OUTDOOR FURNITURE CARE
Outdoor wood furniture adds a touch of elegance and creates a relaxing ambiance in your outdoor living space. To ensure your furniture continues to provide years of enjoyment and functionality, regular maintenance and care are essential. In this article, we will provide you with valuable tips on how to maintain and care for your outdoor wood furniture, allowing you to maximize its lifespan and continue to experience the pleasure of outdoor living.
Cleaning Your Outdoor Furniture
Regular cleaning is crucial to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can accumulate on your outdoor wood furniture. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:
1. Gentle brushing: Use a soft-bristle brush or a cloth to gently brush away any loose dirt or debris.
2. Mild soap solution: Prepare a mixture of mild soap and water. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the solution, wring it out, and gently wipe the surfaces of the furniture.
3. Rinse and dry: Thoroughly rinse the furniture with clean water, ensuring all soap residue is removed. Allow it to air dry completely before using or covering it.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Furniture
Taking preventive measures can significantly extend the lifespan of your outdoor wood furniture:
1. Avoid direct sunlight: Whenever possible, position your furniture in shaded areas or use umbrellas or canopies to protect it from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. This helps prevent fading and drying of the wood.
2. Use furniture covers: Invest in high-quality, breathable furniture covers designed specifically for outdoor use. Covers will protect your furniture from harsh weather conditions, dust, and debris when it's not in use.
3. Elevate furniture: Place furniture on feet or pads to elevate it slightly above the ground. This prevents moisture from being absorbed from the soil, reducing the risk of rot or damage.
Seasonal Maintenance
Performing seasonal maintenance will keep your outdoor wood furniture in excellent condition year after year:
1. Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect the furniture for any signs of wear, cracks, or loose joints. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
2. Sanding and refinishing: Over time, the wood may develop minor scratches or rough patches. Sanding the surface lightly and applying a fresh coat of finish or sealer can restore its appearance and protect it from moisture. Please contact us if you have any questions and we will gladly assist you with our recommendations.
3. Reapply protective finishes: While we use quality outdoor rated finishes, from oils to paints, these will need to be re-applied from time to time in order to maintain the beauty and function of your furniture. This is generally dependent on your climate, how much exposure your furniture gets to sun and moisture. We are happy to help with recommendations and support to reapply a finish when needed.
Moisture Management
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of outdoor wood furniture. While life’s adventures can sometimes make it difficult to care for your furniture, even small steps can make a big difference in prolonging the beauty of your furniture. Please follow these guidelines to manage moisture more effectively:
1. Wipe off excess moisture: After rainfall or exposure to moisture, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess water from the surfaces of the furniture.
2. Air circulation: Ensure proper air circulation around the furniture by avoiding placing it against walls or other structures. This helps prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to mold or rot.
3. Avoid standing water: Promptly remove any standing water from the furniture's surfaces to prevent water damage or staining.
Questions?
Get in touch!
Questions or concerns about caring for your outdoor furniture? Reach out to us and we'll be happy to assist you!