Here’s How to Safely Store Your Outdoor Summer Gear for Winter

Prep & Maintenance

It’s important to remove all fuel from engines before storage, especially if your equipment will not be stored in a climate-controlled area. Do this by draining the fuel tank and flushing the lines. Then, run the engine until it dies to ensure all fuel is removed. Leftover fuel should be stored outside your home in a gas can.

Indoor Storage Tips

• Keep equipment out of reach of children

• Store all power tools upright and away from liquids

• Add insulation to your storage area to help keep it warmer

Outdoor Storage Tips

• Drain all fuel to prevent it from freezing in the engine

• Drain oil to prevent it from deteriorating

• Remove any batteries and store them indoors to prevent corrosion

• Use a heavy-duty tarp to protect equipment from weather damage

Plastic or Resin: These items can be left outdoors but they will maintain their appearance longer if covered.

Garden Hose

If water freezes inside your garden hose it can burst or tear the hose material. Here’s how to store it for winter:

• Turn off the outdoor water tap at the source

• Remove the hose and drain of all water

• Remove the nozzle and wipe it dry before storage

• Coil the hose in loose loops for storage

• Keep the hose indoors, preferably hanging from a hook to maintain its coiled shape

Mulch

Loose mulch should be poured onto a heavy tarp and then covered with a second tarp, leaving some of the edges loose for air flow. For sealed mulch, add a few holes to the bag to ensure good airflow.

Garden Soil

Place loose soil in a plastic container and keep it in a dry area. Unopened bagged soil can be left as-is in a dry area.

Compost

Compost can be stored in a similar fashion, but it should be turned periodically with a shovel to prevent clumping.

Fertilizers & Pesticides

Winter storage of fertilizers and pesticides will depend on whether it’s liquid or dry. Dry powders or granules can be kept outdoors but they may cake together and require breaking up in spring. Liquid fertilizers should typically be kept indoors as they can expand and burst with freezing. Some liquid pesticides can be kept outdoors: read the directions for storage temperature recommendations.

BBQ

You can store your BBQ indoors, but if you plan to grill through the winter you can also leave it outside (but only if you have a correct-fitting BBQ cover). Your propane tanks MUST be stored outside your home. Here’s some prep tips for winter storage:

• Clean the grill to remove any food and debris so it’s ready to use come spring

• Check for broken parts and repair or replace them now

• For propane grills, remove the tank and turn off the gas

• Tanks should be covered and stored outdoors in an upright position

• Charcoal grills should have all charcoal removed and stored away in a garage or shed

Outdoor Fire Pit or Fireplace

It’s easy to keep your outdoor fireplace safe all season while still being easily accessible. Here’s how:

• Start by cleaning the fire pit of any leaves and debris

• Turn off the gas regulator and remove the tank if there is one

• Tanks should be stored covered and upright in an outdoor area

• Wash the burner and remove any lava rocks and other items

• Use a tarp to cover your fire pit, taking care that it fits snugly to prevent water from pooling on top

Outdoor Toys

You may not have considered the need for proper winter storage for your swing set and other play toys, but winterizing these items will help them last longer for years of enjoyment:

• Remove any plastic pieces such as handles, trapeze bars, and other components

• Remove any leaves and other debris and give the equipment a good cleaning

• Check for any broken parts, cracks, or other damage and make a note of anything that needs to be ordered before spring

• Wood swing sets and playhouses can be sealed using a wood protectant

Pool Toys

If you have a pool, then proper winter storage of your pool toys and accessories is essential:

• Make sure any floats and toys are fully dry by either leaving them to dry in the sun or using a towel

• Keep them in an airtight container so they maintain a consistent temperature to prevent damage

• Water test kits, and pool opening/closing kits should be stored indoors