Winter-Proof Your Outdoor Space: Easy Tips for Outdoor Furniture & Umbrellas

The rain has set in, so let’s accept that we’re in for another six weeks of winter, NZ style! Luckily, many of our customers know how to best look after their Outside Space outdoor furniture and cantilever umbrellas, but a little refresher never hurts.

As we often tell our customers in-store, “We provide you with high-spec, low-maintenance powder-coated aluminium furniture and anodised umbrellas made with the highest quality outdoor materials available. But please meet us halfway and commit to some easy, regular maintenance to ensure your pieces continue to look beautiful over time!”

A little bit of prep now can save you a lot of hassle and help keep your outdoor furniture looking its best for years, especially when it’s powder-coated aluminium and Sunbrella/Agora fabric, which is our speciality. So here are our top tips, answering the most common questions we hear about winter outdoor furniture care in NZ:

 

Q1. Do I need to clean my outdoor furniture before winter?

A1. Yes! Over the year, dirt, dust, pollen, leaves and even bird droppings can accumulate on frames and fabric. Neglecting these nasties over winter can lead to permanent staining over time.

Our Simple Cleaning Method:

• For your powder-coated aluminium frames: Grab a soft cloth or sponge and a bucket of warm, soapy water (a mild dish soap works perfectly). Gently wipe down all surfaces. For stubborn spots, a soft brush can help. I find ‘30-Seconds’ spray helpful to remove any last tinge of mould after the soapy wash. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Here is our 26-second handy video to show you how!

 

 

• For your Sunbrella/Agora Fabric Squabs: Our outdoor squabs are highly weather-resistant, meaning the sun doesn’t fade the cushions and rain doesn’t soak the water-resistant fabric. Luckily, they’re also stain-resistant, but they can still collect dust, pollen, dirty rain, and food residue – all of which need to be addressed before winter. Our cushion squabs have removable covers, so simply pop them in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. If they just need a refresh, you can spot clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Make sure they air dry completely.

 

Why clean? Removing grime prevents it from “setting in” over the damp winter months. This is key for long-lasting outdoor furniture.

 

Q2. Should I bring my outdoor furniture inside for winter?

A2. This depends on four factors:

1. If your space is covered or semi-covered.
2. The general winter weather conditions you face.
3. The level of “negative” heavy use it will get over winter.
4. How prepared you are to carry out a big spring clean.

Understanding these factors will help you decide the best approach for your specific outdoor setup.

1.Outdoor Cover vs. Uncovered: Do you have a covered or semi-covered area such as a veranda or pergola that offers some protection from the elements? Our  powdercoated aluminium furniture and Sunbrella/Agora fabric is incredibly durable and designed to handle the elements; So, if you’re lucky enough to have a pergola or fixed cover, you’re a good candidate for leaving our furniture (frames and squabs) outside. Yes, they might get wet from sideways rain, but they probably won’t get bombarded with dirty rain, dead leaves, or detritus in the same way they would in an uncovered environment.

 

2.Winter’s Severity: Secondly, think about how exposed your space is to winter’s worst. Is it a high-wind zone? Do you get a lot of tree debris, or is mud a common issue? Does it get pummelled by strong southerlies, carrying salt spray if you’re coastal? Are there deciduous trees nearby that will drop leaves and branches all over your beautiful setting? Is your area prone to getting quite muddy or waterlogged? All these environmental factors will directly impact how much grime and wear your furniture might accumulate. The more factors and risks, the more likely you need a more robust winter storage plan.

3.”Negative” Winter Use: What kind of tough use will your furniture get over winter? Is the family dog or cat likely to claim a prime spot on the cushions for their winter naps? Factors like paw prints, increased dirt transfer, and general wear and tear from consistent use (often unnoticed and neglected over winter) will play a part in how you decide to protect it –or not – over the New Zealand winter.

4. Your Spring Clean Readiness: And finally, how prepared are you for a potentially bigger spring clean if your furniture bears the brunt of winter’s wrath? This is about your personal readiness. If you’re someone who doesn’t mind a good scrub session come September, then leaving your furniture out might be less of a hassle for you. However, if the thought of tackling a really dirty set of outdoor furniture after months of winter weather fills you with dread, then investing a little time in covering or storing it now could save you a lot of effort later!

