Cleaning Outdoor Patio and Deck Furniture

Outdoor furniture requires special care, as it is exposed to harsh climate, dust, dirt and pollution. If you have a patio or deck, you need to clean the furniture regularly to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the area. Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of materials such as plastic, wicker, resin, steel, aluminum or fabric and requires different cleaning methods for each.

 

Here are some tips on cleaning different types of outdoor patio and deck furniture.

• Metal furniture: For wrought iron, aluminum or steel framed furniture, use water and mild soap to clean the furniture. Often, metal furniture has a special coating to make them resistant to corrosion. However, if your furniture does not have that coating, consider pasting jelly or wax to make it rust proof.
• Wicker furniture: If you have wicker furniture in your patio, you can easily clean it using pressure washer at the lowest setting. Spray water to remove any spills and dirt. You can even clean it with soap solution and a sponge. Make sure you dry the furniture properly and then apply wax to the frame to make it water resistant and shiny. Keep the furniture covered or stored indoors when not in use to increase its durability.
• Wooden furniture: If your wooden deck furniture has fine varnish coating, you can clean it with soapy water followed by wiping with a clean sponge. You must keep your wooden furniture indoors during rain or winters to avoid any damage.
• Resin Furniture: Many homeowners also prefer resin outdoor furniture as it requires minimum maintenance. It can be easily cleaned by spraying water on it. Allow it to dry and use an abrasive for removing any marks. If mildew is present, remove it by cleaning the furniture with a mixture of detergent, bleach and water.
• Upholstered furniture: Regardless of the type of fabric you have, upholstered furniture demands extra care. Remove the cushions from the frame and clean them with mild soap as well as water. Ensure that the cushions are dry before storing, as moisture can lead to mildew growth. If suspect the growth of mildew, clean the cushions with a mixture if bleach, detergent and water. Let the mixture soak in the fabric for at least half an hour before cleaning with sponge. Allow it to dry completely.

Regular care and maintenance will surely prolong the life of your outdoor furniture.

Patio Seating Furniture Ideas

People often like to use their patio for seating and enjoying evening teas or dinner. This make them look for interesting patio seating furniture ideas so that they can transform their patio into a comfortable space. You can use your pool area around the patio for effective space utilization. While looking for furniture for your patio, you can consider different materials such as wood, steel, plastic and metal. Make sure that the furniture is durable so that it easily bears even harsh weather conditions.

Here is some common patio seating furniture ideas.

• Chairs: For comfortable seating, you can consider couple of chairs in your patio. A wide range of chairs are available in different materials and designs, so you can easily select them depending upon your requirements and comfort levels. Deck, pool, folding chairs etc. are some of the available furniture for seating in the market.
• Table: Whether you want to entertain guests in your patio, or you want to keep your newspapers or a book while sipping your morning coffee, you always need a table. A variety of tables is available in different materials in furniture stores.
• Dining sets: The dining set is a best option for your patio if you like to throw dinner parties for your friends or family. A stylish dining set will add glamour to your patio and offer it a warm look.
• Sofa set: For making patio an inviting place, you can buy a cozy, compact sofa set in your patio. Your guests would love to sit in the patio and enjoy talks. You can even arrange some special events in your patio and entertain your guests.

Besides these furniture ideas, you can use your creativity to give a new look to your patio and make it look interesting and innovative. You can choose patio furniture on the basis of its usage and the ambience that you want to create. To enhance the appeal of your patio, you can consider having outdoor lighting and accessories. Homeowners often use traditional and classic outdoor lights and heaters to create a warm ambience at outdoor spaces.