Outdoor Furniture: Proper Maintenance and Storage
Outdoor furniture requires more attention and care compared to indoor furniture only because the former tend to be more exposed to changes in weather. There are different types of outdoor furniture and each type requires a different technique in cleaning and storing. Read on to find out how to make your outdoor furniture last for years:
Fabric Outdoor Furniture
Acrylic cushions are cleaned by first, removing them from the frame. Spot-cleaning is done with the use of a sponge, clean water and mild soap. Allow the cushions to dry completely before using or storing away to prevent mildew from forming. For cloth cushions, the canvas covers should be machine-washed on the gentle cycle. You might want to add bleach for white covers. The covers should be stretched back over the frame before the fabric is completely dry. Fabric furniture should be stored indoors during the winter. When storing, never wrap cushions in plastic – doing so might cause mildew.
Metal Outdoor Furniture
Steel, wrought iron and metal frames can be cleaned with the use of water and mild soap. Nowadays, many metal frames are modernized; made to be rust-resistant or totally rust-free. If the ones you have aren’t yet rust-free, you may use paste wax to keep metal outdoor furniture from corroding or developing rust.
Wooden Outdoor Furniture
If the wooden outdoor furniture you have has been coated with exterior varnish, then it can be cleaned with water and mild soap. Make sure that your furniture is completely rinsed off with clean water. Aside from teak and cedar, wooden furniture should be kept indoors during the winter.
Wicker Outdoor Furniture
For this type of outdoor furniture, a hose or pressure washer (on lowest setting) should be used when cleaning. The cushions should be removed so that dirt and spills may be sprayed off. For the wicker itself, a sponge, mild soap and cold water should be used to wash it off. Make sure to have the furniture completely dried up. A paste wax may be used to keep the frame shiny and water-resistant. The cushions should be kept indoors during the winter, and the frames should be covered.
Resin Outdoor Furniture
This type of outdoor furniture requires the least amount of care. Spraying it off with clean water and allowing it to dry completely usually does the trick. If there are any scuff marks present, a gentle abrasive may be used to scrub it off. For mildew removal, have this mixture: 1 cup of bleach, 2 cups of detergent, and 1 gallon of clean water.
