Outdoor dinners are one of the great, simple pleasures of summer (and other seasons, if you're lucky). An outdoor dining set is worth the investment, particularly if you take a few simple steps to maintain and care for your patio furniture. Here are some general outdoor furniture care tips, and some suggestions for many common types of outdoor.
General Outdoor Furniture Care RulesThe best way to maintain outdoor furniture is to keep it covered. Keep it inside during the winter, and cover it when it's not in use outside. Also keep it out of standing water and wet soil, particularly if you have wood and metal furniture.
Even if you take these extra precautions, the furniture will inevitably be exposed to the elements. However, a simple weekly bath will keep most furniture clean and looking new. Generally, soap and water is adequate. Be careful with bleach or harsh cleaners on many materials. Always rinse off the soap, and thoroughly dry the furniture.
Wood Furniture CareTeak and other hardwoods require little more than the periodic wash. Don't use teak oil on outdoor furniture. It might encourage mildew growth. It's also an involved process, and it will need to be reapplied every few months once you get the teak accustomed to the oil rubdown. Sun and water gradually turns teak furniture gray over several months. Most users understand and accept this fact, but if you are sensitive about your patio table going prematurely gray, specialized teak protectors are available. Again, it must be regularly reapplied.
Rattan Furniture CareRattan, a natural plant fiber, is both durable and flexible, which makes it an ideal resource for furniture crafting. While rattan furniture can be used outdoors, it should not be left out from season to season, as it will eventually wear out and break apart. Rattan, commonly used as the caning material to build the frame of a chair or table, is also used for the woven wicker portions of some furniture. While these fibers are extremely durable in both of these applications, they are essentially dried-out plant matter. Exposure to constant sunlight, rain or continual changes in temperature or humidity will affect your rattan furniture, even if treated with a sealer containing a UV protectant. If using rattan outdoors, cart it inside during harsh weather and place a cover over it when not in use to prolong its usefulness. Rattan lasts far longer on a protected porch or indoors than it will left out exposed to the elements for months on end.
Metal Furniture CareAvoid ammonia and bleach on metal furniture. Instead, stick to soap and water, with a finish coat of wax to maintain the paint (it works on your car, right?). Stick to basic automotive wax with UV protection rather than a fancy combination wax and cleaner. Clean up and recoat scratches and nicks before they attract rust that eats through the furniture. Sand scratches and rough spots down to bare metal with sandpaper, then touch up with enamel paint. Aluminum should not need a primer, but wrought iron needs priming.
Plastic Furniture CareBasic car wax also can help protect plastic patio furniture from stains and sun fade. Stained plastic furniture may take more than the prescribed soap-and-water solution. Try diluted bleach or vinegar, or a phosphoric-acid deck wash.
Finally, outdoor furniture cushions typically have a stain-resistant finish that will be dissolved by regular washing detergent, so just use mild soap. If necessary, reapply the finish when the cushions start to absorb water. Simple care can protect your outdoor furniture for many years, and help you enjoy many al fresco meals.
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