Despite record-breaking heat throughout the country, we notice a cooler breeze and shorter days. The time will soon come when the patio transforms into a ghost town, haunted by the summer that has passed, and the furniture will need preparation for winter. As durable as Tropitone products are, they require simple maintenance to keep their allure for many years to come.

Start With A Good Cleaning

Every survival guide starts with the basics. Your tools: a solution of mild soap and water and a sponge.

Using your sponge or a soft bristle brush, gently scrub this solution on the furniture frames to remove dust or spruce up vinyl straps or EZ Span™ segments. 

Rinsing Tropitone^® Furniture with the same solution can extend the life of Tropitone^® Fabrics. All our fabrics are specially treated to be mildew-resistant and cushions are constructed with fast-drying fill and/or foam and feature a vent, which allows water to run through.

Once your outdoor furniture has been cleaned and dried, the best solution is to store the furniture, especially cushions, in a dry place for the winter.

For more information, please read Tropitone’s Cleaning and Care Instructions.

Inspect the Hardware

To ensure survival, make sure that the furniture's gear is complete and in working order.

Periodically verify all hardware is performing as it should on your Tropitone^® Seating, Tables, and Umbrellas. Perform inspections to check for loosened bolts, especially the headrest bolts for chaise lounges and recliners, missing glides, or broken table clips. Umbrellas should be kept closed when not in use and always during windy conditions. An occasional application of silicone spray will keep all moving parts in perfect working order.

To learn more about how to inspect your furniture, please read Tropitone’s Safety Instructions.

Be Prepared

Now that your furniture's hardware is in good order, don’t forget to plan for potential pit-falls. This is why storage for the winter is crucial.

Tropitone^® Furniture is intended to be used outdoors. In milder climates, the patio furniture can be left outdoors year-round. Each piece has drain holes in the frame and vents in the cushions to minimize water build up. Tropitone^® Furniture Covers gently glide over your dining set, fire pit, or other furniture pieces to protect the furniture on a daily basis. Each weather-resistant cover features a drawstring with barrel clasp at the base to cinch the cover tight for a firm fit. These covers will protect your furniture from the elements all year long. 

However, if you live in an area that experiences freezing conditions, water can collect and/or condense inside the frame tubing. If exposed to freezing temperatures, this water could freeze causing the frame tubing to crack or burst. Avoid this disaster by store your clean and dry Tropitone^® Outdoor Furniture right-side-up in a dry, protected place.

Keep Calm and Carry On Outdoors

If you notice a nick or scratch in the painted finish of a furniture frame, don't panic! Tropitone offers touch-up paint for easy repair. Consult our Product Care for Frames Instructions for further information.

Are you prepared to say goodbye to warm summer nights spent outside with friends and family? Fear not the end of this summer, for with proper care, your furniture will be ready and waiting for you in the spring.

For a complete guide to caring for your furniture year-round, please read our Safety, Care, Maintenance, and Warranty brochure.