Outdoor space such as a deck or patio is a valuable addition to any home. It not only provides additional living space for your family, but it also serves as a space for entertaining or relaxing. No matter what purpose you have for your outdoor space, it is important to invest in the right set of furniture.
The furniture will provide you with the relaxation you deserve. At the same time, you must also be informed of the proper ways to care for and clean outdoor furniture. This is a vital step to ensure that you can extend the life of your furniture and be able to use them for years to come.
There are different steps involved in caring for outdoor furniture depending on the type of furniture, materials, and the climate in your area. You need to take all of these factors into account when cleaning your outdoor items so you can protect your investment.
Cleaning Outdoor Wooden Furniture
Wood is a common material used for making outdoor furniture. It offers a classic and cozy feel to your outdoor space because of the natural and elemental appeal of this material. But while wooden outdoor furniture can be a comfortable addition to your outdoor space, they are also hard to care for. Hardwood is a common type of wood used for making furniture and they require a special approach when it comes to cleaning. With that said, it is important to know what type of wood is used so you can clean it accordingly.
Teak furniture tops the list of wooden outdoor furniture material that is usually chosen by homeowners for its aesthetics. The older the furniture is, it develops a silvery gray patina that adds to the attractiveness of each piece. This type of wood releases natural oils that make it strong and durable. For this reason, teak furniture for outdoor use requires little to no maintenance. In fact, it is the top choice for homeowners because it is weather-resistant.
To maintain the look and finish of teak furniture, apply a thin coat of sealer. Leave it to dry before applying another coat. It is also good practice to lightly sand the furniture to give it a smooth finish.
White oak furniture is another popular choice for homeowners because it is resistant to water and rot. It also comes with low oil content in comparison to other types of hardwood, which makes it ideal for outdoor use. Make sure you apply a sealant over the surface in order to retain its color and look. But with most wooden furniture, it is best to allow it to weather for a season or two before you do anything to it.
Cleaning Outdoor Metal Furniture
There are several types of metals used for making outdoor furniture, such as wrought iron and stainless steel. If you have metal outdoor furniture, you can heave a sigh of relief knowing that they are relatively easy to maintain. This is one of the reasons why they are the go-to options for many homeowners when it comes to furnishing their outdoor space. With proper care, metal furniture is also durable enough to last for several years.
Rust is the worst enemy for metal furniture. You can prevent metal from developing rust by opting for a rust-resistant paint or finish. However, this will wear over time so you need to either re-paint it or perform regular maintenance. As soon as you spot rust forming, remove it with some steel wool. Once you have removed the oxidation, you can apply a fresh coat of paint on the furniture. Proper storage is also crucial in preventing rust formation.
Cleaning Outdoor Plastic Furniture
Plastic is another common material that is used for making outdoor furniture. One of the reasons for this is that plastic is inexpensive and you have a wide array of styles to choose from. Plastic furniture is popular on the lawn or on the outdoor deck.
Thankfully, plastic is among the easiest materials to clean and maintain. An important thing to remember when cleaning plastic furniture is to avoid using abrasives as you could end up scuffing the surface. You can use an all-purpose cleaner and spray it over the furniture. Wipe it down with a damp cloth or sponge. You can repeat this process as often as you need to.
Cleaning Outdoor Fabric Furniture
The use of fabric in outdoor furniture such as hammocks, couches, and seat covers not only provides comfort but also style to space. The different colors and textures from the fabric can add a new dimension to your patio’s appearance.
Fabric furniture can be made of either natural or synthetic material. The safest way to clean them is to use a soap solution with warm water. It is also a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you follow the recommended cleaning methods. After you have cleaned the fabric, you should apply a water-repellent fabric protector in order to prevent future staining.
