How to Keep Your Outdoor Patio Furniture Clean

Having a lovely outdoor patio area can significantly add to the overall value and appearance of your home. From a functionality standpoint, you can use this area to host guests or sit down with your family at the end of a long day. In order for your patio to be functional and nice, you need to make sure that your patio furniture is clean and in good condition. Being exposed to the elements all the time can lead to your patio furniture looking dirty or damaged. Luckily, there are ways that you can keep your furniture clean, even with it being outside all the time.

Chair Cushions

If you have furniture on your patio with detachable cushions, the fabric can quickly become very dirty. You have the option of vacuuming them regularly, washing them with cleaning products, and wiping them down. Be sure to look closely at the product that you plan on using. Some products can discolor the fabric, especially if left out in the sun. Coverstore mentions that it’s also a good idea to check the cushion tags for cleaning restrictions and instructions. If the tags are faded, check the manufacturer’s website. But one of the best ways to protect your cushions is to simply bring them inside when not in use.

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture is very practical. It can last for many seasons without any issue. After a cold winter, Best Maids recommends using a rust remover on your metal outdoor furniture to help erase any damage. Depending on the type of furniture that you have, you may even be able to apply a layer of paint to the furniture in order to make it look nice again. Purchase a paint that is designed for metal and outdoor items. If this sounds a little intimidating, professional cleaners and painters can help you implement some of these suggestions.

Wood Items

Picnic tables and wood benches undergo a lot of wear and tear when they are outside. Rain, snow, ice and sleet can all cause a great deal of damage to wood. The best way to protect this type of furniture is to keep your wood items sealed properly. There are waterproof products that can provide years of protection. As far as keeping wood patio furniture clean, you can hose them off when they start to get dirty. If you need a little extra oomph in your cleaning, a pressure washer can be exactly what you need.

If you have bad weather coming your way, you should try to store your patio furniture in a safe location rather than just leaving it outside. When the seasons change, you can put your patio furniture away in a shed or garage. That way you can enjoy your beautiful outdoor furniture for much longer.