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Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips

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Unless you take your patio furniture inside each night, there's no avoiding the eventual deterioration of the furniture and its fabric - being exposed to the elements certainly speeds up the aging process.

Get tips on how to keep up with your tables, chairs and cushions so they look well maintained for as long as you own them.
 

Patio furniture fabric

For optimal preservation of your furniture, make sure you know what kind of fabric your patio furniture cushions are made from to better prepare for upkeep. Whether your cushions are covered with cotton blends, or synthetic blends like acrylic and polyester, they generally undergo a treatment at the factory to withstand moisture better than the upholstery on your living room sofa.
  • Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's care label. Your piece of furniture went through a lot of testing prior to production, and that includes cleaning and maintenance. Your manufacturer's care label will be the best place to start with the cleaning process. This label will also tell you what products should NOT be used while cleaning (products listed unsuitable on this label can damage the furniture and void the warranty).

     

  • Get a broom and start sweeping. Whether or not you live in an area that produces an over abundance of fall foliage, you will still have to end up sweeping leaves and other outdoor debris from time to time. After you're done lightly sweeping, rinse with water.

     

  • Use a mild soap mixed with water. Anything too harsh can ruin the fabric, so be gentle! Use a liquid hand or body soap or mild dishwashing liquid. Combine about ¼ cup of the liquid with a gallon of warm water. Using a soft sponge or soft-bristle brush, gently scrub the cushions, and rinse clean.

     

  • Get rid of the mold. This process can be a little tricky, because it may require you to sand away the build up, which could be counterproductive to your light scrubbing you did to clean the fabric. However, if you purchase sandpaper with a very light grain and use delicate circular motions to scrub, you should be able to remove the mold without compromising the fabric. You should rinse the fabric clean again after sanding (wearing gloves while doing so), and throw away the supplies you used to prevent further spreading of mold.

     

  • Pat dry. Once you've given your patio furniture cushions a thorough cleaning, pat them dry with a gentle cloth that does not leave any lint behind.

TIP: If you are going to use any new soaps or cleansers on your furniture, always test a small spot first - preferably in an area that can be concealed in case the experiment goes awry

Patio furniture care by material

One of the best ways to ensure your outdoor furniture's longevity is to always keep it covered, or store it indoors when not in use. Most patio sets come with protective canvas coverings.

  • Wrought iron, aluminum, or steel furniture: These materials are long lasting and sturdy. However, you'll have to battle with rust if you leave your furniture exposed to the elements, which can compromise the structural integrity of the pieces. Cast aluminum has better resistance to rust than wrought iron or steel. Take a look at some quick maintenance tips for each:
  • Aluminum care: You can clean this lightweight option by spraying it down with clear warm water or a mixture of water and mild soap. Wipe down. You should touch up any chips in the paint to avoid oxidation.

     

  • Wrought iron care: This material, though heavy, can stand the test of time, and caring for it takes minimal effort. Simply wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove dust or dirt. If you notice any rusty areas, wash with mild soapy water, sand down gently, and seal the area with paint.

     

  • Steel care: With similar care instructions to aluminum and wrought iron, another perk in owning steel furniture is that it does not dent very easily. Daily maintenance includes spraying down the furniture with mild soapy water. Coat the furniture once a year with a clear wax for optimal results and longevity.
Plastic patio furniture: You don't have to worry about falling victim to rust with plastic furniture. Opt for recycled plastic varieties if you want to be more environmentally conscious. This material stands up to the weather without any sealants or varnishes, and it does not rot or accumulate mildew.
  • Care instructions: Simply wipe down any dirt or pollen build up with warm soapy water and rinse clean.
Wicker furniture: Wicker is the woven technique used to create the furniture, but it is actually made from cane, rattan, split reed and coated paper. Resin wicker is said to me more durable than traditional wicker, and is made with weather-resistant polyethylene - it is UV-resistant, too.
  • Care instructions: Remove dirt by spraying with water or a mild soapy water mix. If you use soap, spray down with water again. Let the furniture air-dry.
Wood patio furniture: The maintenance on your luxurious wood furniture may depend greatly on the wood species, so be sure to first check your manufacturer's care label. This type of furniture is not only durable, but gives an earthy, natural feel to your outdoor patio.
  • Care instructions: Be wary of accumulating moisture rings from beverages - prevent this with coasters. If you live in an area that is humid, wood furniture may not be the best choice, as it tends to warp. If your wood is sealed, you can clean it with mild soapy water. If your wood is untreated, you will want to avoid exposure to moisture, and only spot clean with a damp cloth.


Jenna Farmer  Posted by Jenna Farmer on April 30, 2014

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