Self-storage tips: How to prep your outdoor furniture for summer

Not to jinx it, but it might be safe to say that we are FINALLY out of winter weather here in Southeast Michigan. Thankfully, that means it's time to break out the outdoor furniture from your U-Lock-It self storage unit. So picture this: you're sitting in your backyard, sipping an ice tea, listening to the summer birds sing, waiting for friends to join you for a barbecue. Sounds nice, right? But before we can make this warm weather fantasy a reality, we have to prep your outdoor furniture.

Since patio furniture is one of the most common items people choose to put in self storage, we thought it would be helpful to share some tips on how to prep your outdoor furniture for the summer. Happy relaxing, friends!

Check for damage

Checking for damage on your outdoor furniture might seem obvious, but you don't want your neighbors coming over for a backyard dinner to find out one of the chairs has a crack. Unfortunately, most people refuse to accept the end of summer and wait until the last minute to put their lawn furniture into storage. For this reason, minor damages from summer use go unnoticed.

Give your outdoor furniture a once-over and determine if you need to make any repairs or even replace your set pieces. For example, if your furniture is wooden, you can repair small cracks with wood filler.

When it comes to repairs, YouTube is your friend. You can find videos for every kind of repair you can imagine. For instance, watch this video on how to replace the fabric on your patio sling chair.

Dealing with rust

Rust happens. Thankfully, you can avoid rust becoming a serious problem by removing it as soon as you see it. Sandpaper is your best bet at removing the rust, followed by a rust-inhibiting sealer such as wax or primer. Check out these affordable tips on removing rust stains from your lawn furniture.

Cleaning tips

Unfortunately, from dirt to bird poo, patio furniture can acquire a lot of grime over the months. If you have metal lawn furniture, a scrubber and some water are likely all you'll need. If there are some tough to wash areas, mild dish soap will do the trick. Ensure your furniture dries before placing it in the sun to avoid spots. As for wood furniture, you can keep using the mild dish soap or opt for a plant-based cleaner (especially if you have teak furniture).

And for the cushions, we encourage you to read the tags to learn how to clean them. You can wash most cushion covers in the washing machine, but if not, we suggest spot cleaning with a rag and water.

We hope these tips for preparing your lawn furniture for the spring are helpful. Odds are you'll find your furniture in good shape since you kept it safely in a self storage unit.

If you're looking for affordable self-storage in Belleville with 24-hr gate access, then look no further than U-Lock-It. Please call us today for summer availability and be added to our wait-list.

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