Patio Furniture Maintenance

Outdoor Patio furniture can be quite expensive, so spending a lot of money replacing it isn't high on most people's lists of great things to do. Fortunately, the right cleaning and care can help your patio furniture last a long time.

When you buy your outdoor furniture new, you'll probably be able to refer to enclosed care instructions. However, older furniture means that the instructions might not be around anymore. Here's some information on maintaining patio furniture so it will last longer.

The materials your patio furniture is made of will affect the maintenance requirements. Plastic, wicker, fabric, wood, steel and aluminum are the most common choices. Some require more maintenance than others.

However, scheduling a monthly cleaning and time for maintenance can do a lot to help your furniture look better and retain its integrity. Your investment in your patio furniture will last a lot longer.

The most common and effective method for cleaning outdoor furniture is just soap and water. Pressure washers can be used for cleaning wood, but you have to keep them on a relatively low setting.

Some furniture which hasn't been cleaned in a long time may require scrubbing, but be wary of strong cleaners or solvents that might cause damage. Let's take a look at some of the options for cleaning different materials.

Wicker - Use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean this type of furniture, but be sure to remove the pillows. A sponge and mild soap and water can be used for extremely grimy wicker. Finish off by applying paste to improve shine and water resistance, unless you have wicker that has already been treated. Cover frames and keep cushions inside during the winter.

Wood - If your wooden furniture has already been shellacked or varnished with an exterior grade coating, simple soap and water will dot he trick, but be sure to rinse the furniture completely. Almost all wood furniture should be stored inside in winter, except for some types of cedar, teak, and ironwood.

Fabric - Cloth chairs coverings can be washed in a machine on the gentle cycle. Bleach can be used for white items only, and all pieces should be hung dry. If fabric shrinkage is a concern, just stretch it back over the frame before it's completely dry. Then, allow the fabric to air dry in a well ventilated place. Care for frames according to the material, and keep fabric pieces inside in the off season. Spot clean pillows and cushions with soap and water, then rise and hang dry. Never store fabric items wet, or they may mildew.

Plastic - Furniture made from plastic is easy to care for. Just spray it down with water and air dry. Gentle abrasives can be used to get rid of scratches.

Metal - Care of metal frames depends on the type of metal. Water and mild soaps are appropriate for most cleaning, and the majority of modern frames are rust resistant. However, dirt and grime can corrode that protective layer, so keeping them clean is vital. For furniture that's not rust proof, paste can protect against corrosion. This takes some time, so keep that in mind.

We hope these tips will help in keeping your patio furniture looking good and functional for years to come.