Outdoor Furniture Care Guide: How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture

Furniture is an investment and the more you take care of your pieces, the more they will last. This is particularly true when it comes to outdoor furniture like outdoor sofa sets and more. To help with that, today we will explore how to clean your outdoor furniture depending on the material and share some general care tips.

 

Maintenance Guide for Outdoor Furniture Based on Material

 

1. Wood Furniture Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Most wood outdoor furniture, such as a round outdoor dining table or an outdoor sofa and everything in between, will be naturally resistant to the elements. However, it will still require some maintenance.

For example, you should make sure the wood is sealed so it can be protected from UV rays, moisture, and dirt. This will prevent fading, allowing the furniture to maintain its original color for longer.

Also, the seal should be water-repellent to keep mildew at bay and also prevent staining. The seal should be reapplied every once in a while, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Of course, it’s also important to keep your wood furniture clean. We recommend regular vacuuming to remove dust and debris, and washing with soapy water and a soft bristle brush. Make sure to pat the furniture dry with a lint-free cloth when you’re done.

2. Wicker Furniture Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Wicker and rattan outdoor furniture also require some attention if you want it to look good for longer. The main thing you need to do is protect your pieces from the sun when you’re not using them.

Ideally, you should avoid keeping your wicker or rattan furniture exposed for longer than 3 weeks at a time. We recommend using a furniture cover and storing the furniture when it’s not being used.

Eventually, touching up the paint will be necessary. When that time comes, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove peeling paint and reapply paint as necessary. Make sure you get the same shade or take it as an opportunity for a little furniture makeover.

When it comes to cleaning, avoid using abrasive chemicals. Mild soap and water will do the trick with a soft bristle brush. Avoid using too much water to keep the fibers strong. Of course, regular vacuuming is also a good idea to remove debris and dust.

3. Metal Furniture Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Metal furniture is usually made of steel, iron, aluminum, etc., and it’s very sturdy. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t need some love every once in a while. The focus here is to keep rust at bay, so the pieces should be well cared for.

We recommend applying a coat of wax after every clean. Use a lint-free cloth for this, it will help you give the furniture a new shine. Additionally, you need to keep any swivels or glides well-lubricated.

If you find any rust, make sure to treat it to keep it from spreading and avoid further corrosion. You can use white vinegar for that. Just let the affected area soak for 30 minutes and use a soft bristle brush to scrub away the rust.

Metal outdoor furniture such as a good outdoor sofa set can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Once again, use a soft bristle brush, rinse the pieces with clean water when you’re done, and dry them well.

4. Fabric Furniture Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Whether you have a 2 seater outdoor sofa or any other outdoor furniture piece with fabric, you’ll be happy to know it won’t be difficult to maintain. Most fabrics used for this purpose are water-repellent and designed to resist UV rays, moisture, stains, and mildew.

Now, the water-repellent finish is temporary, which means you have to reapply the solution. The same goes with the fabric protector; it will fade over time and you have to reapply it.

This is usually necessary once a year, but make sure to check the manufacturer’s guide. It’s also important to brush the fabric regularly to remove debris and dust. If the fabric does happen to stain, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to remove it.

When it comes to cleaning, a mix of lukewarm water and mild liquid soap will work well. You just have to make sure to scrub well but gently, rinse with clean water, and then hang out to dry.

Outdoor Furniture Care Guide: 8 Important Tips to Follow

While you do have to make sure your maintenance and cleaning routine is tailored to the furniture material, there are a few general tips to keep in mind:

 

• Water-resistant finishes will fade away eventually, so make sure to reapply them. Choose a water-resistant spray that’s easy to apply and high-quality.

 

• If anything is spilled on your furniture, make sure to clean it as soon as possible. Don’t let it sit or it will become more difficult to handle.

 

• Avoid abrasive chemicals and power washing unless explicitly recommended by the manufacturer.

 

• Always read the maintenance instructions and recommendations from the manufacturer. They will always provide specific tips for your furniture, so that’s the guide you should follow.

 

• Make sure to remove dirt and debris regularly. Make it a part of your home cleaning routine. A vacuum is the fastest method, but you can also use a soft brush or dry rag.

 

• Always protect your furniture during the off-season. Use furniture covers or store the pieces in a dry and well-ventilated space.

 

• If your outdoor sofa cushions have removable covers, wash them regularly. If not, still make sure to wash the cushions well every once in a while and let them air dry completely.

 

• Store outdoor sofa cushions when they’re not being used to avoid fading, bird droppings, and more.

 

Outdoor Furniture Care Guide

Taking care of your outdoor furniture is the only way to ensure the pieces will look amazing and serve their purpose for longer. Whether you have an outdoor sofa set, an outdoor dining table, etc., create a maintenance routine you can keep up with regularly. Please click here to view our special product care guide. 

If you’re looking for new outdoor furniture pieces for your space, browse our store to find everything you need!