While Australian winters are mild compared to many countries, the cooler months still present specific challenges for outdoor furniture. Increased rainfall, reduced sunlight, higher humidity in many regions, and extended periods without use can lead to mould growth, rust development, and accelerated deterioration if furniture isn't properly prepared. Taking time to winterise your outdoor furniture before the cold season arrives protects your investment and ensures everything emerges in spring ready for immediate use.
This guide provides a complete winterisation process for all types of outdoor furniture, whether you're storing pieces away completely or leaving them in place with appropriate protection.
Understanding Winter Challenges
Australian winter conditions vary significantly by region, but common challenges include:
- Extended wet periods: Winter rain can last days, keeping furniture constantly damp
- Reduced UV: While less UV damage occurs, moisture evaporation also slows
- Cold temperatures: Some materials become brittle or crack in cold
- Frost: Southern regions experience frost that can damage certain materials
- Extended non-use: Furniture sits idle, allowing problems to develop unnoticed
- Mould and mildew: Damp, cool conditions promote fungal growth
🗓️ Timing Your Winterisation
Aim to winterise outdoor furniture in late autumn—April to early May for most of Australia. This ensures you're working in dry conditions (wet furniture shouldn't be covered or stored) and completing preparation before the coldest, wettest weather arrives.
Step 1: Deep Cleaning
Proper winterisation starts with thorough cleaning. Dirt, organic debris, and residues left on furniture can cause staining, promote mould growth, and accelerate material breakdown over winter.
General Cleaning Protocol
For all outdoor furniture types:
- Remove all cushions, pillows, and textile accessories
- Brush or vacuum loose debris from surfaces and crevices
- Wash with appropriate cleaner for your material type
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue
- Allow to dry completely—this step is critical
⚠️ Critical Drying Requirement
Never cover or store furniture that isn't completely dry. Trapped moisture leads to mould, mildew, rust, and rot. Allow at least 24-48 hours of dry weather for furniture to dry fully after cleaning. Check undersides and crevices carefully.
Material-Specific Cleaning
Timber: Use mild soap and soft brush, following wood grain. For teak, consider a teak cleaner if heavily soiled or mould-affected.
Metal: Soap and water with soft cloth. Inspect for rust spots and address before storage.
Synthetic wicker: Warm soapy water with soft brush. Clean between weave gaps where debris collects.
Plastic/HDPE: General purpose cleaner works well. Use melamine sponge for stubborn marks.
Cushions and fabrics: Brush off loose debris, spot clean stains, and wash covers if removable and appropriate.
Step 2: Inspection and Repair
Autumn is the ideal time for furniture assessment. Problems identified now can be addressed before storage or protected from winter deterioration.
What to Inspect
- Structural integrity: Check joints, welds, and connections for looseness or damage
- Surface condition: Look for chips, cracks, or worn areas in finishes
- Rust formation: Any rust on metal should be treated before storage
- Timber condition: Check for splits, cracks, or rot beginning
- Hardware: Ensure all screws, bolts, and fittings are tight
- Wicker weave: Note any loose or broken strands
Pre-Storage Repairs
Address these issues before winterising:
- Touch up paint chips: Exposed metal will rust over winter if left unprotected
- Treat rust spots: Sand, apply rust converter, prime and paint
- Tighten loose joints: Wobbly furniture deteriorates faster than stable pieces
- Seal timber cracks: Prevent moisture entry that causes further splitting
Step 3: Protective Treatments
Applying protective treatments before winter creates a barrier against moisture and other winter stressors.
Timber Treatments
- Teak and hardwood: Apply teak oil or sealer to cleaned, dry timber. This adds moisture resistance and prevents drying and cracking.
- Painted timber: Touch up any worn areas, then consider a light wax coating for additional protection.
- Softwoods: Ensure sealant or paint is intact; reapply if showing wear.
Metal Treatments
- Powder-coated aluminium: Apply automotive wax for extra protection barrier
- Painted steel: Wax coating helps protect finish from moisture
- Stainless steel: Generally maintenance-free, but a polish maintains appearance
Synthetic Materials
- PE wicker: Apply UV protectant spray before storage
- Plastic/HDPE: No treatment typically needed; these materials handle winter well
🎯 Apply Treatments in Dry Weather
Treatments need time to penetrate and cure. Apply oils and sealers on dry days with no rain forecast for at least 24 hours. Wax should also cure for several hours before exposure to moisture.