One fact remains true: even the toughest furniture benefits from some protection over winter.

Bring Inside if Possible: If you have the space in a garage, shed, or even a covered porch, bringing in your furniture is ideal. This truly extends their life. 

Covers Are Great: If you’re leaving your furniture outside, investing in our custom-fitted, breathable outdoor furniture covers is a great option (Sorry, these are only available to customers of our furniture). But remember, your furniture needs to be clean and dry before covers go on!

 

Q3. What about the winter care of my Outside Space cantilever umbrella?

A3. Your cantilever umbrella definitely needs pre-winter attention. The fabric canopy can be susceptible to mould, mildew, and general wear from prolonged exposure to harsh winter conditions. Here are three main tips:

1. Wash it All: Give your cantilever umbrella canopy, your anodised frame, base, fixings, wheels, and even your rain cover a good clean – including the rain cover zip! Use a soft brush and a mix of warm water and mild soap. Rinse well to remove all soap residue. Make sure it’s completely dry before you put it away to prevent mould or mildew. If you put it away damp, you’ll be dealing with mildew next spring. Full marks if you also use a silicone spray on the wheels and the rain cover zip!
2. Use your umbrella’s rain cover: Our cantilever umbrellas come with compatible rain covers. These protect the Sunbrella canopy fabric from the elements and keep it clean.
3. Consider Your Storage Plan: Once covered, you can either leave it in its base with wheels locked (if it’s not in a high-wind area) or detach it and store it horizontally in a dry place.

Q4. Do I store my outdoor throw cushions and outdoor rugs over winter?

A4. Yes, definitely! While your powder-coated aluminium furniture frames and Sunbrella/Agora squabs are tough, your outdoor throw cushions and outdoor rugs are more likely made of olefin, polyester, or polypropylene. These fabrics have good outdoor properties but they are not Sunbrella/Agora-level tough, and are slightly more susceptible to fading and staining.

• Outdoor Throw Cushions: Our outdoor throw cushion covers are removable, so they can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Allow them to air-dry fully before popping them back into the inner. Then, bring your throw cushions inside for winter to a dry, well-ventilated spot (like a cupboard, storage box, or spare room). This will significantly prolong their lifespan, prevent mould, and keep them looking vibrant.
• Outdoor Rugs (100% PET): Our outdoor rugs are made of 100% PET, and they’re incredibly easy to clean – perfect for winter prep!
  • Shake & Vacuum: First, give it a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris. A quick vacuum with suction-only (no beater bar!) will help too.
  • Hose Down & Scrub: Lay the rug flat on a clean, draining surface. Hose it thoroughly. For tougher spots, use a mild dish soap solution with a soft brush, wait 10 minutes, then rinse completely until all soap is gone.
  • Crucial Drying: This is key! Lay or hang the rug in a sunny, breezy spot until it’s absolutely bone-dry. Dampness equals mould, even on PET, so don’t rush this step. Flip it to ensure both sides dry fully.
    

Store: Roll (don’t fold!), then store in a dry place off the ground. Don’t put anything on top, and do not place it in a non-breathable plastic bag.

 

Q5. Do I need to do anything special for rust prevention?

A5. One of the best things about aluminium outdoor lounge furniture from Outside Space is that it doesn’t rust.  Unlike steel or iron, aluminium is naturally rust-resistant. This means you don’t need to worry about applying rust treatments or special sealants. Just good old cleaning and covering will do the trick! This is why it’s such a popular choice for outdoor furniture for coastal areas in NZ 

Q6. Any last tips for winterising my outdoor space?

 

A6. Sure. Here goes…

• Check for Loose Fittings: While you’re cleaning, take a moment to tighten any screws or bolts on your furniture and umbrella frames. It’s a quick check that can prevent wobbles later.
• Clear the Area: Rake up leaves and clear any debris from around your furniture. This helps with airflow and reduces dampness.

By taking these simple steps, you’re not just “putting away” your outdoor furniture for winter; you’re preserving your investment and ensuring your Outside Space furniture is ready to sparkle as soon as the sun comes out again. Happy wintering! And it is not that many sleeps until 1 September!

 

Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality products and design at achievable prices.