If you have one of the best and most comfortable outdoor furniture sitting in your outdoor space, maintaining it alluring and preventing wear and tear is necessary. However, this can only be achieved when you know how to care for or properly maintain outdoor furniture.
Ideally, Outdoor furniture is meant to be left outdoor all year as they are made of durable materials to withstand the elements. However, this will hurt the durability of this furniture in the long run, regardless of the type of materials used in making them.
Considering the cost of outdoor furniture, one will know how important it is to care for and maintain this furniture to last a lifetime. Thankfully, one of the best ways to maintain this furniture will also make your outdoor space comfortable. Below are the various ways to care for and maintain your outdoor furniture without further ado.
How to Maintain Outdoor Furniture
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Using a shade
Outdoor furniture is a lifetime piece of furniture. The best way to enhance their durability and maintain their appalling look is by having them under a shade or covered outdoor space. This will prevent elements from hitting your furniture directly.
Shading your outdoor living space will also make your space comfortable to use, cool during hot weather, and shielded from neighbors and elements. This act will make your space usable in all seasons and any time of the day.
Additionally, shading your patio allows for installing accessories such as fans, speakers, TV misting systems, heaters, bug zappers, and more to make the space fun and comfortable.
A hard rooftop such as a pergola or a gazebo will serve rightly for this purpose. You can also use an awning or a trampoline depending on the structure of your outdoor space. You can employ the service of a professional for a beautiful design or resort to doing it yourself.
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Use a cover
Another amazing way to care for your outdoor furniture is using a furniture cover. These covers are made of durable and weather-resistant materials to prevent outdoor furniture from being hit directly by the elements.
This method is one of the easiest and cheapest ways of maintaining your outdoor furniture. In addition, these covers are ready to use and available in various stores, making this a fast action when caring for and maintaining your outdoor furniture.
Furniture cover can also be used on furniture with weather-resistant labels under the shade to prevent cushions from being soaked. This is because water-resistant furniture can only resist rain and water to a certain degree, while weatherproof furniture will not get soaked.
This is an important factor every homeowner needs to know when purchasing furniture or accessories for the outdoor space. This factor also determines the durability of these accessories, especially when they are not properly cared for.
How to care for outdoor furniture in winter
Many people have great outdoor furniture and a nice yard but don’t think about it in winter. Outdoor furniture can be like indoor furniture if you care for it properly. If you want to make sure that your outdoor furniture looks good for many years, you need to take care of it in the winter. Here are some tips on what to do with your outdoor furniture when the cold weather comes.
- Clean your furniture and store it indoor
- In the absence of an indoor storage place, Use a furniture cover
- If there are any stains on your cushions or pillows from rainwater then hose them down with warm soapy water before letting them air dry completely outdoors before storing them inside.
- If there are tears in the fabric that needs repair, then patch it up with some fabric glue, or even better yet; sew it back together!
- When cleaning out dirt and debris from cracks between slates or tiles on tables/benches etc., first use a vacuum cleaner attachment called “crevice tool” and then spray some WD40 into these areas too because this will help loosen up any stuck-on grime which might have been left behind after vacuuming so as well being able to clean better overall.
Everyday Outdoor Furniture Cleaning Culture
After shielding your furniture from the elements, it is also important to clean your furniture from time to time, at least four times a year, to keep it alluring and clean to use. This is because shade and furniture cover won’t prevent coffee spills, ketchup stains, and other stains that come from the daily use of your furniture.
So to maintain and care for your furniture when under a shade, you need to clean your furniture from time to time to keep them charming and extend its lifespan.
Dusting
Use a soft bristle brush or damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Don’t use abrasive cleaners, as they can damage both the finish and the material. Instead, make sure that you clean all sides of the piece, including underneath.
This will help prevent mildew from forming. In addition, lightweight pieces like wicker furniture can be vacuumed using the upholstery attachment.
Spot-cleaning
You can spot-clean with mild soap and water or a vinegar solution for small stains or spills. If you have cushions on your outdoor furniture, take them off first (and be sure to read their washing instructions). Check here for how to clean outdoor patio cushions.
Then, allow the surface to air-dry completely before putting them back on. If you have wood furniture, ensure it is completely dry before covering it again or bringing it indoors.
Wood cleaning culture
If you have wooden furniture, it might need to be oiled from time to time to keep it looking its best. Now would be a good time if it hasn’t been done recently.
Storing Away
If possible, store your outdoor furniture indoors during the off-season to prevent rust and corrosion from forming on metal surfaces or years of direct sunlight from damaging the finish of wooden surfaces.