Step 4: Cushion and Textile Care
Cushions and fabric elements require special attention as they're most vulnerable to winter moisture damage.
Cleaning and Preparation
- Vacuum cushion surfaces and in crevices
- Spot clean any stains
- Remove and wash covers if possible
- Treat mildew spots with appropriate cleaner
- Allow to dry completely—stand cushions on edge to dry interiors
Storage Options
Ideal storage: Inside in a dry, climate-controlled environment. This might be a garage, spare room, or storage area.
If storing outside: Use breathable storage bags (not plastic, which traps moisture). Place in a weatherproof storage box with ventilation.
🏠 Indoor Storage Priority
Of all outdoor furniture elements, cushions and textiles benefit most from indoor storage. Even if furniture frames stay outside, bringing cushions in prevents the mould, mildew, and water damage that commonly ruins outdoor fabrics over winter.
Step 5: Storage vs. In-Place Protection
Decide whether to store furniture away or protect it in place. Both approaches work when done properly.
When to Store Furniture
Consider full storage if:
- You have adequate dry storage space available
- Your furniture is lightweight and easily moved
- You're in a region with particularly harsh winters
- Furniture is high-value and warrants maximum protection
- You won't use the outdoor space at all during winter
Storage Best Practices
- Store in a dry, ventilated space—not damp basements or sheds
- Elevate off concrete floors which can transfer moisture
- Don't stack heavy items on top of delicate pieces
- Cover with breathable cloths, not plastic
- Check periodically through winter for any issues
In-Place Protection
If furniture stays outside:
- Quality covers: Invest in properly fitted, breathable, waterproof covers
- Elevation: Use furniture feet or blocks to raise off wet surfaces
- Positioning: Move to most sheltered area available
- Air circulation: Avoid covering too tightly; allow some airflow
- Regular checks: Remove covers periodically on dry days to air out
📋 Quality Cover Checklist
- Waterproof outer layer
- Breathable material or ventilation panels
- Secure fastenings (ties, straps, or drawstrings)
- Proper fit—not too tight or too loose
- UV-resistant fabric
- Shaped to prevent water pooling on top
Step 6: Winter Maintenance
Even properly prepared furniture benefits from occasional attention during winter:
Monthly Winter Checks
- Remove covers on dry days to allow air circulation
- Check for moisture accumulation under covers
- Inspect for pest activity or animal damage
- Clear debris that may have accumulated on covers
- Ensure water isn't pooling on or around furniture
After Heavy Rain
- Check that water hasn't penetrated covers
- Empty any water that's collected in cover folds
- Allow covers to dry before re-securing
Regional Considerations
Australian winter conditions vary significantly by location:
Sydney and coastal NSW: Moderate winter with increased rainfall. Focus on moisture protection and mould prevention.
Melbourne and southern Victoria: Cooler temperatures, frost possible, extended grey periods. Consider indoor storage for vulnerable pieces.
Brisbane and Queensland: Mild winters often allow year-round use. Light protection sufficient for most furniture.
Perth and WA: Mediterranean climate with wet winters. Good drainage and moisture protection important.
Adelaide: Cool, wet winters. Similar approach to Melbourne; protect from extended damp.
Hobart and Tasmania: Coldest Australian winters. Maximum protection recommended; storage preferable for delicate items.
Spring Recommissioning
When spring arrives, proper recommissioning ensures furniture is ready for the outdoor season:
- Remove covers gradually—allow furniture to acclimatise
- Inspect for any winter damage or pest issues
- Clean surfaces of dust and any moisture residue
- Air out cushions thoroughly before use
- Apply fresh protective treatments if needed
- Tighten any hardware that may have loosened
Proper winterisation is an investment of a few hours that pays dividends in extended furniture life and reduced replacement costs. The few weekends spent preparing furniture each autumn ensure your outdoor space is ready to enjoy when the warm weather returns, with furniture that looks and performs as well as the day you bought it.