Patio Furniture Care Guide

Want your outdoor furniture to last? Use the following tips to keep your patio furniture looking great for years to come.

Aluminum

Aluminum does not rust and requires little maintenance. Frames should be cleaned with mild soap and water periodically. Since frame finishes are similar to automobile finishes, a protective coating should be applied at least annually. The Revitalizer products available at HOM or clear, liquid automobile polishes work well in this application. Do not use waxes on textured frame finishes. To touch up scratches and scrapes, sand areas with 400- to 600-grit wet or dry sand paper and then apply short, light strokes of touch-up paint (which is also available at HOM Furniture). Wash with warm water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly. Do not use abrasive materials or strong detergents.

Resin

Quality resin is strong, durable and resistant to sunlight, yellowing, fading and weather. Fortunately, this durable material is also very low-maintenance. Regular cleaning will help maintain its original appearance. Mild soap and water is usually sufficient for this task. Avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners. For stubborn marks, try Soft Scrub.

Other general care tips and guidelines for caring for outdoor furniture made of resin include:

• Dust regularly with a small brush or vacuum. Spills should be taken care of immediately before they harden or stain by wiping with a sponge wrung from sudsy water.
• Vacuum gently or brush with a soft bristle brush. Hose off every few weeks and clean periodically with a mild detergent and water. Rinse and allow to air dry.
• Remember to purchase a protective cover for each of your outdoor furniture pieces.

Wood

If left unprotected, any wood patio furniture will weather to silver and gray when exposed to sun and weather. Oiling with true teak oil will maintain the original tawny teak color. Oiling will trap dirt and darken the wood with age. It is necessary to scrub off old oil and recoat at least annually. Do not use products advertised as “finish” to remove graying (which is only the surface layer). Clean with soapy water and a poly bristle scrub brush. Scratches and scrapes can easily be removed with a medium-grade sand paper, but this also removes graying. All wood can develop hairline cracks on or near the end grain timber. These do not affect the structure, but you can apply a sealing wax to minimize cracking. For painted wood, clean any mildew with diluted bleach. Use oil-based exterior enamel topcoat when repainting.

Wrought Iron & Steel

Since wrought iron and other steel furniture has a tendency to rust, occasional touch-ups are necessary. To curb the need for these touch-ups, HOM recommends storing the furniture indoors during the winter. If that’s not possible, cover your furniture to cut down on maintenance. Also, periodic washing of frames with mild soap and water will help to keep finishes looking good longer. If iron has been scratched down to bare metal, sand with a wire brush or fine-grained sand paper. Then, apply two light coats of Rustoleum and top with matching touch-up paint, which is available at HOM Furniture. It is also recommended that all moving parts of steel action mechanisms periodically have oil or WD-40 applied.

Cushions and Slings

Sponge with soapy solution of laundry detergent and lukewarm water (mix three gallons water, one cup household bleach and one cup mild laundry detergent). Rinse well using a hose to remove dirt inside cushions and rinse out cleaner. Air-dry by setting cushion on side to drain water down to one side. No power wash over 60 PST. These instructions can be used for any of the following outdoor products:

• Textiles
• Vinyls
• Vinyl Acrylic Blends
• Solution-Dyed Acrylics (Elbertex)

Printed Acrylics and Polyesters

Clean with mild soap and water, then rinse well and let air-dry thoroughly. Keep in mind that the use of bleach or harsh cleaning agents will remove the colors and should not be used. All cushions should be rinsed with a hose frequently to wash out dirt from inside that causes mildew to grow. Turn them on their sides to hasten drying time and to ensure that the fabric dries thoroughly.

Vinyl Straps

Clean with mild soap and water. Periodic polishing of straps will repel dirt. Tanning and sun-block products containing PABA are known to harm vinyl. When sunbathing, use of a beach towel is recommended to prolong strap life.

Patio Covers

Protect your investment by purchasing one of our premium patio covers. These durable covers are essential for outdoor furniture care since they protect each piece from harmful sun rays, rain, hail and other outdoor elements that shorten the life of outdoor furniture. Covers not only help keep your set looking new longer but also resist mildew and mold growth. We stock all types of covers, so whether you need a cover for a wicker sofa or a seven-piece patio set, we have it. Just ask one of our experts which cover is right for your needs.