Maintenance & Care
HOW TO MAINTAIN PATIO FURNITURE
After a few seasons in the patio or backyard, patio furniture may start to show their age with rust marks, mildew, or stains. These care tips will ensure that your chairs, tables, and cushions look beautiful for years to come.
Read Care Guidelines
When outdoor furniture is purchased new, care instructions are usually included. Familiarize yourself with the instructions.
General Cleaning
For best results, use a mild soap cleaner, warm water and a damp cloth. This will help prevent mildew by removing dirt particles that may accumulate. Do not power-wash or use chlorine bleach, pine oil, or abrasive cleansers unless directed. Test new solutions on a hidden area.
Protection & Storing
To prolong the life of the furniture, cover items when they’re not in use, or store them indoors in a dry, sheltered place. Remove the foot caps on chairs and tables, and keep furniture upright to allow accumulated water to drain.
Wicker Patio Furniture
Clean wicker patio furniture using a hose or pressure washer. Simply remove the cushions and spray off dirt and spills. If the wicker is especially dirty, use a sponge, mild soap, and cold water to wash.
Wood Patio Furniture
If your wood patio furniture has been coated with an exterior-grade varnish, it can be cleaned using soapy water. Be sure to completely rinse away suds with clean water and then allow the patio furniture to dry completely.
Metal Patio Furniture
Aluminum, iron, steel, and other metals can be wrought (heated and hammered into shape), cast from molds (often in solid pieces), or formed into hollow tubing. Use a mild soap solution, and scrub, rinse, and dry as described. To remove rust stains or mold, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe it clean, and apply touch-up paint if needed in several thin layers. Let dry between coats. Humidity may affect the paint, so it’s best to work on a dry day.
After cleaning, apply a coat of quality liquid or paste auto wax with a lint-free cloth if recommended by the furniture manufacturer. Use a silicone spray to lubricate swivels and glides on chairs, as well as ribs and poles on umbrellas. Inspect for rust or chips regularly, especially in hidden areas where the surface may be unfinished.
Waterproofing
Apply a paste wax to the frame of your patio outdoor furniture to keep it shiny and water-resistant. If you shop specifically for weather-resistant wicker furniture, that makes upkeep even easier. For wood, make sure you use a product that won’t ruin the varnish. Many wood-friendly protective pastes and waxes are available to keep patio sets safe.
Storing Non-weather Resistant Furniture
Store patio furniture cushions indoors and keep frames covered during the off-season. If they’re caught in the rain, hang patio furniture cushions out in the sun to dry off. Outdoor wood furniture, with the exception of teak and cedar, should be stored indoors during the winter. The same goes for fabric furniture. Umbrellas, especially, require maintenance after being in storage.
Seasonal Care for Furniture Covers and Joints
Patio furniture covers need washing, and umbrella-frame joints need oiling. Wash covers using a soft-bristled brush, mild soap, and cold water. Use a spray lubricant on the joints of a wire-frame umbrella. If you have a wood-frame umbrella, use paste wax to restore its shine. Once the summer season is back, wash outdoor furniture covers and place them back on the frames. To avoid shrinkage, stretch covers over the frame before the fabric is completely dry.