How to Clean Every Type of Outdoor Furniture

Most beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture are costly, so you should protect your investment in learning the appropriate method to care for your items. The right care for your outdoor furniture will depend largely upon how much wear and tear it can receive in your climate and the material used to craft the pieces. By carefully maintaining the furniture that graces your front porch and back patio, you will be able to enjoy your pieces for many years to come.

Much of our outdoor furniture is produced from numerous metals, from airy aluminum to wonderful wrought iron. If your metal furniture is painted, it is important not to scrape the metal against hard surfaces which could chip the paint and lead to rusted spots. For paint that is baked onto the metal surface, you are able to keep your pieces in great condition by using a wax at the beginning and the end of the season. It will also give your outdoor furniture a good shine throughout its months of use. It is also a good idea to oil all of the moving parts each year and to replace loose or rusted bolts and screws as well.

There is absolutely nothing that says summer like a set of wicker outdoor furniture sporting a tray of refreshing iced tea and some bright, tropical cushions for comfort. Nevertheless, wicker furniture should be cared for properly if you want to continue to get pleasure from that set for several seasons. This is not the kind of furniture that will work properly in a completely exposed area like an uncovered patio. If the wicker is painted or made of bamboo, avoid getting the surface too wet when washing. Alternatively, opt for a thorough vacuuming and spot cleaning as necessary. Other wicker outdoor furniture can be cleaned once a year with the hose to keep it looking its best.

Whether it is a complete dining set or a painted Adirondack chair, wood outdoor furniture can be a beautiful addition to your yard. Nevertheless, wood requires its own version of TLC, especially when it is exposed to the elements for most of its life. This type of outdoor furniture tends to fade in the sunlight, whether it is painted or stained.

You will probably need to do some sprucing up each spring, but ensure that you sand the surface perfectly before applying any other substance. It is also a great idea to clean the wood with mineral spirits or water and soap prior to adding a fresh coat of stain or paint. Outdoor furniture is an excellent method to extend your living space to the yard when the weather gets warm. With the proper care and protection, you will have the ability to take pleasure from your outdoor pieces for many years in the future.

To clean your metal or wrought iron furniture, simply add some dish soap to a bucket of warm water. Dampen a soft scrubbing brush and begin cleaning your furniture. If you notice any rust spots while cleaning, rub them away with some sand paper. After rinsing your soap from the furniture, you’ll need to apply some primer and touch-up paint to any bare spots you removed rust from. The touch-up paint will prevent rust from returning so you can keep your furniture in optimum condition.

In most cases, you can clean cushion covers by removing them and washing them in your washing machine. However, don’t use the clothes dryer to dry them. Replace them on the cushions to dry in place to reduce the possibility of shrinkage.