how to protect your outdoor furniture
DESCRIPTION
http://www.fifthroom.com/outdoor-furniture/ | Through regularly cleaning, washing, and treating, homeowners will get the maximum lifespan out of their outdoor furniture. When cleaning, be sure to follow all manufacturer's care instructions and follow the necessary steps for each kind of material.TRANSCRIPT
After a few years in
the sun, rain, and
other elements,
outdoor furniture will
inevitably start to
show signs of age and
wearing. These signs
can include:
• Mildew and mold
• Fading and
discoloring
• Rust
PROTECTING
FURNITURE
What can homeowners do to protect their furniture
and get as much life out of their patio furniture as
possible? On the following slides, learn the best steps to
patio furniture maintenance, including choosing the
right cleaning method and supplies for your different
types of outdoor materials.
WHAT CAN
YOU DO?
CLEAN REGULARLY Cleaning furniture in
the garden or patio
should be a regular
part of household
upkeep, the same way
that cleaning, dusting,
and vacuuming inside
the house are routine.
Outdoor benches,
tables, and chairs
should be swept clean
of dust and leaves
regularly with a soft
bristle broom or
brush. After the
furniture has been
swept, it should also
be lightly rinsed with
water and dried with a
lint-free cloth.
USING A
CLEANSER
When using a cleaning agent, use a mild soap. Bleach,
power washes, and even pine oil-based cleaners are
often too harsh for most furniture (unless indicated
otherwise in the manufacturer's product information).
A mild dish soap is more than enough for most furniture. Use ¼ cup dish soap
per gallon of hot water.
When testing out a new cleaning solution, scrub a bit of it on a hidden area to
make sure that it does not leave any marks or wear out the furniture.
MATERIALS
MATTER
The proper
cleaning
procedure can
change depending
on what materials
the furniture is
made from.
Wicker, fabric,
and other more
delicate materials
need to be
handled with
more care, while
wood and metal
need more heavy-
duty cleaning.
WICKER • Clean using a vacuum dust-brush attachment or a
very light paint brush.
• When scrubbing, use as little water as possible.
• Get rid of mildew or flaking paint with fine sandpaper; apply fresh paint
as necessary.
• Use furniture covers when not in use to protect from the elements.
FABRIC • Wipe up any spills or
stains with a damp
cloth immediately.
• Clean with a brush
regularly.
• Be sure to wash
removable covers as
indicated by the
manufacturer's care
guides. Some covers
can be machine-
washed and air dried,
while others need to
be hand washed.
• Remove mold with a mild cleaning solution (again, check the manufacturer's
information for what level of cleaner each type of fabric can handle) with a
soft bristle brush.
• Re-apply fabric protector once every year, or as needed to maintain
waterproofing.
METAL
• Scrub with mild soap
solution and rinse; dry with
a lint free cloth.
• If recommended, auto wax
can be applied after
cleaning.
• Use a silicon spray to
lubricate hinges and other
movable parts.
• Check hidden areas for rust
and chipping paint often;
rust, paint, and mold can
be removed with a light
sanding.
• Apply a touch up layer of
paint as needed.
WOOD
• Apply a sealant to protect from
the sun, dirt, and water.
• Stains and mildew can be
removed with a soft bristle
brush and cleaning solution.
• Depending on manufacturer's
instructions, oxygen bleach can
be used to clean some wood.
However, chlorine bleach
should never be used
• Small stains can be sanded and
then rinsed; for larger areas of
discoloration, it's best to use
wood brightener or other such
products.
BUYING TREATED FURNITURE For homeowners
who don't have the
time or ability to put
in a lot of work on
maintaining their
furniture,
Fifthroom.com
offers a wide
selection of treated
furniture for patios
and gardens. While
some cleaning and
maintenance is still
required, these
pieces come from
the manufacturer
already sealed,
stained, and
otherwise protected
from the elements.
Fifthroom.com has
been a provider of
high quality indoor
and outdoor
furniture for over 15
years. From simple
garden benches to
elegant gazebos,
Fifthroom.com is
your source for all
your furniture needs.
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