How to winterise your outdoor fabric in simple steps

Outdoor fabrics take a beating in the season of colder weather. The investment in proper winterising will keep your cushions fresh during the cold and frosty times, leaving you with soft plump pads for spring. Step 1: The right preparation for storage.

Clean Thoroughly First

Never store dirty fabrics. Moisture and mildew are drawn to dirt, grime & organic matter in storage. Follow the washing instructions of your cushions and fabric items only: Wash and rinse with mild detergent to remove dirt.

Ensure Complete Drying

This step cannot be rushed. Mould and mildew are birthed from folds in damp fabric left for months. Turn frequently and sun dry all the items. Inner cushion cores hold moisture the longest. If you are unsure, wait an extra day. For Fabric for outdoor furniture, visit https://extex.co.uk/

Treat Stains Before Storage

Address any remaining stains now. By spring, the stains will have hardened and mostly bonded to one another during storage. Use proper stain remover and let the treated region dry off entirely.

Choose Storage Wisely

Avoid plastic bags as they trap moisture. Avoid using plastic and store your fabric in breathable fabric storage bags or a cotton sheet instead. The trick with using plastic containers is to use ones that have ventilation holes, and packets designed for absorbing excess moisture.

Add Moisture Protection

Put some silica gel packets or activated charcoal sachets in the containers which you are going to store. This soaks up any moisture while avoiding mould growing all winter-long.

Select the Right Location

Store in dry, well-ventilated spaces. Garages are fine, as long as they’re dry; wet garages should be avoided as well as damp sheds or basements. High storage to protect fabrics from floor moisture.

Full winterising requires just an afternoon of your time and spares the cost of replacing expensive garden fabrics. Your spring self will appreciate this.