While we make more efforts about the looks and maintenance of our outdoor furniture, we tend to neglect the furniture that is placed outside or outdoors. It is a mistake to ignore the maintenance for your teak outdoor furniture – be it chairs, tables, or cushions placed on the porch or in the backyard.
We should pay more attention to the quality of fabric, material, and designs when buying outdoor furniture, as well as how to take care of the furniture so that it can last long and serve for years to come. Needless to say, outdoor furniture faces much more extreme weather conditions as compared to indoor furniture items and therefore needs more care and looking after.
 Here are some essential tips to keep in mind for properly maintaining your outdoor furniture.
- No matter how careful you are, the outside furniture will experience harsh weather conditions or some accident spills. Moreover, it remains exposed to bugs, birds, critters, sun, wind, and rain at all times. Hence, take preventive steps at all times and clean the outdoor furnishings and furniture regularly.
- It is a good idea to cover the furniture items when they are not in use or bring them in and store them inside. Make sure to store the furniture in a dry place that is free of pests and mold. Or you could place the furniture items in areas where they are away from the direct impact of the weather conditions.
- When buying outdoor furniture and furniture, understand the manufacturer’s instructions and use the right products for optimum care and protection. Every manufacturer and furniture supplier provides clear and implicit interaction for cleaning and maintenance, based on the kind of material used for furniture, such as wicker, plastic, teak, cast iron, and others.
- Wicker furniture can be easily cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth to keep it in good condition. One can use the regular household steam cleaner to prevent any deterioration of the furniture item. At times you may need to perform deep cleaning with a vacuum to remove stubborn dirt and debris. Make sure to wear protective gloves when using chemicals and polishes for cleaning.
- Plastic furniture doesn’t require intense maintenance, and all one needs to use is a warm soapy solution and a soft-bristled brush to get rid of all that dirt and stains. Store the furniture inside during winters to prevent cold-induced brittleness.
- Teak outdoor furniture needs careful cleaning and thus needs to follow the instructions carefully. Clean the furniture with a gentle soapy water mix to maintain the golden glow. Apply a UV inhibitor and linseed oil a couple of times a year, and you can leave it outside without any worry.
- Cast iron furniture requires little maintenance and can be cleaned like other furniture items with a warm soapy solution. Add naval jelly to create an extra layer of protection and clean away any cracked paint. Watch out for any signs of damage and oxidation.