Folding furniture can be taken indoors, such as Adirondack or lightweight lawn chairs. In contrast, bulky furniture can be taken into the garage or protected with a cover. For some outdoor furniture, you might only take their cushion indoors for better protection.
Note: It’s best not to use harsh chemicals or cleaners on your furniture because these will damage it over time. Instead, use mild soaps only for outdoor use (not indoor). Explained in detail is how you can naturally clean a fabric sofa to make looking new again.
Also, periodically check for any damage that may have occurred during the year, including scratches, nicks, cracks, and even rust spots on metal surfaces. Most minor damage can be repaired with a little sandpaper and some touch-up paint or stain.
Cleaning outdoor furniture with vinegar
Cleaning outdoor furniture with vinegar is an easy and effective way to remove dirt and grime from your patio or deck furniture.
The acidity of the vinegar kills mold spores and bacteria, keeping your furniture clean and safe to use. You can also use vinegar to remove rust spots from metal outdoor furniture. Cleaning outdoor furniture with vinegar
- Step 1: Make your cleaning solution.
Pour a cup of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water into a bowl. Add a few drops of dish soap. Mix thoroughly until the solution is frothy.
- Step 2: Scrub down your furniture.
Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution, then use it to scrub down your furniture, paying special attention to any stains. Use disposable towels to wipe off excess moisture on the surface of the furniture.
- Step 3: Rinse and dry.
Use a hose or bucket of water to rinse away your cleaning solution from the furniture’s surface. Finish by drying with a clean towel, then allow the furniture to air dry in direct sunlight if possible
- Step 4: Clean your cushion
If your cushions are machine-washable, wash them in cold water on the delicate cycle with a mild detergent and 1/2 cup of white vinegar added to the load.
If they are not machine-washable, mix 1/2 cup of white vinegar in two gallons of warm water (dish soap can be added if desired) and use a stiff brush to scrub all surfaces of the cushion on both sides. Rinse thoroughly with a hose.
Outdoor Furniture Care and Maintenance
There are different types of outdoor furniture, and caring for and maintaining this furniture differs from one to another. This may render the basic cleaning culture useless.
For instance, spot cleaning will be useless for cushionless furniture. Different materials require different types of care to keep your entire backyard looking its best
How to clean woven outdoor furniture
Cleaning woven outdoor furniture is a lot more complicated than you might think.
For starters, you don’t want to use any harsh chemicals or a power washer because that can damage the fibers used in the weave. So what is one supposed to do?
- Firstly, remove anything that has accumulated on the surface of your furniture—dirt, leaves, bugs, webs—with a simple broom or brush. You can even use a vacuum with a hose attachment to eliminate dust or cobwebs accumulated between the weave.
- Next, soak a sponge in warm water and apply mild dish soap. If you’re cleaning chairs, start with the seats and work your way out to the legs of the chair. If you’re cleaning tables, begin in the center and work your way out. Never start on an edge or corner if you can help it. It’s too easy for dirt and grime to sneak into those little crevices and make it impossible to fully clean them after dried-on debris has had time to set in.
- Lastly, rinse off the soap using a garden hose with a sprayer attachment. Then move your furniture piece into an area with plenty of sunlight to dry up fast.
How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Wicker Furniture
Wicker is often made of rattan or willow reeds, but it can also be made of synthetic materials designed to look like those natural materials. If your wicker is made of natural fibers, treat it like rattan:
Regularly spray water mixed with soap onto your wicker pieces and wipe them down with a soft cloth. If your wicker is made of synthetics, wipe it down using warm soapy water and a soft cloth at least once a month to ensure that no mold or mildew forms on the surface.
Outdoor wicker furniture is often designed with a rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminum frame. This frame should withstand the elements, but if you live in an area with especially harsh winters, you might want to bring your outdoor wicker furniture indoors or use a cover during the colder months. It is more appropriate to have it under a shade for better protection.
Wicker furniture should be kept away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the wicker to dry out and crack. If this happens, it will need to be replaced.
If you have wooden outdoor wicker furniture, treat it at least once a year with a marine varnish or teak oil. This will help keep the wood strong and water-resistant.
How to Care for Outdoor Wood Furniture
While your outdoor furniture may have been crafted from wood specially treated to withstand the elements, you can do a few things to help your furniture remain in good condition, and this treatment varies from wood to wood.
How to care for teak outdoor furniture
Teak outdoor furniture is one of the most popular decorative options for outdoor spaces. It is known for its durability and natural beauty, but it can be time-consuming to maintain.
