Introduction
When you have a nice outdoor furniture set, it’s easy to take it for granted. The cushions are comfortable, the table is sturdy, and everything looks great. However, caring for your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be hard. Here are some tips that will help you keep your outdoor furniture in good shape:
Keep the cushions covered.
Keeping your outdoor cushions covered will keep them clean and dry, which can help prevent mould growth, sunburn and fading.
Hose off the furniture regularly.
Hose off your outdoor furniture regularly with a pressure washer or a hose with a spray nozzle.
Soak the furniture in a tub of water, hose it off — and repeat as needed. This can be done weekly, biweekly or monthly, depending on how much use your furniture gets (a primary seating area may need more frequent cleaning than an area that is less often used).
Use soapy water and soft bristle brushes to remove dirt, dust and grime from all surfaces; rinse thoroughly when finished.
Use furniture covers during winter or when not in use.
Covering your furniture is a great way to keep it clean and dry. When you cover your furniture, it also helps prevent damage from the elements such as rain and snow.
There are several types of covers available for you to use depending on how often you plan on using them, how much they cost if they fit onto the specific piece of furniture that needs protection, and what material they are made of.
Clean your furniture with soap and water.
To clean your furniture:
- Use a mild soap and water solution.
- Use a soft cloth to wipe the furniture down, being careful not to use harsh chemicals or abrasives that might damage the finish of your pieces.
- If you choose to use a power washer, make sure you use it on low-pressure settings so as not to damage any delicate parts of your outdoor tableware.
Re-do the paint now and then without fail.
It’s important to remember that paint is the first thing to go and needs to be refreshed every few years. This is an excellent opportunity to give your furniture a new look and make it feel brand new again! Make sure you use water-resistant paint so that it will last longer than an average of two years outside.
Repair missing pieces before it’s too late.
If outdoor furniture is missing a few pieces, it’s time to repair the damage before it worsens. Use polymer resin glue to fix broken parts and re-attach them to the furniture, or find replacement hardware at your local hardware store. This should be done as soon as possible because otherwise, the elements will wear down even more of your property and make it unusable.
Keep them away from direct sunlight if possible.
If you can, keep your outdoor furniture out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can damage the wood structure, discolour and fade it, dry it out too much or cause it to crack and splinter. If you have a patio that gets full sun all day long (or even part of the day), considers moving your chairs and tables into shade during those hours—it’ll help keep them looking great for years to come!
Store them under a canopy to protect them.
One of the easiest ways to protect your outdoor furniture is by using a canopy. A canopy can be made from just about anything, including a tarp or canvas sailcloth. If you’re looking for something more permanent, you could buy one designed specifically for this purpose. Whatever kind you decide to use, make sure it’s large enough to cover your furniture completely and provides adequate shade in an area without much wind or sun exposure.
Conclusion
With these simple tips, you can keep your outdoor furniture looking great for years. If you follow them diligently, it will give you many years of enjoyment!
