We’ve all been there. You return from a long, well-deserved holiday, only to step into your backyard and find the once-vibrant lounge cushions faded from too much sun, wooden arms on your patio chairs peeling from moisture, and your favourite artificial plants lying face down in a puddle. 

Whether you’ve got a compact balcony with a café table or a full-on outdoor living room set up next to the BBQ, a little prep before you leave can save you a whole lot of heartbreak—and money—later. 

Here’s how we prep our own outdoor furniture before we hit the road or bunker down for winter. 

 

Start with a Clean Slate 

Before we even think about putting things away or covering them up, we always start with a proper clean. Just like you wouldn’t store away your holiday clothes dirty, furniture needs the same respect. 

Take a mild soap and warm water and give your surfaces a gentle scrub. For metal or plastic, a simple wipe-down usually does the trick. For wood, we like using a soft brush that gets into all the little grooves. One of our team members recently cleaned their outdoor coffee table before sealing it—and couldn’t believe how much grime had built up since spring. 

Trust us, doing this helps your protective finish stick better and keeps mildew or mould from settling in while you’re gone. 

Weather-Proofing Done Right 

Once everything’s sparkling clean, it’s time to think about the elements. You never really know what the weather will do when you're away—it could pour, snow, or swing from one extreme to the other. That’s why we make it a habit to add an extra layer of protection depending on the material: 

• Metal furniture: Got chipped paint? A quick touch-up with rust-resistant primer goes a long way. It’s something we did just before a long weekend trip and came back to zero rust—even after three days of heavy rain. 
• Wood pieces: Outdoor wooden furniture needs love too. We always recommend applying a coat of water-repellent sealant or exterior-grade wood oil. It locks out moisture and helps preserve the colour. 
• Wicker or rattan: For synthetic or natural fibres, a UV protectant spray can work wonders. We had a friend once who sprayed their daybed frame before heading to Greece, and it looked as good as new two months later—even after full sun exposure. 

Don’t Forget About the Cushions 

Cushions tend to get the worst of it—rain, UV rays, and even bird droppings if you’re unlucky. If you’ve ever come home to damp, mildewed pillows, you know exactly what we mean. 

First things first, check if the covers are removable and machine washable. Most of ours are! Give them a wash and let them dry completely—preferably in the sun—to prevent mould. Once dry, we pop them in airtight bins or tuck them into a storage bench with a lid. One colleague stores theirs in a deck box that doubles as extra seating. It’s a tidy win-win. 

Cover What Stays Out, Store What You Can 

Depending on your space and trip length, you’ll have to make some judgment calls. We usually say: if it can’t move, cover it; if it’s small enough, bring it in. 

• Covers: Invest in breathable, waterproof covers for your outdoor sofas, sectionals, or fire pit tables. They’ll keep dirt, moisture and sun at bay. 
• Storage: Move lighter chairs, stools, or planters into a garage or shed if possible. We’ve even heard of folks wrapping small furniture in moving blankets and tucking them in their basement! 
   

And a quick tip—before covering anything, make sure it's dry. Otherwise, you're just trapping moisture. 

 

Secure Everything Against the Wind 

If your outdoor area gets windy—or if you live in a condo with balcony gusts—it’s smart to tie things down. Stack and cover chairs or use straps to secure them. A friend once came back from vacation to find her dining chairs scattered across the neighbour’s yard. Since then, she always bungee cords her set together before leaving. 

For umbrellas, close and secure them tightly. They’re notorious for catching the wind and taking flight. 

A Quick Once-Over When You’re Back 

After your trip, it helps to do a quick walk around. Make sure things are dry, brush off any debris, and check for signs of wear. If the wood looks dull or a screw feels loose, a quick fix now saves a full replacement later. 

Personally, I like to lay out all the cushions in the sun for a few hours before reassembling the lounge space—just to freshen everything up. 

 

Why it’s Worth the Effort 

Outdoor furniture isn’t just décor—it’s part of your lifestyle. It’s where your kids eat popsicles, where you sip coffee on a quiet morning, or host friends on summer nights. By protecting it properly, you're saving money, reducing waste, and making sure your space is always ready when you are. 

Handy Travel-Proofing Tips 

• Prep early: We always recommend starting a day or two before your trip. No one wants to be scrubbing patio chairs at midnight. 
• Choose smart designs: Look for pieces that offer storage, like benches with compartments or tables with removable trays. 
• Quality matters: Investing in good outdoor furniture (like Mobilia has to offer) pays off in durability, especially when it's built to handle the Canadian weather. 

Coming home (or back to the cottage) should feel good. When you prep your patio before heading out, you’re setting yourself up for an easy return to comfort, whether it’s the first warm day of spring or the last lazy days of summer. 

Need more advice or the right covers and storage solutions? Head over to Mobilia or visit their website—they’ve got your outdoor lounging covered. 

Since 1966, Mobilia injects creativity into living spaces and offers dreams, taste and style.