WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Your Cart ( 0 )
0

- Black Friday Sale Upto 75% Off -

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Your Cart ( 0 )
0
Close Section with Phone Number
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Your Cart ( 0 )
  • Furniture

Outdoor Furniture Care

Winter Outdoor Furniture Care

Clean and Maintain Furniture Routinely

Cleaning your outdoor furniture during winter is essential for maintaining its condition when not in use. The dry winter air allows dust to accumulate quickly, making outdoor furniture care and cleaning an every-day essential. Start by brushing off loose dirt and leaves with a soft brush or cloth to remove dust and debris from all surfaces.

A vacuum equipped with a crevice tool or an air blower can also simplify this task. For deeper cleaning, create a gentle solution and use a sponge or soft bristle brush to scrub your furniture thoroughly. Don’t forget to treat any stains with a homemade mixture of baking soda and water or a commercial spot treatment.

After cleaning, let it dry completely to prevent moisture-related issues such as mold, mildew, and rust. Ideally, place the furniture in a well-ventilated area to air dry to ensure consistent and quick drying. You can also use efficient options such as a leaf blower or hair dryer to streamline this lengthy process.

Use Protective Sealants and Sprays

Protecting your outdoor furniture with sprays and sealants is another critical care tip. Regardless of whether your furniture is made from wood, metal, synthetic wicker, or features fabric upholstery, applying protective coatings is crucial during cold seasons. Winter’s dry air can lead to rapid dust buildup, so using a protective sealant can help in the long run.

Before application, ensure the furniture is free of dust, grime, and moisture to avoid damaging it.For wooden furniture, opt for oil or wax-based sealants. For metal, use rust-resistant sprays or weather-proof paint. For wicker furniture, choose a sealant specifically formulated for that material.

Even upholstered outdoor furniture should receive protective sealant to repel moisture and guard against dust. In summary, applying a sealant significantly enhances your furniture’s longevity and integrity, preventing damage caused by winter conditions.

Shield Furniture with Heavy-Duty Fabric Covers

Using furniture covers is an effective way to shield your outdoor pieces from the harsh elements of winter. If you aren’t planning to use your patio or balcony furniture during this season, cover it with a protective fabric. Covers safeguard your outdoor furniture against snow and rain, which can lead to dampness and moisture build up. In extreme temperatures, snow can freeze on the surfaces, causing cracks, warping, and deterioration in wood, plastic, and metal materials.

Additionally, covers prevent dust accumulation, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. When selecting weather-proof covers, choose high-quality materials that are heavy-duty to withstand weather conditions. Moreover, ensure a proper fit for your sofas, tables, and other items. Tailor-made options are also available for a more precise fit. Be sure to secure the covers with straps or ropes to prevent them from blowing away in windy conditions.

Store Furniture Indoors If Possible

If you live in a region with extreme winter weather where outdoor furniture care is not feasible, store it indoors. This is the most effective option to protect your furniture from sufficient winter damage. Bringing your patio and balcony furniture inside protects it from long-term damage caused by snow, rain, ice, and dust. If snow accumulates on your furniture, it can lead to major moisture-related issues that are irreversible.

Heavy snowing can also potentially weaken materials like plastic and wicker even if the sealants and covers are applied. This can result in serious damage such as wood splitting or cracking, rusting and expanding metal, and warped or faded plastic. It can even cause bending and breakage with its excessive weight.

To prepare your furniture for storage, keep these key tips in mind:

● Clean furniture thoroughly using a mild soap and water solution to remove all dust and debris.
● After cleaning, ensure everything is completely dry before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
● Once the furniture is cleaned and dried, choose a dust-free, dry, and well-ventilated area for storage.
● If possible, disassemble large items like sofas or sectionals to ensure efficient storage and save space.
● Plus, try to cover your furniture with a fabric to create a protective layer against dusty elements, minimizing routinely upkeep.

Lift Furniture from Ground Level

Elevating your outdoor furniture off the ground is another important winter care tip. This strategy effectively protects your furniture from moisture accumulation, snow, and ice, which can shorten its lifespan. By raising the furniture, you prevent direct contact with cold, wet surfaces, which can lead to rusting in metal, rot in wood, and warping in plastic. You can use furniture risers, pallets, or specially designed outdoor furniture feet to lift your pieces.

