How to Maintain Outdoor Furniture Sets and Keep Them Looking New
Jul
Your outdoor space is truly more than just a spot to reside in—it’s a space where you can exhale, hold court, and hangout with all your family and friends. That being said, whether it’s furniture for the garden or a balcony that cuddles up to the building, the right outdoor furniture makes that space feel unfettered yet protected and works as well as it plays.
For your outdoor patio furniture to remain in prime condition and to keep it looking its best, it requires some routine care. It takes only a few moments to do and only a few not-so-complicated steps. Here is a practical (and realistic) way to help protect your investment and maintain a stunning outdoor space.
1. Choose the Best Type of Outdoor Furniture
Everything begins with selecting quality. The finest outdoor furniture is constructed to withstand whatever the elements can throw at it—sun, rain, wind, and everything in between. Materials such as aluminum, teak, synthetic wicker, and high-density resin strike the prime balance of being not only long-lasting but also low-maintenance. If a modern aesthetic is what you love, then contemporary patio furniture with powder-coated metal frames and performance fabrics is a sleek addition with no sacrifice in resilience.
2. Clean It Regularly
Outdoor areas accumulate dirt much quicker than one might anticipate. All the dust, pollen, and leaves make outdoor living much less clean and enjoyable. To keep our outdoor furniture looking nice and protect its many finishes, we must give it a wipe-down daily with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap. Wipe-downs are recommended for all types of furniture, including those made from wood (use a wood-specific cleaner), metal, plastic, and even plywood. The furniture should also be vacuumed since suction removes allergens and dust that might otherwise stick to the surface.
3. Use Protective Covers
One of the simplest methods to prolong the life of your outdoor patio furniture is to use waterproof, breathable covers. Even if your furniture is designed for outdoor use, exposure to the elements—particularly UV rays—can degrade it over time. Covers help stave off fading, rust, and debris from accumulating on the furniture.
4. Store When Necessary
In areas with extreme winter or rain, maintaining garden storage saves furniture from seasonal wear. Stackable or foldable pieces allow for efficient, easier storage. Even moving non-foldable items to a porch or shed lengthens their lifespan.
5. Refresh and Touch Up
Natural wear is unavoidable over time. However, with some effort, you can rejuvenate your pieces. Wooden surfaces need light sanding, while metal frames may need a coat of paint. Contemporary patio furniture may need a finish reviver; if so, oil works nicely.
6. Keep an Eye Out for Damage
Avoid allowing tiny concerns to grow into major issues. Carry out inspections on your outdoor furnishings and pay attention to signs of stress in the following areas: fasteners; fabric; and the finish. Attend these details and repair your furniture when necessary, before it becomes unusable.
7. Rotate and Rearrange
Don’t let the sun and the weather get the jump on you. Make a habit of rotating cushions and shifting furniture so that everything wears evenly—and looks great and lasts a long time. You’d want to share the fancy sun and pretty weather with your friends, and so would we
8. Maintain Your Accessories Too
While they don’t require wiping down every day, the occasional clean and thoughtful storage will keep your accessories such as umbrellas and rugs in better shape long-term.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of the outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be a task. Putting in a tiny bit of effort here and there accumulates to a stunning, beautifully maintained, almost “lifetime” outdoor space.
Check out the Carefree Home Furnishings collection for contemporary outdoor furniture that can stand up to the elements.
Browse our outdoor furniture collections today—your backyard retreat starts here.