How To Care for Outdoor Furniture

Mar 30, 2022

Believe it or not, 81% of Americans have a lawn. Most of those folks also believe that it’s an important feature they look for when buying a home.

A backyard can add beauty to your home as well as keep everyone more active outside. It’s also environmentally friendly and a great place for entertaining when the weather allows. 

Many people purchase outdoor furniture with the goal of having a wonderful place to meet, chat, and dine. However, it’s important to know how to care for outdoor furniture. It can quickly become rusty and faded if it isn’t properly preserved.

Here’s what you need to know about outdoor furniture maintenance.

Light Clean Regularly

The outdoors is a wonderful place to entertain, but it’s also a spot where dirt can easily accumulate. Wiping down tables and chairs and sweeping the patio is something you should do each day, especially when your furniture is being regularly used.

Leaves, dust, and other soil can quickly accumulate, getting ground into your furniture and making it much harder to clean later on. This will also shorten the lifespan of your outdoor furniture.

If you have cushions or other fabric-based furniture, it’s best to bring it under a covered surface in the evening. It can prevent moisture from building up and causing mold or mildew problems. This is a simple daily task that can save you a lot of money on future furniture purchases.

Know Your Material

All outdoor furniture will require a bit of deeper cleaning from time to time. The type of cleaning you perform, however, will depend upon your furniture’s material.

Wood furniture, for example, can bring out the natural textures and colors of your yard. Yet it can be tricky to clean. A bit of oil-based soap designed for wood will give it a great shine while avoiding the stripping that happens with harsher chemicals.

If your wood furniture develops mold during the colder months, you can scrub those sections with a dry brush until the mold flakes off. During the warmer months when it’s in use, be sure to dust it regularly.

Metal furniture provides a cool, crisp look. Yet it runs the risk of rust and oxidation. You’ll need to be sure to use waterproof covers every evening to prevent morning dampness from seeping into the surfaces.

If you do notice a bit of rust, it isn’t necessarily time to toss your furniture into the garbage heap. Small patches of rust can get removed with a simple mixture of vinegar and water applied with a metal cleaning material.

A soft scrubbing product applied with a rag can help to remove dirt and scuff marks. It’s also possible to paint over rusty areas with touch-up paint. Use your instincts when it comes to knowing when it’s time to patch over furniture, and when it needs to be replaced.

Softer Surfaces

Plastic and wood outdoor furniture are also quite popular and easy to maintain. After you dust them, you can wipe them down with a gentle cleanser and a soft cloth.

Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals like chlorine or bleach. You can even do a quick online search for cleansers compatible with outdoor furniture. 

If your furniture is upholstered, check and see if you can remove the cushion covers. You may be able to launder them on a gentle cycle if you’re using them often. If the fabric is waterproof, wipe it down with a damp cloth before cleaning with a soft rag and a little diluted dish soap. 

If you happen to get a bit of mold on your upholstered pieces, you can scrub it with a dry brush before washing the upholstery according to the instructions.

Umbrellas

An outdoor umbrella adds color, charm, and shade to your patio setup. Yet it can easily become damaged if it isn’t properly maintained.

If your umbrella’s frame is made from wire, you’ll need to lubricate the joints at least once each year. You can scrub down any signs of mold or mildew with a mix of 50% vinegar and 50% water. A brush with firm bristles will help get rid of the dry spores.

Grills

The grill is another central element in an outdoor setup. It’s where everyone gathers to eat and socialize. There’s nothing more relaxing than some chicken or steak smoking on a hot grill while you enjoy a warm summer night with friends and family.

Keeping your grill clean, however, is another story. For many of us, it’s an investment we strive to preserve, but proper maintenance is key.

You’ll need to scrub your grill after you’ve cooked a tasty meal and waited for the grates to cool. You can use a stiff brush with soapy water and then apply a bit of vegetable oil to keep the grill from rusting. Failing to clean off your grill after every use means you’ll be getting visits from critter friends when you’re done entertaining.

Your grill should always be covered after you use it. You can store it indoors during the colder months. If you have a propane tank, however, it will need to be left outdoors.

How To Care For Outdoor Furniture

If you want to be known for your gatherings during the warmer months, it’s critical to know how to care for outdoor furniture. With the right maintenance and the right company, you could be the most popular yard in the neighborhood in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about your outdoor furniture now. For wonderful furnishings and accessories, contact us today. 

