P ROTE C TIN G F U R N ITU R E 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
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
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.
C LEAN R EGULARLY
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.
U SING A C LEANSER
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 Âź 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 heavyduty 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 machinewashed 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.
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Stains and mildew can be removed with a soft bristle brush and cleaning solution.
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Depending on manufacturer's instructions, oxygen bleach can be used to clean some wood. However, chlorine bleach should never be used
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Small stains can be sanded and then rinsed; for larger areas of discoloration, it's best to use wood brightener or other such products.
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.
BUYING TREATED FURNITURE
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. www.fifthroom.com 1-888-293-2339