Severe weather conditions affect outdoor furniture. One should take measures to protect them throughout the year as the weather can affect the quality finish of the outdoor furniture. An easy way to protect the furniture is to use sofa covers. No matter if these are your living room sofas or patio furniture, covers will help you prolong the furniture life and will work as an element of design. Selecting the best quality sofa cover will ensure that the patio furniture remains in good condition. Storage and maintenance procedures determine the durability and curb appeal of your furniture. However, choosing the right outdoor furniture makes the care and maintenance procedures easy.
Factors to consider when choosing outdoor furniture
- Comfort
- Position of the outdoor furniture
- Weather conditions
- Material such as teak, concrete, or polyethylene
- Space, shape, and size.
Ways to properly store and maintain outdoor furniture
Storage and maintenance procedures will depend on the type of furniture that you have.
Here are some of the storage and maintenance procedures for your outdoor furniture:
Follow care and maintenance guidelines
Outdoor furniture comes with care and maintenance instructions that one should follow. Doing so helps preserve the furniture’s finish for longer. There are instructions on essential cleaning detergents and proper use and maintenance procedures that one should follow. Beware of this and follow the given instructions.
Use fabric covers
The best way to protect furniture is to cover it, especially during harsh weather. Fabric covers will protect outdoor furniture from direct sunlight, rain, and snow, and keep this type of furniture dry. Chemical treatment of the patio furniture will also increase moisture and stain resistance. Removable covers on outdoor furniture make cleaning easy, resists sun damage, and prevent the growth of mold.
Deep clean outdoor furniture
Dirt, bird droppings, and stains affect the general appearance of your outdoor furniture. Regular cleaning is recommendable, but one should not use abrasive cleaning agents. General vacuuming and the use of mild soap are enough. You should leave the furniture to dry if you wish to store it indoors due to harsh weather conditions, or until the need to use it arises.
Manage mold and mildew growth
Outdoor furniture is prone to mold growth, and proper cleaning mechanisms can help prevent or remove mold from the patio furniture. There are gentle ways to remove mold without damaging the furniture surface.
There are different types of patio furniture with specific storage and maintenance procedures. The design of outdoor furniture should help it withstand harsh climatic conditions.
Here are storage and maintenance procedures for various outdoor furniture that you can follow:
Metal outdoor furniture
Taking care of outdoor furniture made of metal is not that hard. Here are some tips to help you care for metal furniture:
Prevent water pooling by tilting the furniture
Water pooling on the surface of the furniture damages it. You can tilt the backrest of the chairs and table wedges if the furniture remains outdoors during the rainy season. This helps prevent pooling of water, which can corrode or cause damage due to rust.
Adhere to metal furniture care
When selecting outdoor furniture, opt for aluminum furniture and other metals that are rust-resistant. It is good to coat them with varnish and powder coating to prevent rust and dull finish over time. One should also learn a few tips on seasonal furniture damage during winter by storing the furniture in a dry place.
Use furniture covers
Avoid using plastic fabric covers for outdoor metal furniture because they trap moisture, heat, and such conditions can affect the finish. One should invest in a breathable cover for the outdoor furniture to prevent moisture retention and mold growth.
Perform regular checks for scratches and rust
Such regular checks can help identify areas that need sanding or a touch of paint to avoid rusting. Oxidation also makes the metal dull, but proper use of vinegar can help remove that. Always ensure you do not use alkaline soaps as they contribute to oxidation.
Maintenance tips for Wooden outdoor furniture
Teak is the favorite wood for outdoor furniture mainly because of minimal maintenance procedures. Teak wood produces natural oil that is effective in controlling moisture absorption to prevent dry rot. Some of the maintenance procedures for teak furniture are;
Cleaning with mild soap and water
Stain removal through sanding, teak stains removal detergents for both water and oil-based stains, or through cloth iron
Color preservation through the teak sealant and clear coat of paint application
One should avoid water repellents, use of steel or brass wool on the furniture, and pressure washing. Applying varnish should be avoided as it can cause chipping on teak furniture but may apply to other types of wood furniture. Remember to cover the wooden outdoor furniture with fabric covers to prevent sun and harsh weather damage.
Wicker is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it is UV, water, and an all-weather-resistant fabric with easy cleaning and maintenance procedures.
Remember to store outdoor furniture during harsh cold and snowy weather and during the hot season. Provide shade to cover the outdoor furniture to prevent sun damage. It is also good to regularly inspect and replace outdoor furniture in case of damage.
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