Prep Your Camp Furniture for the Offseason with these 4 Steps

When the days start to get shorter and the cool fall temperatures begin to set in, it’s time to start thinking about the wintering process for your camp’s cabin furniture.  

“Wintering” is a long word for an even longer list of tasks that should be going on your to-do list this fall. You may be wondering, “Do I need to winterize my camp cabins even if I'm holding camp over the winter?” The answer is yes — although, if that's the case, then your task list will be significantly shorter. However, if you are shutting things down from now until spring, then you have a lot of work to do, so let's get started!

 Prepping Your Camp Mattresses For the Offseason 

Prepping your camp furniture for the offseason is an important part of making sure your furniture lasts as long as possible. It’s also a good time to check for damage, bed bugs, and any other kind of maintenance that might need to be done. So, how do you winterize a camp mattress? Start with these steps:

  Step 1: Check each mattress for damage.

The first thing you want to do to prepare your mattresses for winter is to check each mattress for rips, tears, or other damage. Don’t leave mattresses with damaged covers to sit all winter. One way to prevent damage to your mattresses is by investing in a durable mattress cover, or replacing the one you already have if needed. This will help your mattress last longer and stay cleaner. Our mattress covers are uniquely designed to accomplish this. Here's how our mattress covers differ from the ones you'll find at a retail store:

• They're made from wipe-to-clean fabrics.
• They keep microbes and other "yucky stuff" from settling into the core.
• They're Bed Bug Proof to keep nasty critters from nesting.

   

  Step 2: Clean your mattresses.

  The next best thing you can do to transition into a new season is to clean your mattresses. Waterproof mattresses can be cleaned with a simple wipe-down. Otherwise, we recommend spraying your mattresses with a non-bleach disinfectant spray and wiping the surfaces with a damp cloth. You’ll also want to be sure that you air them out completely after wiping them down.

  Step 3: Organize your furniture for the offseason.

  Determine what you’re going to do with your camp furniture during the offseason and plan accordingly. Be sure to organize your camp furniture in a way that will keep it safe and clean all winter long.

  Step 4: Check for bed bugs.

  The last thing anyone wants is a bed bug infestation in their camp bunk beds! Look for signs of bed bugs in your mattresses before packing them away for the winter. If you find bed bugs, get rid of them immediately. 

  One of the best ways to be proactive and prevent a bed bug infestation is to use mattresses and mattress covers that are bed bug proof. The inverted seams on American Bedding mattresses mean there’s no place for bed bugs to hide, making an infestation highly unlikely at your camp!

  Maintaining Your Camp Furniture During the Offseason

  Now that your camp mattresses are taken care of, it's time to evaluate the rest of the camp furniture and how you need to prepare it for the offseason. 

  Step 1: Clean your camp furniture. 

  Giving your camp furniture a good dusting and then wiping it down with disinfectant spray is always a good way to make sure your furniture stays clean throughout the offseason and looks brand new. Don’t wait until the spring to clean your furniture for the first time! Cleaning before you store it away for the winter will save you time when you open back up your cabins in a few months. 

  Step 2: Clean the outdoor furniture. 

  Winter can be hard - even on outdoor furniture. If there are chairs, picnic tables, or other types of outdoor equipment sitting outside your cabins, consider storing them inside where they'll be protected from snow, ice, mold, and even theft. Make sure to also clean your outdoor camp furniture before storing it. 

  Step 3: Pull down the blinds. 

  Before you leave, pull the blinds down to protect the interior of your cabin along with the bunk beds and mattresses from the sun. Closed blinds also deter intruders.

  Time to shop

  After completing all of these steps to winterizing your camp furniture, you should be fully prepared for the offseason. Now is the best time to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your furniture in its best condition. Plus, now that summer camp season is over, you finally have time to shop around for the camp mattresses or bunk beds you desperately need for next summer. 

  Get a head start on shopping for your camp furniture needs this offseason. Give our sales team a shout for a customized quote for your camp furniture needs below!

This post was originally published on 9/12/18 but has been republished with updated content.