Last Updated on March 10, 2024 by Umer Malik
Did you know that 86% of US households have some outdoor living space? Whether it’s a balcony, patio, or deck, you need easy and comfortable furniture.
However, if you don’t take care of your garden furniture, you’ll find that you might have to replace things more frequently than you’d like.
As a new outdoor furniture owner, it can be a little confusing to figure out what the right way to care for these items is. They are much more exposed than what you’d have inside, so you must account for many more factors.
Keep reading to get the inside scoop on what you should do to care for these furnishings.
Table of Contents
Look at the Care Instructions
The garden chairs, tables, and benches manufacturer likely has care instructions available for you as the buyer. You should always look for a sticker or instruction manual with the furnishings you purchase to see if that has been provided.
These will offer insight into the best ways to care for your outdoor furnishings because they come straight from the source. Alternatively, if you need to return the item for any reason, you will want to avoid doing anything that might void the warranty because the manufacturer does not approve it.
Follow these instructions first if you have them available.
Try Light, Gentle Cleaning
In general, cleaning your furniture is going to be a pretty standard process if you do it regularly. For more specific instructions, look at this guide for cleaning outdoor patio furniture.
To care for most outdoor furnishings, you’ll want to first sweep them down with a standard broom or a soft cloth. This will remove any debris that isn’t stuck on the furnishing itself.
After that, you’ll need to mix a mild cleanser with warm (not hot) water. Go for about a 1/4 cup of mild cleanser to about a gallon of water.
Take a sponge and gently rub the outer surface of your furnishing to clean it off. Then, rinse it with clean water, and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Consider the Materials
Wicker furniture needs regular cleaning, but it must be done with gentle treatment since it is very fragile. Alternatively, wood furniture will need to be sealed to preserve its quality, but you’ll also want to look out for stains, mildew, and sun damage.
There are different things to keep in mind based on what type of material your outdoor furniture is made from, so you should always research before purchasing a new piece for your patio.
In general, avoid using things like bleach, pine oil, or abrasive cleaners unless the manufacturing instructions specifically say that, no matter the material. If you’re unsure, test it in a hidden spot before applying it to the whole furnishing.
Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
When not in use, it’s best to use covers on your furniture so that it doesn’t get harmed by the elements. You’ll also want to consider removing foot caps from your tables or chairs.
Keep the furniture upright so that the water will properly drain if it penetrates the item.
Remember to Take Care of Your Garden Furnishings
Depending on the type of garden furnishings you have, the care isn’t that complex. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but also use your common sense when cleaning, storing, and using your furniture.
If you liked this article, you have to check out the rest of our blog next! We have plenty of other must-see tips for any homeowner or renter to learn.
Overview
Caring for your garden furnishings is essential to keep them looking good and increase lifespan. There are many different types of garden furniture, including wood, metal, and plastic, and each requires specific care. Here is a unique overview of how to properly care for your garden furnishings:
- Wooden furniture: Wood is a beautiful and natural material that requires proper care to last. Keep it clean by wiping it down with a damp cloth, and avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the wood. Regularly treat your wooden furniture with a protective oil or stain to help it resist water and sun damage.
- Metal furniture: Metal is a durable material perfect for outdoor use. However, it is susceptible to rust and corrosion. To prevent this, keep your metal furniture clean and dry, and apply a coat of rust-resistant paint or wax to protect it from the elements.
- Plastic furniture: Plastic furniture is lightweight, easy to clean, and durable. However, it can fade over time from exposure to the sun. To prevent this, keep it clean and store it in a shaded area when not in use.
- Cushions: Cushions can add comfort and style to your garden furniture but require special care. Keep them clean by wiping them down with a damp cloth, and avoid exposing them to the elements. Store them indoors when not in use to prevent sun damage and moisture.
