Your outdoor furniture may be designed to handle the elements, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free! By regularly cleaning your patio furniture and by taking preventative measures to protect it from the elements whenever possible, you can greatly extend its usable life.

Understanding the risks posed to outdoor furniture in Venice, FL

To understand how best to protect your outdoor furniture, it’s important to know the risks that are inherent to any furniture placed outside.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can fade plastic materials and cause fabric to break down over an extended period of time. Rain and moisture can cause most materials to deteriorate, but particularly wood and wrought iron. If fabric or cushions are exposed to a lot of moisture, they could get moldy.
Plastic is popular because it’s cheap and low-maintenance, but even that is still susceptible to fading and stains. Plus, it may not be as comfortable as other options.

Clean your outdoor furniture in Venice Gardens, FL

Cleaning your outdoor furniture is a great way to help it last longer. Spills can happen during backyard barbecues, and dirt and grime will build up throughout the season, so cleaning helps them stay fresh and avoid unnecessary deterioration.
The cleaning methods you use depend on the kind of materials the furniture is made out of. Most patio furniture these days is designed with fabric made for the purpose of sitting outdoors. However, even those fabrics will stain, and quick-dry foam could break down if you do not act quickly to clean up messes and spills. Usually, a soap and water mixture will be best for cleaning outdoor fabrics, but it’s a good idea to check manufacturer instructions just in case. You can remove covers and place them in the washer, and clean the foam inside and let it air dry.
Soap and water is also an ideal solution for outdoor metal furniture. Just make sure you don’t scrub too hard, as this could create chips in the finish and cause rust to form.
Plastic and resin are easy to clean if you wipe up spills right away and focus on scrubbing them occasionally. Avoid the use of any abrasive cleaners, as these could scratch the surface. All-purpose cleaners are generally just fine for plastic.
With wicker, teak or other wood furniture, avoid using pressure washers, and instead use a soft brush or sponge with a mild oil soap or soap and water mixture.

Protecting your outdoor furniture

Patio covers and awnings give your furniture some protection from the sun and rain, as do umbrellas. But the best, most reliable solution is to purchase covers for your outdoor furniture. Just make sure you don’t leave those covers on for too long, as doing so could result in mold or mildew growth.
With wood, paint and varnish reapplications after a certain period of time can help the material last longer.
During the winter months, remove the furniture and place it in your basement, shed or another storage area so it does not have to sit out in the elements all season without being used.
For more information about cleaning and protecting your outdoor furniture in Venice, FL, contact the team at Rattan Wicker & Cane.

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