How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture During Winter

How to Protect Your Outdoor Furniture During Winter

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Fall maintainance

outdoor furniture with covers on it and a dusting of snow

Take care of outdoor furniture this off -season, so that you can enjoy it in the spring. 

Taking care of your outdoor furniture during the off-season means you can kick back and enjoy it come spring!  As you winterize your lawn and landscape beds, don’t forget about your beloved furniture. Here are some tips to keep it safe and sound all winter long.

A white, blong haired woman brushing the bottom of a n outdoor chair

Don’t forget to clean the bottom of your furniture.

Clean It Up 

First things first—cleaning is key. The techniques will vary depending on the type of furniture you have: 

  • Plastic and Synthetic Rattan: Spray it down with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Make sure everything dries completely before storage to avoid mildew. 
  • Metal: Mix a quarter cup of dish soap with a gallon of hot water. Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away dirt, and if you spot any rust, treat it with a rust neutralizer before cleaning. 
  • Soft Woods (like Wicker): Use a mild oil soap and a soft brush for gentle scrubbing. For stubborn buildup in the weave, a soft toothbrush can work wonders. Avoid power washers and stiff brushes, as they can scar the wood. 
  • Hardwoods (like Teak): A weak solution of laundry detergent and water will do the trick. Again, a soft-bristle brush is your best friend here. 
  • Pillows and Cushions: Clean them with the same weak detergent solution unless the manufacturer recommends otherwise. Some covers are washer-friendly but may not fare well in the dryer, so be sure to check the care instructions. 

Repair Or Replace? 

While you’re at it, take the opportunity to address any issues. Maybe your dog had a little too much fun with a cushion, or perhaps you’ve spotted insect damage or loose screws. If a piece seems beyond repair, don’t hesitate to let it go and find a replacement that’ll make you smile😊 

Seal It Up 

Before tucking your furniture away for winter, consider adding or renewing a sealant. Just make sure the furniture is completely dry to prevent trapping moisture, which can lead to rot. 

  • Wood: Use a polyurethane sealant with UV blockers to keep that wood looking sharp. 
  • Metal: A coat of paste wax will help prevent rust and keep your metal furniture shiny. 
  • Plastic and Synthetic Rattan: Protect them with an outdoor furniture protectant to guard against moisture and UV rays. 
  • Pillows and Cushions: Treat them with a waterproof fabric sealant for extra protection. 
A man brushing sealant onto a wooden piece of furniture

Renew the sealant on your furniture before storing it for the winter.

Store It Right 

The ideal storage spot is safe and dry. If your outdoor area is covered, consider placing your furniture in the center where it’s shielded from rain and snow. Your garage is also a great option.  Store cushions, drapes, and pillows in plastic bags inside animal-proof containers to keep them safe from curious critters. 

Cover It Up 

If your furniture is too heavy or cumbersome to move, invest in a quality outdoor furniture cover. Make sure to cover your cleaned and repaired items, including grills, to prevent rust. There are plenty of covers available—just measure your furniture and find a good fit.  In a pinch, a heavy-duty UV-resistant and waterproof tarp can work, but be sure to anchor it down to prevent it from flapping away in the wind. 

We Can Help! 

While Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping doesn’t handle furniture, we’re here to help you winterize your lawns, irrigation systems, and landscape beds. Give us a call at (816) 825-2524 to schedule your winterization service. Spots are filling up fast, so don’t wait! 

Fall Leaf Clean-Up

Fall Leaf Clean-Up

by | Sep 23, 2024 | Fall maintainance

A house and lawn with fallen leaves all over them

Shade trees are dropping their leaves everywhere.

Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and a glorious shower of leaves from those majestic deciduous trees. But before you dive into that leaf pile like a kid on Thanksgiving break, let’s talk about why those leaves shouldn’t just sit around! 

Reasons to Clean Up Fallen Leaves 

Sure, leaving fallen leaves can seem like a no-brainer, but here are a pile of reasons to grab that rake instead: 

woman raking leaves on yard

Raking leaves is hard work.

  1. Curb Appeal A yard carpeted with leaves can scream “abandoned property” faster than you can say “ghost town.” If you live in an area with a homeowners association (HOA), you might find yourself on the receiving end of a friendly—but firm—“leaf eviction notice.” 
  2. Pest Control Did you know many pesky insects love to hibernate in leaf litter? That’s right! By clearing away those leaves, you’re sending pests a message: “Not on my watch!” Fewer pests in spring means more time enjoying your garden and less time doing battle. 
  3. Weed Prevention Leaf litter can become a five-star resort for weeds, allowing them to sneak in and wreak havoc. They’ll laugh in the face of pre-emergent treatments and mulch, popping up like they own the place! 
  4. Protecting Decks and Patios Leaves left lounging on your hardscapes can hold moisture like an uninvited guest at a party. Over time, that dampness can ruin the seal on your deck and patio and even leave unsightly stains on your concrete. Nobody wants their outdoor hangout to look like a swamp! 
  5. Pool Maintenance Leaves in the pool? No thanks! They’ll clog your drains and turn your sparkling oasis into a leaf-filled lagoon. Trust us—nobody wants to do the backstroke through a salad! 

Fun Ways to Use Fallen Leaves 

Once you’ve raked up those leaves, here are a few playful ideas for what to do next: 

Two dogs playing in a leaf pile

Pets love leaf piles.

  1. Play in Them There’s nothing quite like watching your kids and pets frolic in a pile of leaves! Just be warned: this joy is fleeting, as the pile will spread out faster than your enthusiasm for raking. 
  2. Compost Them Want to be the eco-hero of your neighborhood? Compost those leaves! If composting isn’t your thing, many enthusiastic gardeners will gladly take those bags off your hands. It’s a win-win! 
  3. Dispose of Them Some cities require you to buy special bags for yard waste, while others let you use regular trash bags. Just make sure those leaves get to their final resting place—and not just piled in a corner, staring at you. 

We Can Clean Up for You 

If the thought of raking leaves sounds as appealing as watching paint dry, let Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping come to your rescue! We’ll take care of that leaf clean-up for you, whether it’s the front yard, back yard, or both. We’ll even tidy up those perennial beds for you. Once we’re done, we’ll haul all the leaves and debris and dispose of them for you, so you are left with a clean and manicured landscape. 

For more information or to sign up for our services, give our office a call at (816) 825-2524. Let’s make this fall a little less messy and a lot more fun!