During the summer months, your outdoor furniture may get a lot of use. If you live in a place that has a cold or wet climate in the winter, you will need to make sure that your furniture is cleaned and taken care of.

Most people have at least a few pieces of furniture that need to be stored. Even furniture that is treated to be weather-resistant needs to be cared for and maintained.

For wood furniture you can use Murphy Oil Soap and water, then rinse and let dry. If there are stains that are difficult to remove, make a mixture of 1 cup ammonia, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon water. Use a soft brush to work on the stains, then rinse and let dry completely.

The most important step in preparing furniture for storage is to get it clean. Moisture and dirt left on the items can cause mold or mildew to grow in the winter months. Mold can grow and spread quickly, leaving your furniture in bad shape by the time you are ready to use it again. Pieces made from wicker, wrought iron, mesh or plastic can be cleaned with a simple dish soap and water solution.