9 Items You Should Never Leave Outside During Winter

Wintertime is a cozy season full of breathtaking scenery, but it’s also a time where harsh conditions can damage outdoor items. Outdoor furniture becomes a top concern during this season but there are other items and accessories to consider as well.

“Cold weather and moisture can encourage mold and mildew growth,” says Aaron Whitney, the VP of Product at Neighbor. “We recommend covering furniture during the offseason and storing soft items such as cushions, throw pillows, and rugs indoors.” But, absorbent soft items aren’t the only pieces to bring inside. There are other yard decor items that don’t react well to the freezing elements that become damaged overtime.

Keep reading to see what items our experts caution never to leave outside during winter so you can enjoy your decor for years to come.

Cushions

The number one item both experts agree you should never leave in the open during winter are furniture cushions. “Cushions, when not stored away during the winter, tend to retain moisture,” says Whitney. “When they’re exposed to cold, damp conditions, they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.” This is something Rowell agrees with. Both experts suggest storing your outdoor furniture cushions inside or in a deck box until the following spring to keep them clean and dry.

Throw Pillows

Similar to cushions, both experts highlighted that throw pillows pose the same problem. Not every outdoor furniture set has these, so if you added some colorful outdoor pillows to your set up, store those with your cushions as you prepare your backyard for winter. “When you’re putting them inside, put them in a dry or breathable space with good air flow,” Rowell says. “People make the mistake of putting cushions and throw pillows in a plastic bag, which traps moisture in there for months.”

Rugs

Have a nice outdoor rug for your patio or backyard deck? Whitney says to remember to bring that inside for the winter as well. “It’s vital to ensure your rugs are dry and free of dust before storage–this step is often overlooked.” Apart from the mold and mildew Whitney says can grow from the moisture, there’s another reason why it’s important to keep your rugs in an enclosed space for the winter. “Material degradation can be accelerated by freeze-thaw cycles and continuous UV exposure. Over time, certain fibers and fabrics may become brittle and lose their color.”

Mosaics

Outdoor mosaics are beautiful decorative pieces, but since they’re so delicate, they should never be left outside for the winter months. “The main thing we caution people about are mosaics,” Rowell says. “A lot of pretty mosaic end tables and folds are a biggie to bring inside.” Similarly, Whitney warns that any outdoor pieces made with ceramic or glass should be brought inside so they avoid freeze-thaw cycles that lead to possible breakage or chipping.

Clay Pottery

Though there are some florals you can plant during the winter, planter materials such as clay shouldn’t be used for these seasonal blooms. “Any type of clay pottery should be brought inside,” warns Rowell. “They’ll crack if you leave them out.” Because of the extreme changes in temperature and sometimes freezing rain, clay pottery expands and contracts. This material is very porous and will absorb the moisture that leads them to chipping or cracking.

Small Furniture Pieces

Unless you really love winter weather, odds are you’re not going to use your outdoor furniture. While you might not have space in your garage or outdoor storage shed for your larger pieces, small furniture pieces like tables, sitting chairs, and stools should be brought inside.

Anything Iron Or Steel

Metal outdoor furniture pieces made from aluminum can stay outside, but anything made with iron or steel should come indoors. Iron and steel, when exposed to winter weather, degrade over time. Freezing rain and temperatures cause these materials to rust and weaken, which can also cause them to break.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker is another material that can go either way depending on how it’s made. Synthetic wicker is durable enough to be left outside, but natural rattan or wicker should definitely be brought indoors to prevent water damage. Too much water can cause the fibers to weaken, become brittle, and break. If you have large natural wicker furniture that won’t fit in your garage or storage shed, Whitney offers a solution. “An enclosed space, such as a garage or shed, is ideal. However, If you don’t have a dedicated space, it’s recommended to move the furniture under a covered patio or use well-fitting furniture covers.”

Outdoor Speakers

If you still have electronics lying around from summer or fall entertaining days, it’s time to bring them in. “When considering electronics for outdoor use, such as speakers” Whitney instructs, “evaluate them based on their IP (ingress protection) ratings, which indicate their ability to resist dust and moisture infiltration.” Outdoor speakers are not waterproof, and when left outside in the winter for too long, can damage the sound system.