It’s been a long time since we shared tips on caring for furniture. This time we will summarize how to take care of outdoor furniture. It is important for you to clean, preserve and protect, decorate and design, and save for the weather. Of course, this treatment method also depends on the weather in various countries with 2 seasons and 4 seasons. However, we will use general things you can do to take care of your furniture.
The key to the longevity of outdoor wood furniture is to choose good quality furniture made with wood that is suitable for outdoor use. Teak, cedar, white oak, and even acacia wood are naturally resistant to decay and durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.
The best ways to keep your outdoor furniture
One of the best ways to keep your outdoor furniture in tip-top shape is to give it good, regular cleanings. Similarly, starting with a clean patio will help you to better create a space that is both comfortable and welcoming. So before you set up your patio furniture and get it summer-ready, be sure you give the surrounding wood, stone, or brick a good cleaning and make any necessary repairs.
One of our outdoor furniture projects in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia
Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution. For deeper cleaning at the start and finish of each season or in the instance of tougher stains or mold, you can scrub with a soft brush and a mix of water and dishwasher detergent or oxygen bleach. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface.
- Wicker and teak: Clean and moisturize by using a soft-bristled brush, water, and a bar of mild oil-based soap. Rinse with water and maintain shine by hosing down every two to three weeks.
- Plastic and wrought iron: Mix water and a mild dishwashing detergent and wipe all plastic and wrought-iron furniture with the mixture and a damp cloth. Hose down to rinse and repeat every three weeks.
- Aluminum: Wipe aluminum furniture with a damp cloth and mild dishwashing detergent. Use a Soft Scrub brush to remove any scuff marks and rinse with a hose.
- Fabric and canvas cushions: Vacuum all cushions and saturate all sides with a mixture of 1 tbs. dishwashing detergent, 1 tsp. Borax, and 1 quart of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 30 to 45 minutes before using a soft-bristled brush on stains. Rinse well, let dry, and repeat every three to four weeks.
- Patio Umbrellas: Use a bristled brush to remove any loose dirt. Mix ¼ cup of laundry detergent with 1 tbs. of Borax or baking soda and warm water. Let the mixture soak for 30 minutes and rinse well with a hose or bucket. Allow the fabric to dry partially before opening entirely.
Care and Cleaning Outdoor Furniture Tips
- Always start with a light cleaning, sweeping surfaces as needed with a soft brush or cloth. Then assess if further care and cleaning are needed.
- When it comes to cleaning products for outdoor furniture, non-detergent liquid soap (think dish soap) is your friend. It will clean but not harm your furniture and its environs. For tougher stains and mildew, use water and white vinegar.
- Read the manual. Unless you inherit or purchase vintage pieces, outdoor furniture should come with instructions about care and feeding.
- Sunscreens and bird droppings should be cleaned off your furniture as soon as possible. They can be particularly damaging and cause permanent stains and corrosion.
- Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time (and during long bouts of inclement weather). Even if it can stand up to the elements, cleaning will extend its life and make maintenance easier after the outdoor season begins again. And, use breathable covers to avoid creating a mold incubator.
- If you live in an area with especially harsh winter weather, try storing your furniture indoors if possible.
When the weather unexpectedly turns for the worst, it’s important to care for your outdoor furniture so it keeps the great quality you currently enjoy. During the warmer months, there are a few tips to consider.
- Close Umbrellas: close your patio umbrellas when they’re not in use to avoid accidental damage.
- Move for weather: move furniture to an enclosed location if severe winds or rain pass through.
- Storage: when the weather turns cold store away as much furniture as possible in a shed, garage, or under a tarp or furniture cover.
- Clean and protect: all furniture should be cleaned and protected with sealant or fabric sprays to protect from the summer heat or rain, and before storage for the winter.
With these maintenance tips, you bring lasting comfort to your outdoor furniture while ensuring it is functional and safe. However, if you want to replace your old outdoor furniture with a new one, please check the outdoor furniture collection at KALIUDA Gallery. You can also order custom according to the design and size you want.
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