By Mary Beth Breckenridge
Beacon Journal staff writer
Properly preparing and storing your outdoor furniture helps ensure it will be in good shape and ready for use when spring comes.


Here are some tips from Susan Dovel, patio manager for B&G Fireplace and Patio in Jackson Township:

• Clean your furniture so bird droppings, pollutants and other kinds of dirt won’t damage the finish over the winter. You can use a product made for outdoor furniture, or create your own cleaner by mixing one-quarter cup liquid dish detergent and one-quarter cup household bleach with 1 gallon of water. Use a nylon brush on outdoor wicker to get into all the little spaces.

• Tip the furniture so any water that’s gotten inside the frame will run out through the drainage holes. If you don’t, the water could freeze and expand, possibly splitting the seams.

• Check for cracked or damaged end caps that could let in moisture during the winter, and replace them.

• Furniture frames with a smooth finish can be coated with car wax for extra protection. Don’t wax textured frames, however, because you won’t be able to get the wax out of all the little depressions.

• Aluminum furniture and tempered-glass table tops can be kept outdoors during the winter, but protect them with good covers to keep the finish bright and keep sling seats in good condition. Before you cover, though, it’s a good idea to spray the furniture with a mildew inhibitor so trapped moisture doesn’t cause mildew to grow on warm days.

• Teak furniture can be left outdoors uncovered because the teak’s natural oils will protect it. If you wish, you can use a teak brightener to clean and lighten teak that has grayed, but don’t expect it to return to a like-new color. To slow the natural graying process, apply a teak sealant, but be sure to clean the furniture first so you’re not sealing in dirt.