How To Care for Outdoor Furniture

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.