Maintaining outdoor furniture correctly is vital for its appearance and durability. However, there is no need for undue concern. Our science-backed outdoor furniture maintenance tips are available here and designed to align with the current climate conditions.
Recognizing the diversity of popular materials utilized in outdoor furniture, including metal and wood, we have meticulously assembled a comprehensive guide. This resource is designed to provide you with all the necessary insights in one convenient location.
Let us proceed with the first maintenance tip without further delay.
Outdoor Metal Furniture Maintenance
When thinking of durable furniture, metal pieces are typically top of mind. This is due to the robustness of materials like wrought iron, steel, and aluminum. Metal furniture, especially high-quality furniture, can provide service for up to 50 years.[1]
In addition to its durability, metal furniture is more resistant to insect repellent chemicals than wood. It also offers a touch of sophistication to any outdoor space. To retain that refined appearance, we recommend adhering to these maintenance tips.
General Maintenance
For general maintenance, here’s what you can do:
1. Regular Cleaning
To preserve the sheen of metal furniture, regular maintenance is essential. Daily dusting proves effective, yet often overlooked is the simple practice of washing with water and soap.
While metal’s exposure to oxygen and moisture can potentially lead to rust, adhering to proper washing techniques minimizes this concern. Therefore, the choice of a gentle soap meeting specific criteria becomes pivotal, such as:
- Maintains a pH level between 5.5 and 7
- Includes natural ingredients like vegetable oils
- Excludes sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors
- Is free from SLS and SLES
Unlike the daily task of dusting, outdoor metal furniture typically necessitates weekly washing.
2. Immediate Drying
How do you keep outdoor furniture from rusting? After washing metal furniture, immediate drying is essential in outdoor furniture maintenance. Rust forms when metal is exposed to water and oxygen, highlighting the significance of thorough drying in its upkeep.
Therefore, rapid action is crucial. In fact, industry experts stress minimizing metal’s contact with moisture as a key component of outdoor furniture maintenance. The rate of oxidation varies based on time and environmental variables. When drying, use a soft, lint-free cloth to prevent leaving fibers that might affect the metal’s surface texture over time.
3. Rust Inspection and Repainting
Despite taking precautions, rust can still develop unexpectedly, possibly due to a sudden spill or drizzle that goes unnoticed. Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate regular rust inspections into your maintenance schedule, whether weekly or monthly. Ensure thorough inspection by noting the following:
- Physical damage, such as scratches, dents, or peeling
- Abnormal patches of coloration on the surface
- Evidence of holes or cracks
- Loose or disconnected joints
- Unusual odors
These indicators could signify rust formation and require immediate attention. As an immediate solution, use rust removers. Subsequently, coat the affected area with anti-rust paint, offering up to five years of protection before another application is necessary.[2]
4. Use of Protective Covers
Photocorrosion, caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, is another factor in metal corrosion. The extent of this effect varies with different metals, though it generally occurs over the long term.[3] Given its significant impact, it is crucial to use protective covers on your outdoor metal furniture when not in use.
These covers are designed to be both UV-resistant and waterproof, providing effective dual protection.
Seasonal Maintenance
Moisture poses a significant threat to outdoor metal furniture during the monsoon season. Whenever possible, storing the furniture indoors is highly recommended.
If the quantity of furniture makes this impractical, using protective covers is a viable alternative. Regularly ensure that every piece remains safeguarded from moisture at all times.
Meanwhile, hygiene should be prioritized during the dry season, as an accumulation of outdoor furniture oil or stain characterizes this period. Frequent use of outdoor furniture, particularly for dining, can also lead to grease buildup.
Thus, regular dusting and thorough wasting of the furniture is necessary to maintain its cleanliness and appearance.
Rattan Outdoor Furniture Maintenance
Moving away from metal, we now highlight rattan, an equally prominent material in furniture manufacturing. Rattan furniture occupies a large market share. In fact, approximately two-thirds of global rattan production was dedicated to household uses.
Whether natural or synthetic, rattan exudes a distinctive warmth and boasts a unique texture. Its lightweight also adds to its appeal, making it an excellent choice for flexible and innovative space design.
To ensure it lasts longer, please follow these rattan garden furniture maintenance tips:
General Maintenance
For general maintenance, here’s what you can do:
1. Use Cushions and Covers
Often, it is the simplest measures that yield the most significant results. Consider this: using clean outdoor furniture cushions and covers to safeguard your rattan furniture from daily wear and tear can notably extend its lifespan.
Have you ever paused to reflect on how much time you spend seated on your rattan chair or gathered around your rattan table? Continuous use can subtly alter its structure over time.
And here is the key: you cannot overstate the impact of such small precautions. By placing a cushion on the seat or a cloth on the table, you can shield it from direct exposure to external elements.
These accessories not only serve a protective function but also enhance the visual allure of your furniture, allowing you to showcase your unique personal style.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
The distinctive coloration of rattan furniture originates from the natural pigments inherent in its fibers. Nevertheless, prolonged exposure to UV rays, particularly UVB and UVA, proves detrimental, inducing gradual color fading.
