5 Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture allows you to spend more time with nature and take a break from your daily hectic schedule. It provides a perfect unwinding spot to rest as you watch your compound and appreciate what you have at home. Common types of furniture that you can have in the compound include lounge chairs, dining sets, patio chairs, benches, and tables.
If you are lucky to have them or plan to add more, then you are probably aware that the design is tough. These items are exposed to direct sunlight, rain, strong wind, and bird popping, and even leaves, which may reduce their appeal. As you use them, you need to have a good plan for cleaning and maintaining them to extend their lifespan and original appeal.
This guide explores the top five tips to help you with outdoor furniture maintenance. Continue reading to take the necessary action and keep your outdoors elegant throughout.
1. Protect from Direct Sunlight
Protect your high-quality furniture from brands like Dreamo by keeping it from direct sunlight, mainly in summer.
When the seats are exposed to sun rays every day, the furniture may start to fade or show early signs of wear because of the absorbed sunlight. Before you install the furniture, check the environment well to know which corners have direct sunlight for the furniture installation.
Also, follow these additional tips to ensure direct sun rays fully precede your furniture.
Invest in Furniture Covers
There are plenty of furniture covers for fences, tables, and seats. Most of them have zippers for complete protection when no one is using them or needs to travel. Find a high-quality cover to keep your furniture safe.
Apply Sealant
A furniture sealant keeps the upper surface glossy and can also help protect it from UV ray damage. Find a high-quality sealant to apply to areas that aren’t covered by fabric.
Create a Shade
If there are no nearby trees to offer the right protection from direct sunlight, you can create shade. The shade can be in the form of a canopy or umbrella, which excellently covers the furniture. The shade you install will also be a valuable addition, as it will enhance the look of your outdoor environment.
Periodically Rearrange Furniture
Rearrange the seats depending on changes in weather. The change will not only offer sunlight protection but also bring a new change to your outdoor environment.
2. Inspect Regularly
Outdoor furniture is exposed to harsh weather conditions like winds and rain. As such, it’s important to carry out regular inspections to ensure everything is still intact. During the inspections, you will basically look at the condition of the furniture, from the edges to the fabric. Check for signs of wear and tear, damages, holes, and even pests.
Can you spot loose edges and joints? If yes, repair them as soon as possible before they become extensive. Ensure the furniture legs are intact and stable to prevent accidents. The frequency of inspections depends on the type of furniture you have and the environmental conditions. However, you can do it once or twice per month.
3. Clean Regularly
Cleaning outdoor furniture is mandatory to remove dirt, twigs, and other debris that could potentially damage the seats. The cleanup process doesn’t have to be intensive, but it should be thorough. Here are helpful tips to guide you when cleaning outdoor furniture.
Clean the Area Around
Start by cleaning the area around the furniture. Collect the unwanted stones and leaves and remove any pets’ fur. Cleaning ensures the furniture won’t get dirty again immediately after you are done with the cleanup.
Remove Dust
Don’t rush into washing with water. At times, you may only need to wipe off the dust with a wet cloth.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Some chemicals, like chlorine, can fade furniture and damage it over time. When washing, use mild soap or detergents and clean water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent or soap remains.
Spot-clean the Stains
As you clean, you may notice some stubborn stains on your outdoor furniture. Depending on the type of furniture you have, follow your manufacturer’s instructions to clean the spots. Be sure to seek the help of a professional if the stains still don’t clear.
4. Keep Cushions and Fabric Dry
Cushions can be a hotspot for pests like bed bugs, fleas, and some beetles. To prevent them, remove the cushions regularly and let them dry. Ensure dust doesn’t pile on them, and if possible, take them for a professional cleanup.
The cushions should not accumulate moisture, as this attracts mold, which can cause a wide array of health issues. If the cushions are rained on or someone pours water on them, let them dry well before fixing them again to the furniture frame.
5. Repair and Reupholster
Furniture doesn’t last forever. With time, you may start to notice signs of wear and tear, even with proper care and cleaning. When that happens, you should take the necessary actions to either repair or upgrade the furniture. You know the furniture needs repair when it sags, is torn, or has visible scratches. On the other hand, you may need to upgrade it if there are stubborn stains, lingering odors, and damaged fabric beyond repair.
Conclusion
Outdoor furniture requires proper care and maintenance to prolong its lifespan, maintain its original look, and keep the place comfortable and inviting. By following the above tips, you can protect your outdoor investments and enjoy the outdoor oasis for a long time.
Inspect regularly, clean often, and protect from direct sunlight. Don’t hesitate to upgrade the furniture if you feel it’s no longer impressive or no longer adds value to your compound.
