Posts Tagged ‘outdoor furniture care’
How to Care for Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is an important addition to your home, and can provide years of enjoyment when properly cared for. With the right maintenance, you can maximize the life of your investment and ensure compliments on your outdoor furniture’s comfort and good looks season after season! Outdoor and patio furniture are made from a variety of different materials.
Whichever material your furniture is made of, the first step to good maintenance is a good cleaning! Since dirt, dust and leaves settle in and around furniture, start by brushing away loose dirt with a soft broom or cloth. Then use a garden hose or pressure washer (on a low setting!) to gently wash away stains and residue. For stuck-on dirt, use a sponge saturated with water and mild soap to further wash away stubborn particles.
For wooden furniture, apply a fresh application of outdoor finish every couple of seasons. Between seasons, wash using the soap and water instructions above. Don’t let outdoor wooden furniture sit in puddles of water, as this will hasten rot. It’s also a good idea to keep wooden furniture indoors (except for teak and cedar woods) when the winter season begins.
Wicker furniture can be kept shiny, waterproof and stain resistant with regular applications of wax and wood oil soap. Soap off wicker furniture with a sponge for everyday cleaning, and use a toothbrush to clean all the hard-to-get areas. When the years have eaten away at the paint, restore your outdoor wicker furniture easily with outdoor spray paint.
Most of today’s metal framed outdoor furniture pieces (such as wrought iron, aluminum and steel) are treated with rust-resistant materials by the manufacturer. For seasonal care, use a good soap and water treatment. Watered down bleach quickly gets rid of mold, mildew and other stains on frames. To prevent chips and scuff marks, apply auto polish or paste wax for extra protection.
Outdoor furniture made of resin is by far the easiest to care for. Made to brave the elements, a simple cleaning with soap and water will usually do the trick. Staining can occur if water is left to stand on seats and tabletops, so be sure to dry off the furniture and wipe away wet leaves. To keep a lovely shine, use orange oil or car detailing polish.
No matter what material your outdoor furniture is made of, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s special care instructions to lengthen the life and looks of your investment. It’s a good idea to cover furniture, too, when you’re not using it. This helps protect the furniture from the elements.
