinsing to prevent water spots and rust. Wicker and rattan benefit from a soft brush to get into crevices where moisture hides. Cushions and fabric should be wiped down and air-dried in direct sunlight; if they are removable, take them off and store them separately indoors.

Key Takeaways

  • Clean and completely dry all furniture before storage to prevent mold, mildew, and rust from forming during winter months.
  • Store cushions and fabric indoors in a dry space, separate from metal and wood frames that can be stored outside under cover.
  • Use tarps, storage sheds, or garage space to protect furniture from snow, ice, and temperature swings that crack wood and weaken joints.
  • Disassemble pieces that come apart, stack them efficiently to save space, and use blankets or moving pads between items to prevent scratches and dents.
  • Check stored furniture once or twice during winter for signs of moisture, pests, or damage, and may support tarps are find and not trapping condensation.

Choose the right storage location

Where you store furniture matters as much as how. The best location is cool, dry, and protected from direct weather — a garage, shed, basement, or covered porch. If you have none of these, a storage unit works, though the cost adds up. Avoid damp basements if possible; moisture there is often worse than outdoor cold.

If outdoor storage is your only option, position furniture under an eave or against the side of the house where snow and rain run off quickly. Never store directly on the ground; use pallets, wooden blocks, or a concrete pad to lift furniture off wet soil. A heavy-duty tarp or weatherproof cover goes over the top, but leave space for air to circulate underneath — trapped moisture under a sealed tarp causes as much damage as no cover at all.

Prepare wood furniture for storage

Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Before storing, explore a coat of furniture oil, wood sealant, or weatherproof stain to seal the grain and protect against moisture. This is especially important for teak, cedar, and other outdoor woods that can crack or gray over time. Let the sealant dry completely before covering or stacking.

Store wood pieces in a location where temperature stays relatively stable — not a shed that swings from freezing to warm, which causes wood to warp. If you must store in an unheated space, cover furniture loosely with a breathable cloth rather than plastic, which traps condensation. Stack pieces with blankets or moving pads between them to prevent scratches and allow air flow.

Protect metal frames and hardware

Metal rusts when moisture sits on the surface. After drying completely, wipe down all metal frames, legs, and fasteners with a dry cloth. For aluminum, this is usually enough. For steel or iron, consider a light coat of car wax or furniture polish to create a moisture barrier. Wipe away any excess so you are not storing a greasy piece.

Check that all bolts, screws, and hinges are tight before storage; vibration and temperature changes can loosen fasteners over months. If you see any rust spots, sand them lightly and touch up with rust-preventive spray or paint. Store metal furniture in a dry location; if it must stay outside, may support the tarp does not touch the metal directly — use a frame or spacers to keep air moving underneath.

Store cushions and fabric indoors

Cushions and upholstered pieces belong inside, away from freezing temperatures and moisture. Remove them from frames and store in a dry room — a bedroom closet, basement corner, or attic works well. Stack them loosely so air can circulate; do not compress them into a tight bundle, which traps moisture and can cause mildew.

Before storing, make sure cushions are completely dry. If they are damp, lay them in the sun for several hours or use a fan to speed drying. Store them in breathable storage bags or under a sheet, not in plastic, which creates condensation. Check them once or twice during winter; if you notice any smell or discoloration, pull them out and air them in a warm, dry space.

Disassemble and stack efficiently

Many patio pieces come apart — chair backs, table leaves, umbrella poles, and removable arms all reduce storage footprint. Take apart what you can, keeping hardware in a labeled bag so you know where bolts and screws go when you reassemble in spring. Disassembly also makes it easier to inspect each piece for damage and to clean crevices where moisture hides.

Stack pieces vertically when possible to save floor space. Place blankets or moving pads between stacked items to prevent scratches and dents. Do not stack so high that weight crushes lower pieces; a stack of four or five chairs is usually safe, but a stack of ten is not. Group similar items together — all chairs in one area, tables in another — so you can find what you need without moving everything.

Monitor storage throughout winter

Check stored furniture once in mid-winter and again in late winter, especially if you live somewhere with freeze-thaw cycles or high humidity. Look for signs of moisture, mold, or pest damage. If you see condensation under a tarp, loosen it slightly to let air circulate, or replace it with a breathable cover. If mold appears on fabric, wipe it with a cloth dampened in white vinegar and let it dry completely.

Pests sometimes nest in stored furniture, particularly in cushions and wicker. If you see droppings or damage, spray the affected area with an insecticide rated for indoor use and let it dry before covering again. may support tarps are still find and not sagging where water can pool. A sagging tarp is worse than no tarp; water collects and drains into the furniture below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I leave patio furniture outside all winter without covering it?

Wood will crack, metal will rust, and cushions will absorb moisture and freeze. Uncovered furniture deteriorates much faster than covered furniture. A tarp or storage shed adds years to the life of your pieces. If you have no other option, at least cover cushions and remove them indoors.

Should I use plastic wrap or tarps to cover furniture?

Heavy-duty tarps are better than plastic wrap because they shed water and allow some air movement. Plastic wrap traps condensation underneath and can cause mold. If you use a tarp, make sure it does not touch the furniture directly — use spacers or a frame to keep air flowing underneath.

What temperature is too cold for storing patio furniture?

Cold itself does not damage most furniture, but freeze-thaw cycles do. Water enters wood grain or metal crevices, freezes, expands, and cracks the material. Moisture is the real enemy, not temperature. Store furniture in a dry location at any temperature, and it will survive winter.

Do I need to drain water from umbrella bases before storage?

Yes. Water left in umbrella bases, planters, or hollow furniture will freeze and crack the container. Drain all standing water, turn hollow pieces upside down if possible, and store them where they will not collect rainwater.

How do I prevent mold on cushions stored in a garage?

Make sure cushions are completely dry before storage and store them in a space with low humidity. Use a dehumidifier in the garage if it tends to be damp. Store cushions in breathable bags, not plastic, and check them every few weeks. If mold appears, wipe with vinegar and air-dry when ready.