Storing your Winter Gear and Toys
Published on 2021-04-09
Winter is coming to an end, and it’s time to start thinking about what to do with all the Winter Gear and Toys that you won’t need as the weather heats up. We're sharing some tips on how you can prepare all of your winter items for storage over the spring and summer months, so they are ready to go and remain in great condition as soon as the snow falls again.
Snowmobiles
Before you put your snowmobile/ski-doo away in self-storage for the spring and summer there are several things you should consider doing:
Choose the Proper Fuel
If you use fuel that contains ethanol, consider draining it and replacing it with non-ethanol fuel. Ethanol fuel can be harsh on rubber lines and gaskets when it sits for several months. Don’t put your sled away with an empty tank though! Your gaskets (also called O-rings) could begin to dry out and become brittle.
Lubricating Parts
To help keep the suspension and steering systems working smoothly, pump a few shots of grease into each zerk on the chassis. This pushes out water from within the small shafts and suspension tubes, and fills those small voids with grease so moisture won’t collect inside the tubes during the temperature cycles of early spring and late fall.
Clean your Sled
Start with warm soapy water and a microfiber cloth to prevent taking off that shine! Go in with a degreaser or take it to a car wash if there are particularly stubborn spots. After you clean your sled, do an inspection for cracks and damage.
Put it on a Stand
If you currently have a stand, it’s not a bad idea to put your sled on it until winter. Generally, rusting will only be an issue if your store your snowmobile outside, but releasing the stress and pressure on the springs and shocks is a benefit.
Cover It
Find a tight-fitting cover to keep moisture and dust off of your snowmobile.
Snow Clearing Equipment
Snow Blowers
Make sure you inspect your snow blower, clean off the dirt and grime, and wipe down the blades so there is no moisture. For safety purposes, make sure the machine is off and not plugged in before doing so.
Winter Tires
When storing your Snow Tires, best practices would be to Clean them up and bag them. First, clean off the dirt and grime from a winter of driving with warm, soapy water, or consider giving them a pressure wash wash. Make sure you dry them off too Then, place them into a large plastic bag and tape them closed. This prevents oil evaporation and keeps them out of direct sunlight.
Winter Toys and Sporting Equipment
Your winter toys and sporting equipment need care before you put them away until the next season.
Skis: To prepare skis for storage make sure you get the edges of them sharpened for the next season, clean and wax them, and strap them together. It's best to make sure they are completely dry before putting them into storage.
Skates: Similar to skis, it’s a good idea to get your skates sharpened so they are ready to go for next winter. It's also a good idea to clean them up and make sure they are completely dry before putting them away for the season.
Toboggans: Clean up Toboggans with a plastic cleaner, dry them off, and they will be ready to be stored until next winter.
Winter Clothing
Winter clothing items can be big, bulky, and take up a lot of space in your home. Here are some tips to help you properly pack and store all your winter clothing and outerwear:
- Any winter sweaters and clothing should be freshly washed before storing to prevent musty odors.
- Take winter jackets to the dry cleaners if required.
- Look through your winter clothing for missing gloves, and any pieces that need to be mended to ensure they are repaired before putting them away.
- Consider donating items that haven’t been used that winter.
- Clean salt, dirt, and mud off of winter boots
- Use vacuum bags to reduce the volume of puffy jackets, snow pants, and wool items.
- Luggage bags that are not frequently used can easily store winter items.
- Hanger caddies and organizers are abundant these days, make use of them to make more space in your unit or at home.
