Proper Care and Feeding Of Your Outdoor Living Furniture

Good Morning,

I woke up this morning to the sound of rain. It’s July 7th in San Diego and it’s raining? That got me thinking. How do you take care of your outdoor furniture though all the weather and the various seasons? Let’s discuss while I contemplate the fate of the fresh laundry I hung out to dry last night in the warm and "dry" air.

The best method of caring for your outdoor furniture is to be proactive. Make sure you dust with a gentle cloth as this will ensure that the dirt is not sticking to your furniture and making it a bigger job a few months down the road. Wiping down and dusting your outdoor furniture on a consistent basis is better than having to do a huge clean once a year.

On most furniture, you can use a hose to remove any dirt that might be stuck to the surface. Anything that can not be removed by a cloth should come off with a hose. You are better off to try using the hose than to scrub too aggressively as this could cause scratches to your finish. Some articles I have read suggest pressure washing to clean your outdoor furniture. I would do this with caution. Perhaps, one small piece to see how the finish holds up. And make sure you allow the furniture to dry in the sun until it is completely dry.

Even with regular cleanings there are going to be a few spills and the dreaded stain. Make sure you are using the correct cleaning agents to remove any stains. A gentle soap and rag are you best defense against stains. I’m going to go out a limb and recommend Dawn dish soap. It is a great de-greaser irrespective of the material your furniture is made of. Once you have washed the furniture down leave it to dry naturally.

Now that you have washed and let the furniture dry, make sure you are apply any protective products that your manufacture recommends. Again, this will ensure the life of your furniture and keep it looking great for years.

Teak and Cedar can live outdoors year round. Both are a hardy wood that seems to do well across climate variances. Any other wood should be stored indoors during the inclement seasons. Most aluminum and Resin weave are also fine outdoors and protective covers can be added to ensure the natural elements are not too hard on the furniture. Most wrought iron products today are pre-treated to withstand the elements and should not rust.

By being proactive and taking care of your outdoor furniture you are not only making it look good but enhancing the longevity of the furniture. You care enough to make sure that you regularly clean your indoor furniture so make sure you take care of the outdoor furniture as well.

Have a great day!
Jane