 

 

 

Shopping cart59
Iron Hanging Chain with with Bee Hive, Bees and Bell on the End
-
+
Ride or Die Motorcycle Themed Gear Shaped Wall Clock with LED Lights
-
+
13.8 Tall Frosted Gold Polyresin Thinking Buddha Idol Statue
-
+
Two Birds Sitting on a Stick with Pink and Blue Beads
-
+
One set of two blue heron iron garden figurine with one standing tall with his head looking upright while the other one is looking downwards with his head slightly bent while their wings are standing up in the air
-
+
Red and Green Christmas Pick Up Truck with a Christmas Tree and Gifts in the back and it has snow flakes on it as well
-
+
Reddish- Pink and Orange Acrylic Hummin Bird hanging from Orange String
-
+
Boy and Girl Sitting and Standing- Holding and Petting Reindeer- Christmas Gifts in Background
-
+
Set of 2 Victorian style red iron sleighs
-
+
Set of 3 Antique Copper Umbrella Wind Chimes with Bells
-
+
red standing Christmas lantern with round base
-
+
Meditative Buddha Statue in garden
-
+
Set of 6 Assorted Color 21" Long Multicolor Acrylic Sparrow Pot Stakes
-
+
4.5 feet tall large 6 acrylic butterfly garden stakes in 5 assorted color combinations with beads on long metal stake
-
+
16 Tall Frosted Gold Polyresin Preaching Buddha
-
+
small red metal truck tabletop decoration with Christmas tree in trunk
-
+
Close up image of Tall cotton style birdhouse garden stake with small bird sitting at the top of the roof and leaves holding up the birdhouse
-
+
Each peacock body is fully encrusted in large tear drop shaped gems that extend down their flowing tails
-
+
24 inch tall red porcelain pedestal birdbath with baby blue flower blossoms painted across the inner bowl in garden
-
+
Crafted with exceptional quality, these unique birdhouses showcase intricate hand-painted designs and beautifully textured porcelain
-
+
Twelve Ceramic Fisherman Balls in a Bowl
-
+
Six Acrylic Hummingbirds - in Multi-Colored Finishes with Strings and Beading
-
+
side view image at 21 inch tall dragon statue made of metal plates in metallic finish
-
+
24 inch tall porcelain pedestal birdbath with peach base and painted green hummingbird with large flowers on white basin in garden
-
+
4 hanging garlands 74 inch long with ceramic sailor balls and rope in navy and burnt orange colors
-
+
Children Holding Lighted Lanterns- Petting Reindeer
-
+
extra long iron rain chain featuring jumping fish and bell in antique copper finish
-
+
image of 4 74 inch long hanging rope garlands with ceramic sailor balls in black with white flowers
-
+
tall iron Halloween skeleton figurine in top hat holding Happy Halloween sign in fall forest surrounded by light up pumpkins and house in purple
-
+
43 inch long iron birdfeeder in lantern shape with toadstool and bell accents attached underneath it in antique copper finish
-
+
full length image of metal hanging on a chain A-frame birdhouse with square bottom and wind chimes in antique copper finish
-
+
side view image of metal vintage style small school bus with Christmas tree on top of it
-
+
Three Metal Christmas Trees on Garden Stakes in Red, Green and Blue Colors
-
+
Set of two blue and white egret garden figurines with one looking to the back of him with his neck bent while he is trying to scratch himself while the other one is looking forward standing tall and upright
-
+
Motors Unlimited Motorcycle Themed Gear Shaped Wall Clock with LED Lights
-
+
Full View of Santa Clause with Blue Cloak Holding a Sack of Gifts and a Christmas Tree
-
+
5.6 Feet tall iron Christmas ornament tower with polka dot, strip and argyle patterns in red, white, black and gold
-
+
Bottle cork LED string lights inside clear wine bottle between old books turtle and diving helmet clock
-
+
17.75 Tall Ceramic Stoneware Stool in Navy, Ivory and Red Cadence
-
+
Large glossy red iron truck with LED lights and pumpkins in trunk
-
+
6 assorted colors hanging acrylic ornaments
-
+
Tall large iron Christmas Nutcracker dressed professionally in his Christmas colors with his drum stocks in hands and his drum attached to his waist
-
+
Set of 2 "Red Hat" Christmas Tushkas with Teddy Bear Basket & Bag
-
+
iron rain chain in antique bronze finish with ornate hearts and bell accents
-
+
31 inch tall old style iron Christmas water pump in antique red finish and faux snow patches with Merry Christmas sign and bluebirds
-
+
4 ft. tall iron Christmas sleigh with candy cane runners full of large stack of metal gift boxes decorative Christmas display
-
+
17.75 Tall Ceramic Stoneware Stool in Green, Blue and Yellow Cassidy
-
+
collage of 6 hanging acrylic ornaments with 4 chubby birds and a bell in 6 assorted colors
-
+
Full View of of Iron Nutcracker Holding Baton- In a Red Suit
-
+
Life-size iron Christmas nutcracker figure Leo in green holding drum in front of lighted up trees
-
+
31 inch tall multi-colored metal Christmas ball ornament yard stake with metallic gold ribbon bow on top in front of light-up tree
-
+
One set of six multi colored acrylic dragonfly ornaments with six beaded tassel hanging to the bottom of the dragon fly
-
+
Twelve Ceramic Balls in a Round Tray next to a Lantern
-
+
Closeup of 3 Fish on 76.75 Long Antique Bronze Rain Chain with Rainbow Trout
-
+
45 inch tall iron birdhouse on curved stake with bells in antique copper finish, standing in garden
-
+
67 inches tall pinecone shaped birdhouse stake with little bird on a side in antique copper distressed finish with patina accents
-
+
59
Comodo Trusted Site Seal
Secured By Comodo