Storing Large Wind Chimes in Winter?

Julie
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My husband bought me 8 foot wind chimes from the Amish country while on vacation this year. I love them and enjoy both the visual and acoustic sound they give. But as winter draws near with the snow and ice being a daily concern for 3 months, should I store them away for winter or just leave outside?

They are very heavy and we had to hang them way up high in a very large tree, so moving them back and forth will be a lot of trouble. But I want them to be able to last as many years as possible.

If anyone has advice on how they up keep theirs so they last longer I would like to hear about it. They have a large wooden top on them and have very strong strings from which they dangle from. I'm not sure if the harsh weather will effect them or not. Thanks in advance.

Julie from Tenn.

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By (Guest Post)

October 27, 20080 found this helpful

If you can get to them. On a dry day spray them with spray wax, as much all over as you can. Ours have been through twelve winters.

By Chantal (Guest Post)

October 27, 20080 found this helpful

Hi Julie!

Yes, bring it in! I have several windchimes. Exposure over several summers has affected the wood and metal, although they've never been in sunlight. Once or twice I wasn't able to bring them in when it rained. The wood finish is coming off and the metal chimes have spots. I've always brought them in before winter. Before storing, I wipe them clean, put them in paper bags, then plastice boxes.

You probably put it high up to catch the wind and it would be hard for a thief to get it, too! But, you really should bring it in for the winter. It'll be ruined unless the Amish can tell you it's weatherproof. Then, next spring find an easier access location where you can clean them during the summer to preserve the wood. Let me know what happens.

Kim Churchman
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October 28, 20080 found this helpful

I would replace that wooden circle with a metal one of the same metal as the chimes.

By Darlene (Guest Post)

October 28, 20080 found this helpful

Yes bring them in before they are ruined. You know you can get rustoleum paint to paint them both the wood and the chimes. See if you can find someone to help get them in and then in the spring you can fix them. You can varnish the wood if you do not want to paint that part and you can also paint the chimes what is nice rustoleum has any color you can think of.

They also have metallics, which is a good way also to fix antique lamps as they age. Good Luck I love wind chime's my grandmother always had them and now I do and they always sound so beautiful, as you obviously know. Best of luck whatever you decide to do. Darlene

Beth
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October 29, 20080 found this helpful

I live in upstate New York and never bring my chimes in. I have the four foot size and have had them out for at least 6 years, possibly 8. I was really surprised by all the people who said to take them in!

Ladywolf46

November 27, 20180 found this helpful

Where in Upstate New York? Do you get heavy snow and ice there?

Flagwalker

October 29, 20200 found this helpful

I also have Amish chimes, mine came with lifetime replacement warranties, so even if the weather harms them, which I doubt, they can be replaced at no cost from the site you bought them from. They sound too heavenly to put away each year.

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