When you live in a climate that experiences the changing of seasons, you know how important it is to prepare for those changes. A large portion of the fall is spent preparing for the harsh winter in Canada: putting winter tires on your car, raking up leaves, switching from sandals to boots, and getting out winter coats, hats and mittens. Canadians know the winter is harsh, and while you are preparing in other aspects for the coming season you should also be preparing your outdoor space to withstand the cold. Here are 8 ways that you can prepare your patio space for the winter so you can enjoy it just as much next year during when it warms up.
1. Clean and store your furniture
You probably invested a decent amount into the furniture for your outdoor space, so you will want it to last for as long as possible. By keeping it clean and storing it inside over the winter it won’t be exposed to the harsh environment and it will stay looking new as ever for years to come. Click here to see our winter covers and protect your outdoor furniture.
2. Scrub all patio cushions
Cushions are prime breeding grounds for gross gunk and can begin to smell over time if they aren’t cleaned properly. At the same time you put away your furniture make sure you scrub down the cushions and then store them in a dry place so they don’t smell like mildew when you take them out next season. For further information on how to keep your patio furniture and cushions clean, feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
3. Clean off your grill
Start by turning on your BBQ grill and heating it up. This will burn off all remaining residue off of the grill and you can scrape it down with a wire brush. You should also remove the grease try – if you have one – and scrub it down with very hot, soapy water and let it dry completely before returning it to your grill. If you have a grill you move inside, be sure to detach the propane (or fuel source) from the BBQ before moving it inside.
4. Store all your garden tools and accessories
If you have small plants that you aren’t bringing inside, it’s best to dump them into a compost pile and then start fresh in the spring. You should also turn any pots upside down so they don’t fill with water, freeze and then crack over the winter; this should also be done with garden hoses.
5. Clean off any hammocks
Take your hammock off the hooks and clean it. Then lay it flat to dry and one it’s dry, fold it and store it in a warm, dry place over the winter.
6. Clean and store umbrellas
If there’s just a bit of dirt on it then you can probably get away with just wiping it down, but if it needs a deeper clean prepare to give yourself enough time to properly clean it. After cleaning it, lay it out in the sun for a couple days so it will completely dry. After it is completely dry be sure to store it in a completely dry place over the winter.
7. Take care of the base/foundation of your patio
After a summer of use it’s almost always a good idea to freshen up the base of your patio. You can either power wash the patio, or just use your regular hose with a concentrated nozzle to rinse off all the dirt and debris that builds up over the summer.
8. Prepare it for use during the winter
If you live in a part of Canada where the winter isn’t too harsh you might still be able to use your patio for part of the winter. If this is the case, and you’re lucky to live in a mild climate, ensure you take care to remove any furniture that is sensitive to moisture or cooler temperatures.
Overall, you can easily ensure your patio stays good as new with a few easy to follow tips that will prepare you for the cold season that’s coming. Most Canadians don’t use their outdoor space during the winter, so make sure you remove everything that is sensitive to the cold and take care to store it in a warm, dry space.
