Outdoor furniture can be a costly investment, especially if looking for branded and high-quality pieces that usually come with not-so-easy-on-the-pocket prices. Thus, a proper care is definitely a must-do thing to maintain the fresh look of your outdoor furniture and expand its durability and lifespan.
Reason why the importance of regular and proper care and cleaning is even more emphasized is the fact that outdoor furniture in most cases, is directly exposed to various weather conditions, mostly direct sunlight. Just as harmful UV rays age your skin, they do the same to your outdoor furniture. Thus, if you want to be a responsible owner of your recently-bought outdoor furniture, here are several suggestions for being so.
Be Gentle to Your Outdoor Furniture
Let’s be honest, how many times did you sit on your outdoor furniture (lounge, sofa, chair) while being ‘buttered’ with suntan lotions and body oils? Well, casual lifestyle certainly takes its toll when it comes to the longevity of the outdoor furniture. Most affected part is the fabric, of course, and next are slings, glides and the vinyl strapping. Regardless of whether you payed a lot or found a bargain cheap outdoor furniture online or offline, avoid sitting on it right after applying body lotion. If you must sit, cover the area with a beach towel. This will save you time on cleaning and will prevent fabric from fading.
Revive The Finish
Freshen up the finish. The performance of this task depends on the material your patio or garden furniture is made of. For example, if your outdoor furniture is made out of wood, a mild scrubbing and rinsing at the beginning and the end of each season is highly recommended. On the other hand, if main materials are aluminum and iron, it is strongly suggested to wash the furniture frequently and wax it with automobile wax. This way you will preserve your expensive or cheap outdoor furniture and prevent it from rusting.
Clean the Outdoor Furniture Frequently
Depending on the material your outdoor furniture is made of (wicker, wood, fabric or metal), remember to regularly clean it with soft, dump cloth and cleaning product intended for outdoor furniture only. Also, do not forget to bring the furniture inside, or store it under a breathable cover in cases of harsh weather conditions, like snow and heavy rain.
