The days are long, the evenings breezy, and there’s a scent of barbecue in the air. Summer is here, time to bare your winter-white legs and air out your patio furniture.
But how do you get your outdoor furniture looking good after months of winter storage? And more importantly, how do you keep it looking good through a season of heavy use?
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| Outdoor Furniture |
Wood.
Quality hardwood furniture (teak, shorea or Australian jarrah) will stand up to the elements for a lifetime. But that doesn’t mean they benefit from neglect. “We recommend oiling wood furniture a couple of times over the season,” says one furniture manufacturer. “Periodically, you should also tighten the hardware,” he adds. Less costly cedar furniture will weather without rotting, but it could benefit from a protective coat of stain or wood preservative. And pine or oak furniture (director’s chairs, for example) should be sheltered from rain.
Sling.
Sling furniture is designed to be maintenance-free. But again, there are a few simple steps you can take to prolong its good looks. “Each spring, give it a nice buffing with a standard car wax,” suggests another furniture manufacturer. “The wax will protect the finish and keep it looking new. For a weekly cleaning, I tell people to just toss it in the pool. The chlorine has a gentle abrasive action and cleans it right up. Hose it down after and you won’t see any bleaching of fabrics.”
Cushions.
Some cushions allow rainwater to drain right through, but most should be sheltered from the elements. To keep mildew and stains at bay, clean spills right away with mild soap and water. To prevent fading, don’t use bleach or strong solvents on printed fabrics; just a gentle scrub brush or rag with soap and water.
Umbrellas.
Look for market umbrellas with snap-off covers that can be thrown in the washing machine, then sun-dried on the frame. Standard drape umbrellas can benefit from an occasional scrub-down with a soft brush and hose.
Indoor/outdoor wicker and wrought iron.
“There’s a real misconception about patio furniture that you can just throw it out there and never clean it,” says another furniture manufacturer. “You have to think of your furniture like a car — you wash it frequently.”
His tips: clean off any spills or soil right away so they don’t promote mildew. Use a mixture of bleach and water on textured materials, and just mild soap and water on smooth finishes. Sand away any rust spots on wrought iron and paint over them. Last of all, look for special solvents designed to clean patio furniture: most reputable dealers carry several brands.
