When you find yourself spending less time outside on the patio or deck, and start transitioning from warm nights to cool temperatures, it’s time to start putting away your summer gear and storing it safely for the winter.
BBQs and Outdoor Grills
Leftover food and grease can attract animals and pests over the winter, so you’ll want to thoroughly scrub and clean this appliance, inside and out. Remove the grill grates and clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Read this for more tips on grill cleaning. Clean the exterior surfaces as well and give moving parts some lubrication – this will help with rusting if your winters are wet. Disconnect the fuel source or clean out the coal ashes (never throw hot or even warm coals away). When you’re done cleaning and scrubbing, cover the grill or move it to a protected undercover area.
Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand the elements however all furniture (wood, plastic, metal or other) will look better and last longer if you cover it for the winter. Before covering, give all surfaces a dry cloth rubdown or washing to remove dust, dirt, pollen and any stuck on foods or sunblock. If unpainted wood furniture looks weathered from the summer sun, consider giving it a coating of protective oil for the winter. Covering up furniture, or moving it under the eaves, will help keep falling branches, leaves or weather from damaging surfaces.
Outdoor Cushions, Umbrellas and Fabric
Although outdoor fabrics are protected against UV exposure, fading or mold, it’s always a good idea to store them out of the elements for the winter. Before storing them in a dry space like a container or in the garage or attic, take the time to brush off pollen or dirt and spot clean them to remove foods, sunblock or tree sap.
Organic spills, like food, can eventually weaken the material and over time, can lead to permanent stains or marks. Not all outdoor fabrics should be washed in a machine so read the manufacturer’s instructions before laundering. Outdoor umbrellas can also be brushed clean, taking care to remove bird droppings or tree sap before folding it up for the winter.
Outdoor Play Equipment
If the outdoor toys and sandboxes are small enough to move around, take the time to wash them and empty out the sand, dirt or other objects. Cleaning them will help ensure that animals and pests stay out over the winter. Although durable plastics and wood should really be covered over the winter, most people choose not to purchase separate covers for this temporary type of play toys. One thing you can do is group them together and cover them with an all-purpose tarp. Not only will it help keep critters out, it will help keep water out which will keep mosquito issues at bay. Be sure to move play equipment, if you can, off of the lawn and grass.
Sporting Equipment
Sports equipment like bicycles, fishing gear, scooters or balls should be stored in a dry, protected area over the winter. Before putting it away give them a good cleaning to remove dirt, mud or grease. Oil moving parts or take apart and clean small pieces. All of this winterization work will keep these items in great shape until the next time you use it. When putting them away in the garage or storage area, be sure you store them securely so they don’t become a tripping or falling hazard. Read these tips for garage organization.
Pots and Containers
If your summer garden has faded and you find yourself emptying out your pots and containers, it’s a good idea to store them properly for the winter. Scrubbing them with soap and water will help kill any bacteria or lingering pests that could potentially infect your plants next spring. Let them dry completely then stack them safely in a dry area. If you plan on nesting more delicate containers, like terra cotta, be sure to insert a few layers of newspaper in between so that the surfaces don’t scratch or chip one another.
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