How to Protect Your Patio Furniture

The main enemies of wood patio furniture are moisture and damaging UV rays. Both can attack the wood fibers causing wood swelling, cracking and even rotting. Cleaning and sealing the wood after the season will help keep the wood nourished and protected for the cold winter months.

Having a clean wood surface is essential before applying any protective sealants or oil. Cleaning is easily done with warm water and a little bit of oil-based soap. Using a soft bristle brush, scrub your wood furniture in the direction of the grain to clean and remove any dirt and residue from the summer weather. Allow to fully air dry before preparing the surface for any repairs, sanding, and touch-up paint or stain. As a final step, apply a wood sealant to protect wood outdoor furniture. Your wood patio furniture is now ready for storage or at a minimum equipped to handle winter weather.

Plastic patio furniture (or resin) is one of the easiest types to clean and maintain. But the cold winter temperatures can make these pieces become brittle and weak over time. Coupled with the stress of summer, this back and forth of temperature changes will wear down the resin material. Storing plastic furniture out of cold weather is important to extending the life of the pieces.

Cleaning plastic furniture is a simple process. You can spray them off with a hose and then use an all-purpose cleaner to tackle dirt and grime. For furniture that is stained or has mold or algae problems, then an outdoor cleaner is better suited for a deeper clean. Many of these outdoor cleaners also attach to your hose for ease of use. Finally, you can use a pressure washer for the ultimate deep clean before storing away for the winter. It is best to store plastic patio furniture out of the elements and cold temperatures, if possible, to extend their life.

Aluminum patio furniture is one of the more weather-tolerant materials that you can have. It is very rust-resistant which makes caring for pieces relatively easy. To prepare aluminum patio furniture for winter, simply clean with an all-purpose cleaner and soft bristle brush to remove dirt, grease and grime from the surface. Allow each piece to fully air dry before storing or covering for the winter.

One of the strongest and most durable types of patio furniture is wrought iron. However despite its structural integrity, it is susceptible to rust. Nearly all wrought iron patio furniture has a powder-coat paint to protect it from the elements. But chipped paint, tree sap and bird droppings can eat away at that protective surface, thus the importance to keep the furniture clean.

Before cleaning, you should inspect for any rust spots that may have started. These should be addressed with fine-grit sandpaper and rust cleaner or a rust remover. You can clean with mild soap and water, using a scrub brush to remove any dirt and grime. Allow to air dry. You can also touch up your furniture with a spray paint and primer designed specifically for metal. After drying your furniture is ready for winter storage.

Most wicker patio furniture available to day is actually not natural wicker but a resin material. Resin wicker became popular for its easy-care and longevity. Since this is a synthetic material that is treated to withstand weather and the sun’s rays, clean up for the winter is easy. You can use a spray outdoor cleaner, spray off with a hose or pressure washer, or use a rag and warm soapy water. It is best to wipe your furniture dry with a soft towel after cleaning.

Teak patio furniture is known for its ability to be resistant to both weather and pests like termites. Teak has a density and natural oils that give it protection. These qualities will also keep your furniture sturdy and looking good for many years with just minimum care. Cleaning with a specialized teak cleaner or even mild soap and water is enough to care for the wood. Teak can air dry in the sun.

When teak is new, the wood has a soft honey color. Over time this color will change into a lighter shade of gray. This is only a cosmetic transformation and in no way affects the wood or its strength. Regular cleaning will keep the wood looking good, and there are a couple of steps you can take to keep the golden look. Teak oil is not natural teak oil and will temporarily sustain the golden look. But teak oil must be applied every few months to maintain that appearance and may contribute to unnecessary fungal growth. It is better to apply a teak sealer that is water based and only needs a once a year application. Teak sealer will help prevent the natural oils from evaporating by making a protective barrier for waterproofing outdoor furniture.

Thanks to improvements in patio cushion and pillow fabric materials, caring for them has become a lot simpler. Cushions and pillows are most susceptible to dust, spills and stains. Most fabrics can be cleaned by using a brush and a mixture of 2 capfuls of dish soap in 1 gallon of water, then rinsing well and letting them air dry in the sun. A mild bleach solution may be used for tougher spots and stains to help get remove them.

It is important to always refer to the manufacturer’s cleaning directions so as not to damage the fabric or its protective properties. After your cushions have thoroughly dried, you can put them into plastic garbage bags for winter storage.

Being able to store your patio furniture out of the elements is the best option. Unfortunately, most people do not have the room in the garage to bring all of the outdoor furniture inside. A shed or storage building can be the answer to the space issue. Lowe’s has storage buildings with wood, metal or resin construction and in a wide selection of sizes.

Patio furniture covers are the best option to protect patio furniture when you cannot bring them indoors. These covers are made with durable and sturdy fabric with either hook-and-loop closures or easy-release buckles to give a secure fit and protect against inclement weather, UV rays, dirt, dust, pollen and sap. Many covers are also vented to alleviate moisture buildup and wind lofting.

A quick and economical method of protecting outdoor furniture is to wrap them in plastic sheeting. While not as weather-resistant as fabric, it can be a good way to shield against the elements. One caveat to this method is that the plastic will not breathe, promoting moisture buildup. This can lead to mold and mildew growth on your furniture.