Don’t let snow, rain, and freezing temperatures ruin your outdoor living space! Your patio furniture, BBQ, and hot tub all need proper care before winter arrives. Without preparation, you risk mildew, rust, fading, and costly repairs or replacements come spring.
This step-by-step outdoor winterization guide, featuring trusted cleaning and protection products from JT’s Outdoor Fabrics, will help you keep your outdoor furniture, grill, and spa safe, clean, and ready to enjoy as soon as warm weather returns.
Deep Clean Your Patio Cushions
The first step in winter prep is removing dirt, pollen, and organic matter. Left behind, these feed mildew and weaken fabrics over time.
- Brush off debris and inspect seams or stress points for small tears.
- For mildew or dark spots, use Iosso® Mold & Mildew Stain Remover — it removes stains without harsh bleaching.
- For overall cleaning, 303® Multi-Surface Cleaner lifts dirt and grime from outdoor canvas, vinyl, and woven fabrics.
Restore Water & Stain Resistance
Once your cushions and fabrics are dry, apply a protective finish to guard against moisture, stains, and UV damage.
- Spray 303® Fabric Guard evenly over your patio fabrics to renew water repellency, UV Protection and keep colours looking vibrant.
- This extra layer of protection helps furniture stay cleaner and reduces the chance of stains when spring rains return.
Repair Small Issues Before Winter
Cold weather makes small problems worse. Handle repairs before storage:
- Reseam loose stitches with Sunguard® or SunStop® Outdoor Thread, both designed for UV and weather resistance.
- For small fabric tears (such as on lounge chairs), Tear-Aid Type A is ideal for quick, flexible fabric repairs.
Refresh or Replace Worn Cushions
Winter downtime is the perfect opportunity to upgrade.
- Check cushion foam inserts — if they feel flat, crumbly, or slow to bounce back, replace them with high-density foam.
- Reupholster using Sunbrella® Outdoor Furniture Fabrics — fade-resistant, breathable, and built to withstand the elements during the Spring/Summer months (light-medium rain).
- Need inspiration? Order free fabric samples from JT’s Outdoor Fabrics to compare colours and textures before starting your next project.
Protect BBQs & Hot Tubs with Covers
Winter weather is tough on more than just patio furniture — your BBQ and hot tub also need the right protection to prevent costly damage.
BBQ Covers
- A high-quality BBQ cover shields your grill from snow, ice, and moisture.
- Choose a heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric like Top Gun® 9 or Odyssey® Marine for maximum durability. These covers prevent rust, protect burners, and stop freezing rain or snow from seeping in.
- Ensure your cover fits snugly but still allows ventilation to prevent trapped moisture and mold.
Hot Tub Covers
- For hot tubs and spas, an insulated cover keeps heat in and debris out.
- Reinforce with a durable, weatherproof outer fabric (such as Winter Cover Fabric) to withstand UV rays, ice, and heavy snow.
- Always clear snow buildup to prevent excess weight from damaging the cover’s sealing edges.
Invest in Proper Winter Covers
The best protection for your patio furniture and BBQ is indoor storage — in a garage, shed, or other covered space — where they’re shielded from snow, ice, and UV exposure. If that’s not an option, a high-quality outdoor cover is the next best line of defense.
For Outdoor Storage (snow, UV, harsh weather):
Top Gun® 9
Rugged and abrasion-resistant, made from 100% woven polyester with an acrylic coating. Dimensionally stable, highly water-repellent, UV and mildew-resistant, with a Cold Crack rating of -20°C or lower. The most durable (and most expensive) option — built for Canadian winters.
Odyssey® Marine
Acrylic-coated woven polyester (300 denier) with a clear back coat. Strong, abrasion-resistant, mildew-resistant, and UV-stable. Lightweight and flexible — ideal for smaller storage needs without the cost or weight of heavier fabrics.
Winter Boat Cover Fabric
Despite its name, this lightweight, high-strength polyester with a polyurethane coating isn’t just for boats. It offers excellent dimensional stability, abrasion resistance, UV protection, mildew resistance, and water repellency — making it a reliable choice for durable seasonal protection on both boats and outdoor patio furniture.
Simple Winter Maintenance
Even after storage and covering, occasional checks will extend the life of your patio and outdoor features:
- Brush off snow before it piles up.
- Wipe condensation in garages, sheds, or unheated spaces.
- Check periodically for pests or trapped moisture.
These quick steps keep everything fresh for spring.
Final Thought
Winter doesn’t have to shorten the life of your outdoor space. With the right care — and durable products from JT’s Outdoor Fabrics — your patio furniture, BBQ, and hot tub will stay clean, protected, and ready for another season of outdoor living.
