Fall is upon us — summer days have given way to cool, crisp mornings and colorful natural surroundings. While you may still be able to enjoy your outdoor patio furniture, there will soon come a time when it’s simply too cold to sit outside. Home experts advise if you want to keep your furniture looking good and survive those frosty winters, take care to make sure it’s protected. These easy steps can add years to your investment and keep the weather-worn look at bay.

Before we get into tips for specific types of furniture, here are a few general recommendations for your outdoor patio furniture. One of the most recommended steps is to bring your furniture inside during the winter if you have space in the garage, a shed, or a spare bedroom. For many families, that isn’t feasible so the next best choice is to store the cushions inside, covered and away from the elements. Store them in plastic or boxes for added safety. Then cover the frames — many types of coverings will protect your furniture from freezing rain, snow, and ice. Look for covers that fit snugly and are waterproof.

Before putting your furniture to bed for the winter, clean it and then protect it with a proper sealant. The clean-and-protect method you use will depend on the type of material of the furniture. Make sure you use the proper products and check with the manufacturer if you are unsure what to use. This Mold Defender Outdoor Furniture Spray protects against mold and mildew and works on many surfaces.

How you prepare your furniture for its long winter sleep will depend on the material it’s made of. Here are some popular types of furniture and the appropriate preparation needed:

Wood

Once you have cleaned your furniture with mild soap and water and then dried it off, apply a sealant that’s recommended for your wood type before storing or covering it for the winter. Wood is susceptible to moisture, and when water freezes it expands and can cause cracks and damage to your furniture. While a lot of outdoor wood furniture comes prefinished, over time it may be best to treat it again. A protective sealant can also guard against stubborn mold and mildew. A lot of outdoor furniture is made from bold and durable teak, but while its natural oils offer some protection, it can get discolored from mold and mildew if not maintained.

Plastic

The many types of plastic furniture available — whether polyresin, recycled plastic like this Patiova Adirondack Chair , or melamine, among other types — generally hold up well to the natural elements by resisting the rust, mold, and mildew that often plague other materials. Some plastics, such as the poly furniture we sell, need very little maintenance throughout their life and will even maintain their color through years of bright, sunny days. Still, preparing them for winter is a smart move if you want them looking spiffy for years to come. Beware that rust can become a factor with metal parts such as screws. Following cleaning with a soft, non-abrasive cloth, apply a coat of outdoor furniture protector before covering or storing your furniture.

Metal

You may have chosen a lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum patio set or a stylish wrought iron collection for your backyard entertaining. Moisture and freezing temps can wreak havoc on your furniture if you are not careful with it. The expansion and contraction of freezing and thawing rain can weaken structures, and iron especially is susceptible to rust. Your furniture may have come with a protective coating, but don’t rely solely on that. Store as much as you can inside or in a shed, or buy a waterproof cover so that when you are ready to enjoy spring outdoors, your patio furniture will be waiting for you, well rested and still shiny. Some home care experts recommend applying protective wax to your metal furniture before storing — similar to how wax can protect a car. Check with the manufacturer or your local home/furniture store for recommended products.

Fabric

Outdoor fabrics are specially made to resist the harsh natural elements — heat, sun, rain, cold, and snow. However, that does not make them worry-free. Leaving them unattended for months at a time could cause damage that goes unnoticed — a tear or a stain – until you start to use them again. As mentioned earlier, moving cushions indoors and storing them will keep them looking their best for the next warm season. At Hearthside Furniture, all of our outdoor furniture fabrics are made by Sunbrella, which has a stellar reputation for its fabric durability, stain-resistance, comfort, and style. The company is so confident in its products, it says you can leave your Sunbrella cushions out all year. Whether you have Sunbrella or another brand of fabric, it’s up to you. We like the notion of “out of sight, out of mind,” giving all of your outdoor furniture a much-needed rest after carrying you through all those hot summer days.