If you love spending time in your garden during the warmer months, you’ll want to make sure that your outdoor furniture lasts as long as possible. Some garden furniture begins to look old and tatty after just a few years, with UV rays from the sun causing it to crack and split. There are some simple steps that you can take to help extend the life of your outdoor furniture. This blog will show you how to care for your garden furniture so that it looks good all year round. You’ll find out about UV protection, waterproofing, storage solutions, and how to clean different types of outdoor furniture so that it remains in tip-top condition.
UV Protection for Outdoor FurnitureThe first step towards extending the life of your outdoor furniture is to make sure that it has UV protection. Most fabrics used in outdoor furniture are UV-sensitive, and can fade, crack and tear if they aren’t adequately protected. UV rays can even remove colour from a fabric, leaving behind a bleached-out, sun-damaged look. To protect your furniture, look for a fabric that is UV-resistant or has a UV screening treatment. There are two types of UV protection: natural and artificial. Natural UV inhibitors are built into the fabric during the manufacturing process. This protection is effective for around 4 to 5 years, after which the fabric will need to be replaced or re-treated. Artificial UV protection is applied to the fabric after it is made. This protection lasts for around 2 to 3 years, which you can extend by cleaning off any dirt that collects on the fabric.
WaterproofingOutdoor furniture that is not waterproof will get damaged quickly, due to the exposure to the elements. The best way to protect your outdoor furniture is to make sure that it is waterproof. You can do this by either using waterproof fabrics, or by applying a waterproof coating. If the furniture is made from wood, metal or a non-waterproof fabric, you’re better off purchasing a table cover to protect it from the elements. If you have a wood, metal or non-waterproof fabric table, you can either purchase a waterproof table cover, or apply a waterproof coating to the table. Waterproofing can be done with different kinds of finishes, including varnish, paint, silicone, or a water-repellent treatment. Choose a finish that won’t peel, crack or flake, and that is safe for outdoor furniture. Make sure that you apply a sufficient coating to protect the whole table, including the underneath. If you can, apply this coating before the table is placed outside. If the furniture is already outside, you can use a clear waterproof tablecloth to protect it from the elements. Garden furniture
Dry Storage for Out of SeasonAll outdoor furniture should be kept indoors during winter months, as exposure to extreme cold and frost can damage it. It’s best to store your furniture indoors in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can fade colours and cause the furniture to warp, and it’s not as good as keeping it indoors. If you do keep your furniture out during winter, cover it with a waterproof protective sheet. During the summer, keep your furniture indoors to protect it from insects. It’s best to keep your indoor furniture in a room that doesn’t see a lot of traffic, as high-traffic areas will collect dirt and dust more quickly.
Cleaning and Care for Resin FurnitureResin patio furniture is a popular choice in outdoor furniture, as it’s low-maintenance and relatively affordable. To keep your resin furniture in good condition, make sure that you clean it regularly. For regular cleaning, use warm water and a mild dishwashing soap. If you have hard water, you can use a water softener. Avoid using bleach or cleaners with harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface of the furniture. When cleaning, avoid using a stiff-bristled brush, as this can scratch the surface of the furniture. You should also avoid leaving your furniture outside in the rain, as it can cause staining. If your resin furniture does become dirty, wipe it down with a damp cloth. If the furniture becomes stained, you can scrub it with baking soda to clean it. If your furniture is particularly dirty, you can use a mild detergent. Avoid cleaning your furniture when it’s hot, as this can cause the soap to dry too quickly and leave streaks.
Cleaning and Care for Wood FurnitureTo keep your wooden patio furniture looking good for years to come, you need to clean and maintain it regularly. You can clean your wooden furniture with water, so long as you don’t leave it too long between cleaning. A clean wooden table helps to repel insects and keep the wood protected from the elements. If you have hard water, avoid using water alone to clean your furniture, as it will leave water stains. Instead, use a water softener or a wood cleaner that contains a water softener. Avoid leaving wet furniture out in the sun, as this can cause the wood to warp and crack. If your furniture has become warped, you can place it in the sun to slow down the warping process. Place a cover on your outdoor furniture when it’s not in use, as outdoor furniture is susceptible to damage from insects, dust, dirt and moisture.
Vinyl Care TipsIf your outdoor furniture is made from vinyl, you’ll want to be careful how you clean it. Avoid using water, bleach, and alcohol on vinyl furniture, as these will damage it. Instead, dust your furniture regularly, and use an all-purpose cleaner to clean it. Make sure that you don’t leave the cleaner on the furniture for too long, and wipe it off with a dry cloth. If your furniture is particularly dirty, you can moisten a cloth with all-purpose cleaner, but make sure that the cloth isn’t dripping wet. You can also apply a vinyl protectant to your furniture, which will help to repel dirt and protect it from UV rays.
Metal Care TipsIf you have a metal outdoor table, you’ll need to clean it regularly to prevent dirt from building up and staining the surface. The best way to clean a metal table is to wipe it down with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using too much pressure when cleaning the table, as this can cause the metal to permanently scratch. You can also apply a metal protectant to your outdoor table to help prevent staining and protect it from UV rays.
ConclusionOutdoor furniture is an investment, and you want to be sure to protect it and keep it clean. You can extend the life of your outdoor furniture by applying UV protection, cleaning it regularly, and storing it properly during the winter months. If you follow these tips, your outdoor furniture will remain in good condition for many years to come. This article is provided by https://www.creativegardens.com/garden-furniture |
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