This guide will help you learn how to care for teak outdoor furniture and your home’s other wood furniture to keep it looking great all year round.
- Step One: Clean
Teak outdoor furniture will weather the same ways that your other wood furniture does. Therefore, it is important to clean it regularly to prevent stains and discoloration. There are several techniques that you can use. They include cleaning with an outdoor-safe cleaner and a damp cloth, wiping down with a lint-free cloth (make sure to wash any hard surfaces that may be in contact with your teak lounger), or using a glass cleaner on your teak furniture.
- Step Two: Condition
Once you’ve cleaned your teak lounger, you should follow up with a finishing product designed specifically for outdoor use, such as Teak Furniture Polish or Teak Furniture Wax. You can apply these products using the same techniques that you would use for waxing other pieces of furniture: rub them over the entire piece of leather.
How to care for acacia outdoor furniture
Acacia is a type of wood that is durable and weather resistant. It’s a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it’s strong and long-lasting. But even with the best of materials, your furniture will begin to show signs of wear and tear. To make sure you get the most out of your acacia patio set, follow these steps:
- First, bring your furniture indoors during the winter to preserve its life. Acacia can withstand all four seasons without damage, but extreme cold can dry the wood and cause cracks. If you cannot bring all or any of your furniture indoors for the winter, cover it with a tarp during snowstorms to avoid moisture and water damage.
- Second, wash your acacia patio set each spring before using it for the season. A simple soap-and-water solution should do the trick—it’ll clean off debris from the winter months and let you know if any repairs are needed before you start using it heavily again.
- Finally, coat your patio set in wood sealant once a year to keep water from seeping into the wood. The sealant will also help prevent damage from UV rays, which can cause acacia wood to fade over time.
How to care for outdoor cedar furniture
If you have cedar furniture, it’s important to know the best ways to care for it. If you don’t handle it properly, you’ll end up with ugly cracks and warping, not to mention a lot of splinters. So here are the various tips you need to keep your cedar furniture looking its best:
- Clean your furniture once a month. This will keep dirt from building up and help prevent mold and mildew from taking hold. Use some warm water and a nylon brush to scrub off any grime.
- Keep it covered when possible. Covering it will help keep the sun’s UV rays from damaging your cedar furniture. However, you can also opt to treat your furniture with a UV blocker if you don’t want to cover it up all the time.
- Know when to treat your cedar with oil or sealant. Oil is good if you want your furniture to retain its natural golden color, but sealant is better for a darker look since sealant soaks into the wood and doesn’t change its color.
How to clean metal patio furniture
Thanks to its durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance, metal patio furniture is a convenient and durable choice for outdoor seating and dining. However, even the hardiest outdoor furniture can benefit from regular cleaning and maintenance. Here are a few tips to get your metal furniture looking new again
- Clean your furniture with a mixture of soap and water.
- Use a steel wool pad to scrub away any stubborn stains.
- Rinse your furniture with water after cleaning it with soap and water or steel wool.
- If your patio furniture has rust spots, rub them away with steel wool or a wire brush.
- Spray your cleaned metal patio furniture with WD-40 to protect it from future rusting and corrosion.
How to clean plastic patio furniture
Your plastic furniture will change color over time due to specks of dirt. However, proper care and maintenance can help restore its look and extend the life of your plastic patio furniture.
Follow these steps for how to clean plastic patio furniture:
1. Remove the cushions from the furniture and wash them with mild soap and warm water solution. Allow them to air-dry completely before replacing them.
2. Use a soft cloth to dust any dirt or debris from the plastic furniture.
3. Prepare a cleaning solution of warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out so that it is damp but not dripping wet. Next, wipe down the plastic furniture with a damp cloth, removing all dirt, grime, or residue that may have accumulated on it over time.
4. Rinse the plastic patio furniture thoroughly with clear water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or residue. Allow it to air dry completely before replacing cushions and returning them to their original place on your patio or deck.
How to clean outdoor rope furniture
If your furniture has been outside for a long time, you may have noticed that it’s become a bit dingy. But don’t worry, you can get it back in ship shape with a little elbow grease and some detergent. Follow these steps to clean your rope furniture:
- Carefully remove the cushions from the furniture, then set them aside to clean later.
- Mix together some detergent and warm water, then dip a sponge in the mixture.
- Gently wipe down the entire chair using the damp sponge. You may need to move it in a circular motion to get rid of any grime that has built up on the chair.
- Rinse off the chair with clean water.
- Let the chair air dry completely before replacing the cushions.
