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Homes don’t include just the interiors now. The outdoor space is also part of the house. Whether the house is a plush estate or a modest home, it will find a way to transform its outdoor space into a place for family gatherings, meals, swims, etc. When you sit outside under the moonlight or sunlight, all experiences become magical.
Outdoor furniture is the number one thing transforming the space into a magical place. It transforms the patio into an entertainment center for multiple things. Outdoor furniture has a unique design. Their creators know they have to withstand multiple harsh conditions. From rain to scorching heat to freezing temperatures, everything.
Yet, they require maintenance. The results are incredible when you put in the effort to maintain them. Their beauty lasts long, and you don’t get mildew or mold. But how do you maintain outdoor furniture? Do you need to spend much on it? Well, if you follow the below-mentioned tips, you will not have to spend a lot. Let’s look at a few efficient tips for cleaning your outdoor furniture.
How to clean and maintain outdoor furniture?
It depends on the material. Every furniture piece is different. If it is plastic, you will need to use different methods. If it is wooden, the process will differ. One thing is for sure, never use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean the furniture. (Unless the manufacturer says so.).
Cleaning wooden furniture
If you have wooden garden furniture, cleaning it requires a few steps. One can similarly clean most wooden furniture. Follow these steps:
- Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean the surface of the furniture. You can use lukewarm water and mild soap.
- Use a microfiber cloth to soak up all the excess water
- Let the wood dry
To maintain the natural color of the furniture (brown), clean it regularly. Also, you will need to use furniture oil and a light sealant layer for a longer life. The frequency depends on the weather conditions and how dirty it can get.
Maintaining teak furniture
Teak furniture automatically develops a silvery gray patina. It isn’t dryness or a defect but a cosmetic one. It happens because the natural teak oil keeps the hardware durable and strong. It makes buying teak furniture a better option for outdoor spaces. Look at https://www.homemakersfurniture.com.au/ to buy the best outdoor teak furniture.
It is weather resistant and requires minimum resistance. Though dust can accumulate, you need to clean it ASAP. Try this if you wish to maintain the golden finish of teak furniture and not develop the gray finish.
- Oil the teak furniture. But ensure you also add a protective layer of sealant on the furniture.
- Otherwise, the outside teak furniture will develop mildew.
- Once you apply a layer of sealant, wait for an hour. Then add another layer of sealant.
- Wait for five hours before adding or putting anything on the furniture.
How do you remove mold and mildew from furniture?
People living in damp and warm climates face this issue. There, outdoor furniture typically grows mildew or mold. Though, most hardwoods are not threatened by mold. They sure can leave marks, make the color light, and harm people and pets. To clean them:
- First, use normal water and mild soap to get rid of mold.
- Unless specified, don’t use bleach. It can weaken furniture.
- If the mold is still there, use a combination of these ingredients:
- Ammonia: 1 cup; white vinegar: ½ cup; baking soda: ¼ cup; and hot water: 1 gallon.
- Mix all these and apply them to the affected area using a sponge.
- If the sand gets inside the furniture, you must sand it out. Use fine sand grains and oil the furniture afterward.
Maintaining Ipe furniture
Ipe furniture stands for walnut, pao lope, Brazilian, and ironwood furniture. It is highly weather resistant. The structural integrity of this wood furniture remains strong. However, when used as outdoor furniture, the color fades from its natural dark brown to a weird grayish color. A light cleaning using a microfiber cloth will suffice. If there is mold, then use the following:
- A stiff brush, water, and mild soap. It will help remove stains.
- Use a hose to remove the residue. Let it air-dry.
- To ensure the color doesn’t fade, oil the Ipe at least 3–4 times yearly. Never use sealant or varnish on Ipe. Otherwise, it will peel and flake.
Maintaining white oak furniture
White oak is rot-resistant. It is also quite strong and weather-resistant. However, it has a low oil content. Thus, it can lose its natural color. If you don’t want that, oiling it annually is necessary. Also, using exterior sealant on it is essential. If you don’t oil it annually, the elements can corrode the wood. It can lead to mold, cracks, and other things.
Cleaning is similar to cleaning other wooden furniture. Just remember to let it weather the climate before you apply layers of sealant. The best wood sealers for furniture are these.
How do you maintain plastic outdoor furniture?
Plastic outdoor furniture is simpler to maintain. It doesn’t require as much maintenance as wood, metal, teak, or wicker. Yet, you need to clean it annually if you want it to have a long life. Also, frequent cleaning ensures no mold growth. To clean it:
- Mix water and mild soap. Use it to scrub outdoor cushions.
- If there is mold, use a mixture of oxygen bleach and warm water. 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water.
- For upholstered furniture, use fabric protector spray. It will ensure the furniture doesn’t give in to harsh weather.
Maintaining Wicker Furniture
Wicker outdoor furniture is popular. To maintain it, cleaning it frequently is necessary. However, check to see if the wicker is natural or synthetic. Natural wicker breaks over time. So be careful. To clean it:
- In a bucket of water, mix a few drops of mild soap.
- Dampen a small cloth and scrub the furniture gently.
- Use a misty light spray to rinse it.
- Use a soft towel to dry the natural wicker furniture.
To clean synthetic wicker furniture, use soap and water. Or use a hose to clean it. It is stronger than natural wicker. Therefore, it will not wither easily.
Maintaining metal furniture
Metal furniture uses steel, iron, or aluminum. These are rust-resistant. Yet, dust and bird droppings can make it dirty. To clean the droppings, use a wash or soap immediately. Then, use a paste wax afterward to ensure no rust or corrosion.
- To remove mold from metal furniture, use the following:
- Fine grit sandpaper.
- Afterward, use a soapy solution to wipe the residue.
In conclusion, outdoor furniture requires TLC even though its design can withstand harsh conditions. TLC enhances their longevity. Care instructions that come with furniture are long gone. However, use the above tips to ensure they last. In addition, the tips will ensure their shine doesn’t waver. All of this makes for an incredible outdoor experience with the family.
Image Credit: Photo by Tile Merchant Ireland on Unsplash