How to Care For Your Outdoor Furniture: A Guide on Each Material
Summer is for sipping iced beverages on the porch, chatting with friends and enjoying the occasional cookout. Making the most of your exterior space requires more than a grill and fine weather, however. It calls for a variety of comfortable seats, tables and accessories, all made to endure the demands of real weather, including harsh sunlight, drops of rain and abrasive winds. Below, we discuss how to care for your patio furniture.
Protect, maintain and prolong the life of your patio with these simple tips, including steps for preserving different materials.
Caring for Wicker
Lightweight, sturdy and tropical, wicker furniture is one of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture. Though generally low maintenance, there are a few things to keep in mind for long-lasting use:
- Limit dust and grime from building up by using a soft brush or vacuum with a brush attachment and giving the furniture a once over regularly.
- If mud or sediment has settled in, use a stiff wire brush dipped in soapy water—regular dish soap is fine—and scrub thoroughly, getting in between the weave.
- Rinse with a hose and allow to air dry.
- Wicker can also fade in colour if subjected to harsh sunlight, so try and keep your pieces in the shade, or cover the seating with a cushion.
- Finally, give your wicker set a good polish with some lemon oil. Simply use a soft cloth for a beautiful shine.
Caring for Vinyl and Canvas
Many patio sets use vinyl or canvas for chair backs or bottoms or for overhead shading on pergolas. Fortunately, these materials are chosen for their durability as well as their ease of maintenance. Both canvas and vinyl (or other plastic fabrication) require only water and mild soap or detergent to clean.
- Begin by rinsing down the piece with a hose to remove dust and dirt. Pay special attention to corners, edges or other areas where detritus accumulates.
- Using a soft cloth and a gentle cleanser, lightly scrub areas of stubborn dirt, using more water and a little elbow grease as necessary.
- Dry off with towels or allow to air dry in the sunlight.
Caring for Wood
Most outdoor wood furniture is made of redwood, a durable, fade-resistant material that holds up well to the elements. While it does withstand use better than other types, it also requires more maintenance and protection than other non-wood materials. To maintain any wood furniture:
- Begin by tightening all screws, bolts and other hardware.
- Use paste wax or a lubricant to protect hinges and bolts from trouble down the road.
- Rinse the furniture down with a hose and dry it with towels or in the sun.
- Now, make sure to apply a sealer (one with colour if the wood is fading or going grey) yearly to protect, shine and treat the wood.
Caring For Patio Furniture in the Off Season
Despite the name, outdoor furniture often benefits from a retirement period when not in use. Wicker furniture should be stored indoors once the weather turns wet to avoid mould. Vinyl and canvas should be dried completely and rolled up (never folded) to maintain their beauty and strength. If plastic or vinyl is stored wet, it can leave permanent fog stains.
As for cushions, some claim to function come wind, rain or snow, but this is doubtful. Err on the side of caution and store them away once September rolls around.
Speak to an Expert at Oakville Home Leisure For Extra Tips
Taking excellent care of your patio furniture will ensure it survives many seasons of backyard barbecues, pool parties, and lazy days in the sun. With a little know-how and advanced preparation, your wicker, plastic, wood and other outdoor furniture can see you through many years of sunny days.
Call us today to talk about your patio furniture options.
