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Best Ways to Maintain Your Outdoor Patio Furniture

Date Posted:14 February 2022 

Best Ways to Maintain Your Outdoor Patio Furniture main image Best Ways to Maintain Your Outdoor Patio Furniture image

As fun as having a place to chill outside sounds, having patio furniture comes at a cost due to the various seasons, such as rain, snow, sun, and dust,  that make maintenance a considerable part of your day-to-day life. Therefore, to prevent damage to your patio furniture, a level of care is required, as explained further in this article.

 

Invest heavily in furniture covers

 

Covers are cheap and the most basic ways to protect your furniture from different weathers. These can be water and heatproof covers for your seats that take you through all seasons or an umbrella for your patio furniture to cover the entire patio.

While at it, avoid stepping on the furniture with shoes, spilling food and drinks, and rough activities that can cause damage to the furniture.

 

Clean according to the material

 

Frequent cleaning ensures that your furniture is free of mold, which helps maintain a longer lifespan.

However, it is essential to note that furniture appear in different shapes and forms and that different types of furniture are made from varying materials. This means that cleaning regimens differ from one piece of furniture to another. Therefore, for effective cleaning during maintenance, you must read the cleaning instructions that come with the furniture. 

This way, you are familiar with the products and methods of cleaning. Take a look at the different materials and their methods of cleaning as shown below.

 

Metal furniture

 

Use a gentle soap mixture, a sponge that is soft, or a lintless rag to clean metal patio furniture. Use sandpaper (fine-grit), a brush made of tiny wires, auto-polishing, or a liquid formulated to remove rust specifically, from a trusted brand to remove any persistent rust. After eliminating these stains, you will need to paint the sections or the entire item again. 

Use weather-resistant paint intended for metal when repainting the furniture. Ensure that, before painting, you apply a primer specifically formulated to resist rust to the sanded areas. If you need to re-paint the furniture, do so on a day with low humidity. Then, using long strokes, apply the color evenly.

Clean, repaint, and maintain your metal furniture after each season. After that, apply a liquid paste protector or wax. The application of auto wax maintains the finish, increases the life of the furniture, further preventing the metal from rusting.

 

Wooden furniture

 

When cleaning varnished outdoor furniture made from different kinds of wood, a moderate soap solution of hot water mixed with non-toxic bleach can be used safely. Most retailers have made form powdered oxygen, which comes in a variety of chemistries. Look at the powdered-oxygen bleach container to gain a notion of combination ratios.

It's controversial whether outdoor furniture needs a sealer or not. Some argue it is unnecessary because most outdoor furniture is built of materials whose nature is to characteristically resist these natural elements.

Others say that it will help prolong the piece's life and keep its finish and color. The wood-look resin is a durable and nearly maintenance-free solution that looks and feels like wood but is more low maintenance.

Choose a clear, quality brand that resists mildew and water, or a semi-transparent stain if you must sell your items. The manufacturer's advice for how often to reapply the sealant may differ, but once every one to three years should be enough.

For furniture with wooden legs, avoid leaving them in stagnant water, and damp soil for long periods. It won't harm a party one night, but the wood that made the furniture's foot and leg will wick moisture from the ground and begin to deteriorate over time.

 

Cushions

 

For your outdoor patio, use suitable cushions for the outdoors. These are usually made of waterproof materials and materials resistant to mildew.

However, the outdoors still expose these materials to pollen or other objects which are prone to mold; therefore, frequently sweep the cushions with a soft-bristled broom and clean using warm water with mild dish soap and a soft-bristled brush, then rinse off with clean water and wipe with a clean, soft cloth.

 

Wicker furniture

 

Whether your wicker furniture is made of resin or not determines how you should care for it. Resin-wicker can withstand more challenging cleaning methods. You'll need to utilize gentler cleaning methods other than synthetic plastic wicker furniture. 

First, use a soft brush or a vacuum attachment to remove loose dirt. Then, use a light soap mixture, a towel that has no lint, and a toothbrush, preferably one set aside for such tasks for the hidden areas. Clean wicker more frequently if you spend plenty of time outside. The recommended minimum amount of time is twice a year.

When spraying water on your wicker furniture, do so in a moderate mist instead of a complete deluge. The furniture weaving will be weakened if there is too much water. It's critical to properly dry the wicker before using it again, as it can take a few days for it to return to its original form. In the event that the paint is on your wicker chips, lightly sand it with sandpaper, followed by a fresh coat of paint on the area you sanded.

A fresh coat of paint helps preserve your wicker furniture for longer lifespans. After you've finished the primary finish, apply a thin coat of liquid furniture wax to protect it.

 

Teak patio furniture

 

Teak is a durable Asian wood resistant to termites and water damage. It is possibly the most aesthetically beautiful outdoor furniture, available in finished and unpainted pieces. It was trendy in the 1950s and is currently experiencing a rebirth. Today's homeowners must now maintain the teak patio furniture.

The key to caring for teak patio furniture is to keep an eye out for signs of wear. Oxidation will lead them to become dull or grey. When this happens, lightly sand it with 320-grit sandpaper to return it to its original color and finish. When you're done sanding, wipe the piece clean with a soft cotton towel to eliminate any dust. To increase the lifespan of your teak furniture, treat it twice every two years.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, a well-maintained patio not only helps maintain the aesthetics of your home but also helps save on costs, which would otherwise rise with the constant changing of furniture.

For more information and purchases, visit or call our offices at AusPoints. We offer fast and safe delivery on all products.


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