Outdoor Gems
The seasons come and go, but your outdoor furniture doesn’t have to! Although typically outdoor fabrics and furniture pieces generally undergo a chemical treatment during the manufacturing process, which will increase stain and moisture resistance, a few steps here and there will help keep your outdoor gems shining bright for many years.
Whether it’s a stone table, a wicker chair, or your favorite cabana-stripe cushions, start all cleaning by brushing off excess debris with a broom or soft-bristle brush— which ever is more suitable for your piece. Follow by rinsing with water to remove any loose dirt particles. Next, use a mild cleanser. We suggest mixing ¼ cup of your household liquid dish soap, like Dawn or Ivory, with 1 gallon of warm water. With a sponge or soft brush, scrub the surface of the furniture. Rinse and pat dry with a cloth to aid in the drying process. A regular inspection and maintenance routine will help increase a piece’s longevity.
Wicker furniture is traditionally constructed from rattan, split reed, or coated paper and is occasionally reinforced with metal. The manufacturer will often apply coats of clear varnish, paint, or a combination of the two to protect the surface. Ultraviolet rays are the primary enemy of wicker, so a little extra care is needed to keep your wicker looking fantastic. In addition to the aforementioned mild cleanser, lightly sand wicker pieces with a fine-grit sandpaper to remove any peeling paint. Touch up with matching paint, if need be.
Most lumbers used for outdoor furniture will naturally resist decay and hold up against the elements. While optional sealants help preserve the wood color and shield general wear and tear, they aren’t necessary—unfinished wood obtains a silvery-gray patina and requires little maintenance. Regular upkeep is recommended, though.
To remove mildew or other stains, mix a powdered oxygen bleach with 1 gallon hot water. Scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse. To remove stubborn mildew stains, rust stains, bird droppings, or to restore original color, lightly sand along the grain with fine-grit sandpaper. Once entire area is lightly sanded, rinse. If the area is too large to sand, mix hot water with oxalic acid crystals (also known as wood bleach or wood brightener). Apply to piece with a soft-bristle brush, and rinse.
Sealing the wood can protect the piece from harmful sunrays, dirt, and moisture, and can preserve and restore color. If you’d like to apply a sealant, first clean the surface and sand off existing finish. Touch up paint, if necessary. Apply a clear, water-repellent preservative that contains a mildewcide, or a penetrating semitransparent stain. Reapply according to the manufacturer’s instructions, but expect to do so every 1 to 3 years.
Outdoor metal furniture can range from aluminum to iron to steel. With the exception of aluminum, most products are subject to rust. While manufacturers generally finish outdoor furniture with layers of clear varnish, paint, or a durable coating, regular maintenance and an occasional deep cleaning will help keep your pieces at their best.
To thoroughly clean and upkeep your metal pieces, use the same mild soap solution suggested earlier (¼ cup of your household liquid dish soap, like Dawn or Ivory, with 1 gallon of warm water). Scrub, rinse and aid the drying by patting with a towel. Follow with a coat of quality auto wax, either paste or liquid. Apply with a lint-free cloth. Feel free to use a silicone spray to keep swivels and glides, and umbrellas well lubricated. To remove rust stains or mold, with a fine-grit sandpaper, sand the affected area. Wipe clean and touch-up with several thin layers of matching paint, usually available through the manufacturer.
Avoid harsh treatments, like chlorine bleach and other intense chemicals on all furniture. Skip the power washing, too. Excess water and abrasive chemicals can weaken the fibers and cut down on a piece’s longevity. If going to leave furniture exposed for long periods of time, cover furniture when not in use.
Performance fabric, or fabric designed for the outdoors, is made to resist sun damage, stains, moisture, and mildew. Solution-dyed fabric, which is woven with pigment-infused fibers, tends to be less prone to fading and can withstand more-aggressive cleansers than various other printed or piece-dyed cloths. To determine which fabric you have, look at both sides—if they are the same, it’s most likely solution-dyed, not piece-dyed.
Try to wipe spills and stains immediately with a wet cloth and a mild soap solution, as some liquids may cause discoloration. Fabrics with a water-repellent finish can lose effectiveness over time, and need to be restored once a year, or when water stops beading on the surface. To do so, clean and dry the material, and then apply a fabric protector. Follow instructions on label.
If fabric covers can be machine-washed, do so in cold water, using mild, bleach-free laundry soap, then air-dry. To hand-wash, submerge the fabric in a mild cleanser solution of 1/4 cup gentle liquid soap and 1 gallon lukewarm water. Swish fabric around gently. Rinse with clean water and and air-dry. If mold appears, mix 1 gallon warm water with 2 tablespoons oxygen bleach. Wet the affected area, and scrub with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse, and air-dry.
While outdoor furniture may require a little extra elbow grease to keep things looking fresh and clean, it is well worth it to extend the life of your exterior pieces.