Besides, lifting your furniture helps promote airflow around the base, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. It’s a simple yet highly effective outdoor furniture care tactic to safeguard and preserve your pieces during the cold weather.
Keep in mind this tip should be used in conjunction with other protective measures like cleaning, sealing, and covering furniture. This will help maintain furniture’s structural and aesthetic integrity ensuring optimal results.

Summer Outdoor Furniture Care

Regularly Dust and Clean Each Piece

While you may focus more on your outdoor furniture care during the winter months, it’s equally important to pay attention during the summer. Heated temperatures can also lead to significant damage if your furniture isn’t properly maintained or cleaned. Regular cleaning is essential in the summer to prevent dust buildup, which can harm both your furniture and the environment.

This foundational maintenance step is crucial for keeping your furniture stable and well-maintained in the heat. Be sure to dust each item, whether it’s a sofa, table, umbrella, or any other piece. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe off dust from each crevice. This prevents miniscule dirt particles from settling in the wood finish and gradually build-up over time.

Furthermore, wash your wooden, plastic, metal, and upholstered items with water every few weeks. This process removes dirt and grime, eliminates stains, and helps prevent mold formation, leading to a refreshed appearance. Regular maintenance ensures your furniture remains safe from allergens and maintains overall hygiene.

Protect From Excessive Heat and Direct Sunlight

Nothing poses a greater threat to your outdoor furniture than direct sunlight during the summer. Prolonged exposure can lead to severe damage, including color fading, warping, and weakening of materials. It can also result in cracks and splits for wooden and glass furniture. Therefore, it’s vital to implement multiple safety measures for summer outdoor furniture care.

One of the most effective methods for protecting your patio and balcony furniture is using high-quality protective covers. These covers create a barrier against harmful UV rays, as well as dust and debris. When selecting outdoor furniture covers, prioritize those that feature weather-resistant qualities such as UV protection and moisture repellence.

If you frequently use your outdoor furniture and prefer not to cover it entirely, consider using a large patio umbrella. While not as effective as covers, it can still provide some shade to minimize direct exposure to intense sunlight. This not only minimizes heat damage but creates a cooler atmosphere for your seating area.

Apply UV Sealants and Fabric Protectors

Another effective approach to safeguarding your outdoor furniture from sunlight is applying protective sealants. Summer sealants are specifically designed with a focus on UV resistance and come in various forms, including sprays, oils, waxes, and creams. It’s essential to choose a product suitable for your furniture’s material. Spray sealants are versatile and work well on almost all materials like wood, wicker, metal, plastic, glass, and fabrics.

However, spray-based sealants require more frequent reapplication compared to wax or oil-based sealants, which typically endure harsh heat more effectively. Generally, a refresh of wax or oil coatings is needed every 2 to 3 months making it a long-term solution.

Using a UV protector is vital for preventing fading and structural damage, essentially acting like sunscreen for your furniture. For upholstered items, consider protectors specifically designed for fabrics to guard against UV and humidity-related issues like fading and mildew.

Bring Cushions and Fabricated Items Indoors

While it’s not necessary to bring all your outdoor furniture indoors, it’s wise to store fabricated items during excessive heat. Most outdoor furniture materials, such as hardwood, metal, and wicker, can tolerate daily heat well. However, cushions and fabric items like ottomans are particularly susceptible to damage from heat exposure.

This outdoor furniture care tip is specifically for your upholstered furniture items like back and seat cushions, chairs, and ottomans. Although sealing your cushions and pillows with a protective product is beneficial, bringing them indoors when not in use can significantly enhance their longevity. Extended exposure to direct sunlight can lead to color loss in cushion covers and shape distortion in padding and filling.

Not only this, heat-induced humidity may trap moisture in the fillings, resulting in mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. For sofas with detachable cushions, consider stacking them and storing them in a mudroom, cellar, or any suitable storage space. This practice maintains their shape and comfort, ultimately extending their lifespan. If your sofa lacks removable cushions, seeking alternative protection methods like furniture covers is advisable.

Author:
The Furniture Depots
Share
0
    0
    Your Cart
    Your cart is emptyReturn to Shop