As winter tightens its grip across the UK, homeowners are being issued a stark warning: neglecting your garden furniture now could lead to costly damage by spring. Experts stress that a few minutes of action can prevent tables, chairs, and barbecues from succumbing to rot, rust, and mould during the cold, damp months.
The Critical Deadline You May Have Missed
According to analysis by home specialists, there was an ideal cut-off point for safeguarding outdoor items. Ruggable reviewed five years of weather data for UK capital cities and pinpointed October 24 as the optimal date to store garden furniture away. This timing aims to avoid prolonged exposure to autumn rains that accelerate corrosion and decay.
Cassandra Leisz, Creative Director at Ruggable, emphasised the urgency, particularly for metal items. She stated: “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.” While that date has passed, acting immediately can still limit further deterioration.
The Simple Five-Minute Routine to Save Your Furniture
The home experts at Love Property outline a straightforward but crucial process. Every piece of outdoor furniture, including barbecue equipment, must be cleaned, wiped down, and dried thoroughly before being moved to a dry storage area. Skipping this step is a common mistake; even using furniture covers can trap moisture against dirty surfaces, inadvertently promoting mould growth.
This preventative measure is not just about tidiness. Once sustained cold and damp weather sets in, untreated wood can rot, metal can rust irreparably, and fabrics can become permanently stained with mildew. Taking swift action is a simple way to protect your investment and ensure your garden is ready for enjoyment when warmer weather returns.
Beyond Furniture: Winter-Proofing Your Entire Garden
Garden furniture isn't the only casualty of winter neglect. Homeowners should also consider a broader seasonal checklist to avoid larger issues:
- Clearing gutters and raking leaves to prevent water damage and blockages.
- Bleeding radiators and testing heating systems before deeper cold arrives.
- Draught-proofing windows and doors to improve energy efficiency.
- Addressing any early signs of indoor mould promptly.
Don't Forget Your Garden Tools
Often overlooked, garden tools also require end-of-season care. Nick Ee, product and training manager at BLACK+DECKER, warns that neglecting them can shorten their lifespan and hinder performance next year.
He advises a three-point check for key tools:
- Lawnmower Blades: Dull blades tear grass, leaving lawns vulnerable to disease. Blades should be cleaned and sharpened or replaced after roughly 25 hours of use.
- String Trimmer Line: Replace worn line before storage and wipe the spool clean to prevent tangling and damage.
- Pruners: Clean off sap with warm, soapy water, dry completely, and oil the blades to guard against rust. Sharpening blunt blades now makes spring pruning far easier.
By dedicating a small amount of time to these tasks, you can ensure your garden furniture, tools, and outdoor space survive the winter unscathed, saving you money and effort in the long run.
