Do you take the proper actions when it comes to taking care of your outdoor summer furniture and equipment for the winter? If you take the time to prepare these items for winter and store them properly, you can extend the life of them tremendously. Below, you will learn a few tips to help you protect and store your summer goods for the winter to make putting them out for summer easier and make them last much longer before replacement is needed.

Lawn Care Equipment

This is a huge investment to make initially. If you have to purchase your lawnmower and other small tools over and over again because you didn't get things prepared and stored for winter properly, would you really have the money for those wonderful summer vacations?

To prepare the tools for storage, simply give them a good cleaning and set them out in the sun to dry. Failure to remove the dirt and debris from the metal and wood pieces of these tools, they will rust and rot while being stored. Once dry, they simply need to be stored in a dry area protected from the sun. Moisture and sun will cause damage and shorten the life of each tool.

To prepare gas-powered equipment for the winter, add a bit of fuel additive to the gas tanks. Some people say to drain the gas, but doing so will allow the inside of the tank to rust during the months that they're not being used. Be sure to clean all of the grass and debris off of the machines to prevent rust.

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is another costly investment. If you prepare and store it properly, it can last you many, many years before needing to be replaced.

Metal furniture needs to be cleaned and dried before being stored. While cleaning it, look for rust spots and paint that has peeled. Sand any rusted or peeling areas well, spray it with a coat of primer and finish with a coat of paint.

Wood furniture also requires a good cleaning. As you wash it, watch to be sure the water beads up and rolls off of the surface. If it doesn't it will need a fresh coat of waterproofing sealant to protect it from absorbing moisture over the winter.

Cushions need to be fully dried before being packed away. Instead of packing them inside plastic, wrap them in a bed sheet. The sheet will protect them from dirt but allow moisture to escape.

Once you have everything cleaned and prepared for storage, find a good storage space near you. This will give you a place to store it all without it getting in your way over the winter. Check out a website like http://www.storageinphila.com for more information and assistance.