Caring for Outdoor Toys: Weatherproofing and Storage Tips

Outdoor play is such a big part of childhood—mud pies, scooters, balance bikes, water play, and all those joyful garden adventures. But after a summer of sun, rain, and everything in between, outdoor toys can take a bit of a beating.

Whether you’ve invested in a gorgeous balance bike, a sturdy wooden mud kitchen, or a outdoor ride-ons, a little care and attention goes a long way in keeping outdoor toys safe, looking good, and ready for the next play session. Here's how to make your outdoor toys last season after season.

First things first: good materials matter. Wooden toys should be made from treated or sealed timber, metals should be rust-resistant, and plastics should be UV-stabilised to resist sun damage. 

Brands like Banwood and Little Dutch are great examples—they create beautiful, durable outdoor toys & bikes designed to withstand some of the elements with proper care.

Just like indoor toys, outdoor toys benefit from a quick clean now and then.

What to do:

• Wipe down plastic and metal toys with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove dirt, grime, or bird droppings.

• Use a stiff brush to remove dried-on mud or leaves.

• Disinfect ride-on handles, helmets, or surfaces little hands touch often.

• Dry thoroughly to prevent rust or mould—especially on wooden or metal toys.

Wooden toys (like mud kitchens or balance boards) are beautiful, but need a little extra love to keep them weather-happy.

Top tips:

• Seal wooden outdoor toys with a non-toxic outdoor wood sealant at the start of each season.

• Elevate toys off the ground to stop the legs soaking up moisture.

• Use covers or tarpaulins if you can't bring them inside, especially over autumn and winter.

When outdoor playtime wraps up for the day—or the season—storing toys properly is key.

Where to store:

• Sheds, garages, or storage boxes are ideal for scooters, bikes, and bulkier toys.

• Waterproof storage benches or garden boxes are great for smaller pieces.

• Hooks or wall racks help keep ride-ons off the floor and protected from damp.

Bonus tip: For outdoor toys you can’t bring indoors, stack them neatly and cover with a breathable waterproof cover. Avoid plastic sheets that trap moisture and cause mould.

Certain outdoor toys—like water play tables, sandpits, or ride-ons—just don’t fare well in colder months. Once the temperature drops:

• Drain and clean water tables or paddling pools and store them upside down.

• Cover or bring in metal or wooden bikes to prevent rust or swelling.

• Empty sandpits and cover with a fitted lid or tarp to keep out animals and moisture.

Before tucking everything away for winter, give your outdoor toys a quick check:

• Tighten loose screws or handlebars on bikes and scooters.

• Check for cracks or sharp edges on plastic toys.

• Repaint or reseal wooden toys if needed to protect them from future weathering.

A few quick fixes now can save you having to replace toys next spring.

If you need assistance with spare parts, reach out to our customer care team - Customercare@playfaire.co.uk

If you’ve got limited outdoor space or storage, try rotating your outdoor toys. Pack away half the outdoor toys mid-season and bring them back out later—it keeps playtime feeling new and helps prolong the life of everything.

If you want to learn more about Toy Rotation, Check out our blogs:

A little seasonal care can help your outdoor toys last for years, not just months. And it’s so worth it—because when everything’s in good shape, getting outside to play feels easy and inviting.

So whether you’re prepping for another summer of garden adventures or winding down for the colder months, a few simple habits—cleaning, sealing, storing—can go a long way.