These rays effectively degrade the chemical bonds present in the fiber pigments, thereby altering their molecular configuration and engendering bleaching agents that manifest as undesirable discoloration.[5]
To safeguard the furniture’s chromatic integrity, it is advisable to eschew direct sunlight. Rather, positioning your rattan furniture beneath awnings serves to mitigate the deleterious effects of direct sunlight within your garden.
3. Clean with Mild Soap Solution
Not only does metal furniture love soap, but rattan furniture does, too. So, don’t hesitate to wash it with mild soap and water. This is effective for cleaning stains and dirt stuck on the surface.
Make sure to use a mild soap, as we explained earlier. Then, immediately dry the furniture using a cloth before you wind it up. Keeping outdoor furniture dry in the hot sun is not advisable.
4. Vacuum Regularly
Removing dust from rattan surfaces can be tricky using a feather duster, given the intricate shapes of rattan furniture that allow dust to accumulate in crevices. To clean effectively, we suggest using a vacuum cleaner set at a low speed to avoid damaging delicate rattan fibers.
Seasonal Maintenance
Organic materials such as rattan are susceptible to fungal growth, especially in humid conditions. Fungal spores are omnipresent, including in the air. When these spores settle on the moist surface of rattan, they germinate and develop into fungi, forming hyphae that absorb nutrients from the rattan.
Fungal colonies manifest as blotches. Thus, it is essential to maintain the dryness of your rattan furniture during the monsoon season. If stored indoors, ensure adequate air circulation.
Nevertheless, you should not lower your guard during the dry season either. Excessively dry conditions can lead to the drying out of rattan fibers, making them brittle and susceptible to breakage.
Besides using protective covers, it is beneficial to use outdoor furniture linseed oil. Applying the oil every one to two months is recommended in the dry season. Alternatively, you may apply the oil based on your judgment of the furniture’s condition.
Teak Outdoor Furniture Maintenance
Teak furniture stands in high regard for several commendable reasons. Chief among these is its extraordinary durability, ensuring that teak outdoor furniture endures for as long as half a century.
Moreover, teak possesses a singular charm capable of enhancing any outdoor space. Furthermore, teak is notably easy to maintain, distinguishing it prominently from the majority of other wood selections.
While teak is durable, providing some care will help you enjoy your outdoor teak furniture for longer. Moreover, lack of maintenance for teak outdoor furniture can lead to a grayish patina that reduces its aesthetic value. Refer to the following tips to keep your furniture in excellent condition.
Regular Maintenance
For regular maintenance, here’s what you can do:
1. Clean with a Soft Brush
When attending to the removal of dust from your esteemed teak furniture, it is crucial to employ a soft patio furniture cleaning brush or duster, thereby ensuring the preservation of its surface from unsightly scratches.
Despite the inherent robustness of teak wood, it remains advisable to mitigate any potential for abrasion, thus maintaining its distinguished appearance.
2. Avoid Using Abrasive Agents
During cleaning to maintain a dirt- and grease-free surface on your furniture, it is crucial to avoid harsh cleaners that can scratch teak wood.
Despite popular belief, cleaners with strong acids such as bleach should be avoided as they can damage the wood’s natural protective layer and excessively dry out the surface. If spills occur, immediately wipe them off with a cloth and clean them with soap.
Additionally, refrain from using acetone or thinner, as these can have detrimental effects as well.
3. Cover When Not in Use
Much like other varieties of furniture, teak furniture stands to benefit greatly from the application of protective covers. It is, therefore, prudent to refrain from economizing on the procurement of high-quality covers, which serve to shield the furniture effectively from the detrimental effects of UV rays.
4. Apply Sealant
The merits of teak wood’s inherent oils in deterring insects and moisture were expounded upon in a prior discussion. Nevertheless, prudence dictates additional measures.
It is advisable to apply a protective sealant to your teak furniture, often comprising resin. Although teak possesses natural resin, these sealants employ compounds sourced from external reservoirs to augment the timber’s innate safeguards.
Seasonal Maintenance
Maintaining pristine teak furniture year-round boils down to two simple steps: keeping it dry during the monsoon season and moisturizing it in dry weather.
When faced with prolonged rain or high humidity, use protective covers or move the furniture indoors with a dehumidifier. Conversely, a sealant should be applied to safeguard the wood fibers from moisture infiltration in sunny weather with low humidity.
Conclusion
We have provided strategies on how to keep your outdoor furniture clean. These general guidelines apply to a wide range of furniture types. Keeping these simple principles in mind will help you preserve your outdoor furniture’s aesthetic appeal and functionality with minimal time and effort.
Should your unique furniture needs require tailored care, do not hesitate to contact us.
For expert advice on maintaining your outdoor furniture or to explore our premium collection of outdoor furnishings currently on sale, please reach out via. email or WhatsApp.
info@teakia.com
+603 5569 0412
We’re here to assist you in enhancing your outdoor living space with quality and style.
