Tips on Maintaining Your Outdoor Patio Furniture

Outdoor Patio Furniture Maintenance

You’ve made a big investment in your outdoor patio furniture. Over time, nature’s elements will begin to wear on the different surfaces – it’s inevitable. Dirt is the enemy here, not the sun. Pollutants in the air cling to dirt. If the dirt remains on the furniture it will become embedded and begin to breakdown the material. Luckily, a few minutes of TLC goes a long way.

Here are a few tips on how to maintain your outdoor patio furniture:

Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture

It is recommended to dust your outdoor wicker furniture regularly. Use a broom to remove debris before it settles into the crevices and remove surface dust with a damp cloth. The new outdoor wicker are quite durable, though they would benefit from being protected from extreme cold or heat. If your wicker furniture is set up under a lanai or similar overhang, a simple solution is to use outdoor furniture covers to protect and extend it’s lifespan.

Outdoor Wicker Patio Furniture Maintenance

Outdoor Teak Patio Furniture

Keep in mind, outdoor teak furniture should not be oiled. Oiled teak is more likely to mildew and may develop color irregularities as it weathers. Over time, the oil on the surface will evaporate giving the teak it’s grayish tone. The oil that remains below the surface is what gives the wood strength and durability. This is why good quality teak can be left outside all year long. To help maintain the appearance and prevent dirt from building up, simply hose it down. (Don’t pressure clean, as it might damage the teak.) Then apply a mild solution of warm water and a little detergent. Then rinse with fresh water. Five minutes every two months, that’s it!

Outdoor Teak Patio Furniture Maintenance

Aluminum Patio Furniture

To keep your Aluminum patio furniture from losing its luster, you should apply clear car wax annually.  The wax will keep your aluminum from fading and pitting caused by the weather. This is important as most manufacture’s warranties do not cover fading.

Outdoor Aluminum Patio Furniture Maintenance

Outdoor Cushions & Pillows

Today’s outdoor fabrics are designed to be weather and mildew resistant. Of course, an occasional wash will only help keep them looking their best. The key here is keeping your outdoor cushions and pillows dry. After a rainy day, simply stand them up on their back side,zipper side down, to drain. Turn the back cushions and/or pillows sideways to drain as well. Make sure to let them dry completely before using them again to prevent any mildew formation. Drying times will vary based on materials and how much sun they will be exposed to.

Outdoor Pillow Maintenance

Protective Patio Furniture Covers

Purchasing patio furniture covers will help protect your furniture from the elements, from rain to snow… it’ll do its job perfectly. Patio furniture covers are made of a vinyl material which prevents cracking. They also come in all sizes to allow for a flexible fit.

Your outdoor patio furniture maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore. There are a lot of new outdoor cleaners and maintenance products that perform better and safer for the environment. Be aware that “lack of reasonable care” is something that the manufacturer will look at when implementing their warranties. So what are you waiting for? Start maintaining your outdoor patio furniture today!

For more outdoor living ideas, follow us on Pinterest.com/CarlsPatio to get the latest trends and more.