Outdoor Furniture Care

Outdoor furniture has become very popular and is a large investment that you do not want to replace every spring.

Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials; wood, fabric, aluminium, wrought iron, steel, plastic and wicker. Below are some tips and tricks to help you care for that precious furniture.

General Care

The most important thing to remember is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. However if these are not available then follow the guidelines below for the type of furniture you have.

Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a pressure washer but make sure that it is used on a low setting or damage could ensue.

Wooden furniture that has been coated with an exterior grade varnish should be cleaned with soapy water and then rinsed with clean water. Wooden furniture should be stored indoors during the winter if possible. The exception to this is Teak furniture which can be stored outside all year long. But, if you do decide to keep your teakwood furniture outside, then you need to ensure that pools of water does not collect on the furniture or that it is not kept on wet ground. Teak manufacturing experts recommend applying a teak protector if you want to maintain the original golden brown colour of your outdoor teak furniture. This teak protector helps in maintaining the colour of the furniture for a single season, after which it needs to be reapplied. These days, you can also get products, known as teak cleaner, which can be used to bring back the natural colour of teak furniture if it has been allowed to weather into its silver gray colour. Irrespective of how long the furniture has been left outside, they can be restored to their original honey brown colour using the teak cleaner. This restorative process is quite easy without requiring any hard scrubbing.

Fabric outdoor furniture such as hammocks and cloth chairs should be machine-washed using the gentle wash cycle. Hang outside to dry, stretching back over the frame before the fabric is completely dry to avoid shrinkage. See the relevant section to determine how the frames should be cared for. If possible, store fabric furniture indoors during the winter.

Aluminium, wrought iron and steel frames should be cleaned with water and mild soap. Many modern metal frames are rust-resistant or rust-free. If your metal furniture is not, paste wax or naval jelly can be used to protect from corroding or rusting.

Umbrellas require maintenance after being in storage. Covers need washing and umbrella frame joints need oiling. Wash covers using a soft-bristled brush, mild soap and cold water. Use a spray lubricant on the joints of a wire-frame umbrella. If you have a wooden-frame umbrella, use paste wax to restore its shine.

Acrylic cushions should be removed from the frame before cleaning. Clean using a sponge, mild soap and water and then rinse with clean water. To prevent mildew, allow to dry completely before using or storing. Some types of cushions are mildew-resistant, but if you have a problem with mildew, use a solution of one cup bleach, two cups detergent and one gallon of water to clean. Mix thoroughly and spray on the entire cushion. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes. Scrub with a sponge or clean cloth and then rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely. When storing, never wrap cushions in plastic as the plastic does not allow the cushion to breathe and can cause it to mildew if there is any moisture present.

Resin furniture does not require much care. Simply spray off with clean water and allow to air dry. If scuff marks are present, use a gentle abrasive to remove. Mildew can be removed using a mixture of one cup bleach, two cups detergent and one gallon of water.

Wicker outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a pressure washer or hose. Simply remove the cushions and spray off dirt and spills. If the wicker is especially dirty, use a sponge, mild soap and cold water to rinse. Allow the furniture to dry completely. Then apply a paste wax to the frame to keep it shiny and water-resistant. Some types of wicker are weather-resistant, making care easier. Store cushions indoors and keep frames covered during the off-season.