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Can you leave wind chimes out in the winter?

Writer Gabriel Cooper

It is unclear whether wind chimes should be left outside or stored somewhere during the winter months. Some people believe wind chimes are meant to go inside for the colder months, while others think they should be left alone. Depending on how you store your chime will determine if it needs to be brought inside for the winter.

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Wind Chimes and Temperature

If your wind chimes are made out of metal and the temperature drops below freezing, you do not need to protect them from the cold. If they become dusted with ice, use a hairdryer to warm up the metal and straighten things out. You can also carefully wipe it clean as well if you don’t have a hairdryer. If you do not plan on taking down your wind chimes for the winter, they should be fine left outside in cold weather.

If your wind chimes are made out of bamboo or wood, they require protection from the elements if they’re not already treated before being hung outside. Bamboo and wood usually come pre-treated, but if you’re not sure about yours or if it’s an older wind chime, treat them as soon as the temperatures begin to dip. There are many ways to protect your bamboo and wood from winter weather, but coating them with a clear sealer is one of the best options.

If you plan on taking down your wind chimes during the winter months, you can use cleaning soap to prepare for storage. It’s best to dust off any dirt or debris before washing with soap and water, but it’s also helpful if your chime is dirty due to pollen or other contaminants. If soapy water isn’t enough to get the job done, try using a mild bleach solution instead.

Wind Chime Storage in the winter

The best way to store your wind chimes for the winter is in a dry, sheltered area like an attached garage or covered porch. If you do not have either of these options available, look for a large closet indoors that vents out. Make sure it has enough room (and height) to accommodate the wind chimes and leave enough space to move around.