How to Properly Care for Your Outdoor Furniture
When you purchase quality outdoor furniture, you want it to stand the test of time. If left to fend for itself, it can be beaten and bruised by outdoor elements, shortening its lifespan dramatically. To avoid damage, you’ll need to be proactive by showing your outdoor furniture a little TLC. With proper cleaning and minor repairs, your patio furniture can last for decades.
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor furniture to fill your backyard space, check out our furniture sale in Pinellas Park. Here’s how to properly care for your outdoor furniture so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Clean According to the Material
Your maintenance method will vary based on your outdoor furniture’s material. The most common materials listed below come with some basic maintenance strategies.
Fabric
Spot treat any stains with warm water and mild soap as soon as you can. If your slipcovers are removable, you can hand wash them in cold or warm water with a mild detergent. Hang them to air dry since your dryer may cause them to shrink.
Metal
Outdoor furniture can come in several metal forms from aluminum to wrought iron. Basic maintenance includes cleaning with soap and water and drying thoroughly. Keep an eye out for rust, and if you spot some, sand it down as soon as it’s discovered. Most manufacturers sell touch-up paint to cover these spots as well.
Plastic
Most plastic outdoor furniture is waterproof and will not fade in the sun. Simply scrub it down with mild soap and water as needed. If you have stubborn stains or mold growth, you can usually wash it with a solution of ten parts water to one part bleach. To be cautious, always check your care guide before using harsh chemicals like bleach on your plastic outdoor furniture.
Wicker
Wipe down your wicker furniture frequently to avoid built-up residue between the fibers. Use mild soap and water. Then, dry it thoroughly when finished. If your wicker furniture is going to be outdoors all season, you may want to consider covering it. The sun can weaken the fibers, leaving you with brittle furniture that looks like it has seen better days.
Wood
If your wood furniture is sealed with a varnish for outdoor use, it’s safe to wash it with soapy water. Regularly scrub it down and allow the wood to dry quickly. If your wood furniture has not been sealed, you may want to consider doing so to prolong its lifespan.
Waterproof
Most outdoor furniture withstands the elements, but touch it up as time passes. In order to do this, purchase either a liquid or paste wax. You can apply this to the frames of your furniture to keep them water-resistant and shining like new. Just make sure that the wax you purchase is safe for the surface you’ll be using it on.
If you’ve got fabric that needs to be waterproofed, check out this post. It’s an easy process that will protect your fabric and keep it vibrant for years to come.
Protect and Store
Although outdoor furniture is created with durability in mind, it’s important to protect it from the elements as much as possible. Always store fabric cushions indoors when expecting rain and during the winter. If wet, hang them to dry to prevent mildew and mold. Bring your wood furniture and patio umbrellas indoors during the winter and cover your metal frames to prevent rust. Prevention is key so that when spring comes around again, your patio furniture will be ready to party.
Conclusion
With a little maintenance and care, your outdoor furniture will look brand new for years to come. Here at Matter Brothers Furniture, we’d love to help you find the perfect outdoor furniture to fit your needs. Check out one of our five locations to purchase the perfect outdoor patio set and contact us with all your furniture questions.
