Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture
How do you take care of the future that is out on the patio? Since it experiences more exposure to the elements compared to the sofas in the living room or those safely tucked away in the bedroom, more is needed to preserve its beauty and structural integrity.
- Thorough cleaning
Dirt and grime that is on the furniture should be got rid of. Routine cleaning will be required. The debris is abrasive, and issues of moisture remaining on the furniture and its upholstery can cause to mould to grow on it. The different types of patio furniture have their cleaning requirements, and these should be followed to the letter. Outdoor future units have sections made of various components, from wicker and wrought iron, to those whose bodies are constructed with plastic. Thus, the chemicals used for cleaning them should be safe for the particular material, to avoid reactions that corrode it and weaken the structure. For the wood patio furniture, the amount of water used for the cleaning should be strictly controlled. Working with the wrong detergent can easily ruin the material, and void your warranty. Hosing down the whitewashed or painted wood units can also cause the paint to chip, and more costs will end up being incurred to resolve the situation. The furnishings should also be allowed to dry before use.
For the cushions and textures, emphasis is on a deep cleaning that flushes out the grime that has been buried deep in the unit. The cleaning processes used here also vary depending on the type of cushions and fabric of the unit. The pH of the formulations being used is key, as you don’t want a case of the fibres being damaged, or discolouration of the material. When there are stains on the furniture- which is common given the frequent times people snack while relaxing on the patio furniture. The products that are selected for the cleaning need to be compatible with the material of the cushions being worked on, while still being effective in breaking down the stains. Speaking of which, you shouldn’t allow the spills to remain unattended to for long. Whenever there has been a spill, get a dry cloth and blot away the excess liquid, then follow through with a cleaning product that is developed for use on the particular cushion or textile. Blot- don’t rub, the spot. Troubled by stubborn stains? Don’t fret. Our upholstery cleaning crew will take care of your outdoor future as well, utilising tough-acting agents that get rid of the spots and restore the elegance to your unit. Thereafter, drying measures are undertaken to extract the bulk of the moisture, and the little that remains will evaporate in moments. Reducing the drying time is key to prevent the issues of fungal growth.
- Applying protective treatment
This is compulsory for the outdoor furniture. Treating them with protective coats that increase their ability to withstand the elements will keep your unit in optimal condition for longer. The right way of doing this, the products that will be used, will depend on the material. The pillows, cushions, and other outdoor textiles will require fabric protectors that are compatible with the particular material. For the metal and aluminium components, wax coatings can be applied- if there aren’t any signs of corrosion yet. In case there is corrosion, the affected sections are lightly sanded and a fresh primer and paint coats applied. This aids in enhancing the visual appeal of the unit, while also preserving the furniture. Wood structure, on the other hand, will need to be treated with waterproof sealants. As wood is a hygroscopic material, one of its main issues is the tendency to absorb moisture- which can result in warping. The sealant reduces the rate at which the material absorbs water. For the plastic furniture, this maintenance is relatively easy, where the routine washing with warm soapy water and allowing it to dry will suffice.
- Covering your furniture
During the numbing winter months when there isn’t sufficient space indoors to store the furniture, it’s highly recommended that you cover it. Investing in waterproof furniture covers will protect the future from the rain, snow, sleet and wind, especially when the conditions get really adverse.
- Indoor storage
This is for those seasons when the weather conditions are harsh, and you barely even use the outdoor furniture. Keeping it in the house- like in the basement, garage, or oven storage shed will protect it. Covering up the deck or patio also works. Alternatively, you can bring the furniture in the living and working areas in the house, where you can continue using the units through the winter months.
- Consider windbreaks
More planks in the garden will help against the intense gusts of wind that come blowing onto the furniture, carrying dirt and light particles that add to the soiling accumulating on it. Having more greenery also comes in handy in sprucing up your outdoor environment, and setting a calmer, more serene space- and is worth the consideration if you have the space for it.
- Positioning
How has the furniture been placed, in relation to the wind that is blowing in? Simple measures like setting up the furniture at the corner will protect it from those gusts of wind. Certainly, your particular needs will be key in determining the patio furniture arrangement. How people will move around is key, as you want guests using the space to feel relaxed, and not have a cramped setting. If the future is being set up close to the wall, the longest piece of the set can be placed up against the wall, allowing the smaller pieces to be placed around it and be moved as needed. There should be a pathway around the seating arrangement- to avoid those awkward moments when one interrupts a conversation by cutting through the centre of the area.
- Glass frames
These come in handy for shielding the furniture from the elements while allowing you to enjoy the view outside. This reduces that amount of dirt scraps that end up being transferred onto the furniture during those heavy downpours or windy days.
