Your outdoor furniture is exposed to all kinds of elements, from unrelenting rain to direct sunlight that doesn’t quit. Keeping your furniture clean can be a challenge, but it’s easy to do as long as you know some simple techniques. Read on to learn how to clean outdoor furniture, so you can keep all of your favorite pieces looking beautiful and new for many years to come.
Prevention is Key
While knowing how to clean outdoor furniture is important, so is proper prevention that will keep your furniture from getting dirty in the first place. Consider purchasing some high-quality weather-resistant patio furniture covers to protect your pieces from the elements. If you have a garage or storage shed, put your furniture inside during the off-season. This will extend the life of your outdoor furniture for a lot longer than if you were to leave it outside when winter strikes. Treat the furniture with a protective spray that repels rain and water whenever possible, too. You should also invest in outdoor furniture made of quality materials that include weatherproof cushion covers.
Know Your Furniture Materials
When you think about how to clean outdoor furniture, the material matters. For example, a beautiful teak wood table might require different care than something crafted of wicker. Research different materials to determine the best ways to keep them clean. This will ensure that you’re doing everything the right way, and it’ll help to preserve the furniture, too. Never use harsh abrasive cleaners or brushes with metal bristles to clean outdoor furniture. These items can cause permanent scratches and could remove the finish, exposing the furniture to moisture that can cause more damage later on. You can keep metal clean with a simple wipe of a wet rag, while other materials may require a little bit more TLC.
Try Simple Cleaning Methods
One can easily wipe most types of outdoor furniture clean. Make sure that you address spills immediately by blotting them dry with a clean cloth or a paper towel. You can use a combination of gentle dish soap and water to clean most all-weather wicker furniture. Gently scrub the furniture to remove dirt and grime, then pat it dry with another clean cloth or towel. You can do the same thing with teak furniture. Just make sure that once you’re done scrubbing, you rinse the soapy residue clean with a garden hose. Avoid the use of chemicals to clean your outdoor furniture unless the product is specifically recommended. With these simple tips in mind, you can easily clean your outdoor furniture and help keep it looking fresh and new all summer long.
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