Outdoor Furniture Care

Millions of pieces of outdoor furniture are purchased each year.  These pieces become the focal point of back yards, pool decks, and patio rooms.  They allow homeowners to relax after a long day or spend their weekends with family and friends around the grill.  Outdoor furniture, whether it is wicker outdoor furniture, plastic outdoor furniture, or teak outdoor furniture, requires proper care and cleaning so that it will last from year to year. 

Caring for Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic outdoor furniture is the easiest of all types of outdoor patio furniture to clean.  All it takes is a garden hose, some non abrasive cleaner, and a sponge.  White plastic outdoor furniture can be cleaned using bleach if it becomes stained by water.  When not in use, plastic outdoor furniture should be stored out of the rain in a garage or on a covered patio.  During winter months, move the plastic furniture indoors so that the harsh elements do not cause the plastic to crack. 

Caring for Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Wicker outdoor furniture and resin wicker outdoor furniture are more difficult to clean than plastic outdoor furniture.  The textured surface and the porous material might be damaged if not cleaned properly.  When cleaning for wicker furniture use minimal amounts of water and soap, if possible, to prevent cracking or mildew from building up in the piece.  If a through cleaning is required allow ample time to dry before replacing the outdoor furniture cushions. 

Depending on the amount of rain an area gets and the humidity wicker furniture may be best suited for patio rooms and covered decks where exposure to the elements is limited.  Outdoor furniture covers can be purchased to help protect wicker from the elements during winter months although letting the pieces set out in cold weather could cause the outdoor patio furniture to become damaged.  If the piece shows and major damage have it replaced so that no one in your family gets hurt. 

Additional information regarding the care and cleaning of wicker outdoor furniture and wicker resin outdoor furniture can be found online at www.oldfashionedliving.com and at www.naturalhandyman.com. 

Caring for Teak Outdoor Furniture

Teak outdoor furniture is another type of outdoor patio furniture that is easy to care for.  Most people who own teak allow it to become weathered over several years.  No treating or staining is required to maintain the finish.  One product used by owners of teak patio furniture is teak oil.  Teak oil protects the wood from becoming damaged when hot foods or cold glasses are placed on the surface.  Depending on the strength of the oil it may also protect your teak furniture from the elements. 

Teak furniture can be left outdoors during winter months but most experts agree that it should be covered with outdoor furniture covers to keep any weathering to a minimum.  Unlike other types of outdoor furniture the weathered look is popular with teak owners so a little bit of wear and tear is acceptable. 

Additional information on the proper care and cleaning of teak furniture can be found at www.swingoutlet.com and www.teakandcedar.com. 

Caring for Outdoor Furniture Cushions

Most models of outdoor furniture come with outdoor furniture cushions to make the seating more comfortable.  If not cared for properly the outdoor patio furniture cushions on your outdoor round sectional furniture, chair, or bench will need to be replaced.  While replacement cushions for outdoor furniture are relatively inexpensive, the original cushions should last several years before needing to be replaced.  Many outdoor furniture cushions are machine washable though some are not.  For non machine washable cushions choose a cleaner gentle cleanser and spot test on a small unseen area first.  The covering on machine washable outdoor furniture cushions should be removed and washed separately.  Take the time to read the label on the cushions before washing and allow them to air dry thoroughly before replacing them.

Replacing Outdoor Furniture

It is inevitable that at some point you will have to replace your outdoor furniture.  Over time the pieces become damaged, styles change, or the cushions start to fade.  Purchasing new outdoor patio furniture can be a hassle because of high prices.  Fortunately there are several ways to save money on commercial outdoor furniture and patio furniture for your home.

Do not wait until summer starts to make your purchase.  At the beginning of the season many retailers will offer discount outdoor furniture.  Discounted models sold early in the year are usually those left over from the last summer.  Another good time to find outdoor furniture clearance prices is toward the end of the season.  Big box retailers must clearance out all remaining furniture to make room for winter and Christmas merchandise. 

Purchasing replacement cushions for outdoor furniture as well as the furniture itself can also be done online.  Retailers such as Lowe’s®, Home Depot®, Sears®, and Wal-Mart® offer a wide selection online and in stores.  Discount retailers such as Big Lots® and Garden Ridge® may have a limited selection of outdoor patio furniture in the early fall.  Solely online stores like www.patioshoponline.com, www.patiofurniturestation.com, and www.patiofurnitureinc.com offer many different styles, colors, and price ranges. 

If buying in store it is important to examine each piece of outdoor furniture for defects before buying.  When buying online, make sure that it is possible to return the furniture or get replacement pieces if it is damaged during the shipping process. 

With proper care and cleaning outdoor furniture and outdoor wicker furniture should be able to withstand several years of normal wear and tear.  Investing in quality pieces now that will not get damaged easily and are simple to care for will save you money in the long run.  If you do have to purchase additional pieces to replace damaged ones, look for pieces that are on clearance in the early fall or late spring.  Use protective coverings when possible, and during the winter months store your furniture indoors or in a garage to cut down on damage.  Patio furniture should be an enjoyment to use for many years if you care for it properly.