Your patio is a great place to relax and entertain guests, so it’s important to ensure it’s clean and functional. To keep your outdoor furniture in top condition, you’ll need to take care of it by cleaning, preserving, and protecting it from the elements. You can even add a personal touch to your furniture by decorating and designing it to your taste. By doing this, you can have the most welcoming outdoor living area on the block.
In Part 1 of this blog, we’ll go over the best ways to clean patio furniture.
Cleaning Patio Furniture
It is important to keep your outdoor furniture clean and in good condition if you want it to last. This means regularly cleaning it and making sure any repairs are made in a timely manner. A clean patio will also help you to create a more comfortable and inviting space. So before you get your patio furniture ready for summer, give the area a good cleaning and make any necessary repairs.
Here’s how to care for the different materials that make up your patio furniture:
Plastic and Wrought Iron
To clean plastic and wrought-iron furniture, mix water and a mild dishwashing detergent and wipe the furniture with the mixture and a damp cloth. Hose down the furniture to rinse it and repeat the process every three weeks.
Aluminum
Aluminum furniture can be cleaned with a damp cloth and some dishwashing soap. To remove any marks, use a soft scrub brush. Finally, rinse the furniture off with a hose.
Wicker and Teak
Start by using a soft-bristled brush to clean and moisturize your skin. Next, use water and mild oil-based soap to rinse your skin. Finally, hose down your skin every two to three weeks to maintain shine.
Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew growth is most commonly found in outdoor patio furniture during humid or winter months. If left untreated, mold and mildew can quickly spread across your furniture, covering your patio in a layer of fuzzy, discolored fungi.
Mold can cause several minor health complications, including painful migraines, frustrating allergies, inflammation of the joints, and impaired breathing. Mildew can also inflict negative health effects, such as headaches and respiratory problems.
The key indicators of early signs of fungal growth so you can keep it from spreading include discoloration, fuzzy or slimy texture, and a musty smell.
Removing and Treating Mold and Mildew
If you find mold or mildew on your outdoor furniture or patio umbrella, you can clean it with a mixture of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, you can clean it with a mixture of lemon juice and salt.
In some cases, it may be better to buy new cushions for your outdoor furniture instead of trying to fix the old ones. This is especially true if the old cushions are in bad shape. Once you have new cushions, you can take steps to prevent the cushions from getting ruined again. For example, you can use outdoor furniture covers during wet or cold weather or when the furniture is not in use.
Conclusion
Patio furniture is a great addition to any home, but it does require some care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. In Part 1 of this guide, we covered some of the basic things you need to do to care for your patio furniture, including cleaning different material types. In Part 2, we’ll take a closer look at how to preserve and protect your patio furniture in any season.
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