Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is of course meant to last a long time and be made of durable materials; but, being constantly exposed to the elements is something that nonetheless will have an effect. Thus, it is best to maintain your furniture well with regular cleaning and small repairs. With a little bit of time investment, you can ensure that your furniture will have a long lifespan.

The first step is to clean your furniture. Brush away any debris or loose dirt with a soft-bristled brush. Then use a hose to further remove dirt, smut and any other products that nature has left on your furniture. From there, you might have to roll up your sleeves and scrub at some stubborn grease or dirt marks left by the elements, using soap and water and a large dollop of elbow grease. Make sure that you thoroughly rinse off any soap or cleaners that you use so no soap marks are left. Canvas materials can be removed and washed separately, but should be returned to the furniture while still damp, to ensure that they dry to the proper size and shape.
Most importantly, after cleaning, inspect your furniture for any extra signs of wear and tear. If you notice any rust forming, make sure that you treat it quickly before it gets out of hand. Rust can be removed with sanding methods or organic rust converters. It should be followed with a protective grease product, such as WD-40.
The final step is to apply protection to some of your outdoor furniture. 
-Aluminum furniture can be polished with a vinegar and water solution. Metal and plastic furniture can receive a thin coat of car wax on its exposed surfaces. 
-Vinyl furniture should not be treated with car wax, nor abrasive cleaners. 
-Wood furniture may require a paint touch up, and should be given a sealant treatment if necessary. 
Be sensitive to the materials used for your outdoor furniture to ensure that you are treating each piece appropriately.
Outdoor furniture should be cleaned and maintained at least twice a year, at both the beginning and end of your outdoor season. Grease spots from outdoor cooking, etc. should be cleaned immediately with soapy water to ensure their full removal. Of course some furniture, such as rattan furniture, is not meant to be left outside all the time and will perish if done so. With proper cleaning habits and care, your outdoor furniture can provide a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment for you and yours.

Article Tags: Outdoor Furniture

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