Outdoor living areas have become very popular in recent years. The furniture that adorns these outdoor areas is usually quite durable, but most of it needs regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Frequent washing is one of the best ways to maintain the appearance of outdoor furniture. When dirt and dust are allowed to settle, metal rusts and marks appear on the surface, while plastic loses its colour.
Wash outdoor furniture at the beginning of each season. First dust the furniture, then wash it with a mild detergent and water. Allow to dry. Check all joints, screws, threads and tighten if necessary. Missing, broken, or rusted fasteners should be replaced with stainless fasteners made of aluminium, galvanised steel, or stainless steel. Afterwards, lubricate the hinges and wheels with silicone grease. Oil should be avoided as it tends to settle and attract dirt. Additional maintenance methods depend on the material from which the furniture is made.
Aluminium furniture is rust-resistant, but must be protected against scratching, which gives the metal an unrepresentative appearance. Frequent washing helps to prevent this if the metal is not damaged. If the metal is in poor condition, it will take more than washing to restore the appearance. In this case, each damaged area should be rubbed with steel wool. When the metal has become softer, wash the surface with a mild cleaner and dry it. To preserve this result, use a car wax to coat the surface. Ideally, the surface should be waxed every few months.
Plastic is extremely durable and resistant to different weather conditions. It can withstand normal use, as well as the additional stresses that outdoor furniture is subjected to. Plastic furniture can also be easily stored, as it is usually made up of different parts, or stacked on top of each other, which takes up less space. Most dirt and stains can be removed using mild, all-purpose cleaners such as glass cleaner. It is also possible to wipe the surface with a sponge or cloth using a mixture of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Wipe the surface thoroughly and dry it using a clean, soft cloth.
Furniture made of wood is attractive and resistant to different weather conditions, and is not prone to rotting or warping. However, they can still split and turn grey if they are not maintained for a year. Factory-made products are available to prevent staining and loss of colour. Before using them, wash the furniture and replace any joints that have started to rust, as these will damage the wood over time. Gently scrub the damaged parts with sandpaper. Dust the surface and finally wipe it with a cloth that has been soaked in paint thinner. For the last part, apply a coat or two of waterproof varnish specially adapted for wood.
Wicker furniture is resistant to environmental influences, but can dry out a little when left in the sun, which would cause it to lose its colour. Wicker furniture is best stored in the shade. It is recommended to soak them in water once a year to restore the fibres to their former appearance. Intact wicker furniture simply needs to be washed periodically to maintain its appearance. The furniture should first be vacuumed and then wiped with a cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water. Use a toothbrush for stubborn stains.
With regular maintenance, outdoor furniture can maintain its beautiful appearance for many years. If your outdoor furniture is looking a little worn, you might want to consider renewing it next winter.
