An outside space is an extension of a home and many people choose to setup outdoor living spaces. Part of any outdoor living space is patio furniture. Patio furniture can be a costly investment and to keep it looking and working properly for a long time, proper maintenance is important. Care of patio furniture will depend not only on the material of the items but also the climate in which you live. While those living in a climate that has warm, mild weather year round can leave their furniture out all of the time, those living in areas that experience harsh winter weather will need to store their items indoors. In order to prolong the life of your patio furniture, make sure you are taking the proper steps to clean and store each component.

Plastic Outdoor Furniture Cleaning

Most plastic furniture can be cleaned with a solution made of water and mild dish detergent. You may want to wipe furniture dry after cleaning to avoid water spots. You should refrain from using any abrasive cleaners on plastic furniture as they will likely scratch the surface. Some plastic patio furniture has a layer of lacquered resin to protect it from the elements and prolong the life of the furniture. Plastic outdoor furniture should be cleaned fairly regularly and should be stored indoors during the winter months.

Cleaning Outdoor Aluminum Furniture

Aluminum outdoor furniture will not rust but can develop a rough, pitted surface, and can discolor. This is due to the fact that aluminum is affected by various air pollutants. Caring for your aluminum furniture will depend on its condition. Regular aluminum cleaning should include washing with a mild soap and water. Adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice can also help. Aluminum furniture should always be washed before being put away for storage, and as needed during use. If the aluminum is in rough shape, it should be cleaned with a steel wool scrubber. It is important however to ensure that all of the steel wool is removed from the furniture or it can rust and potentially leave stains on the aluminum. Make sure you dry the furniture after washing. There are commercial cleaners available for cleaning aluminum furniture as well.

Outdoor Painted Metal Furniture Cleaning

Outdoor furniture with baked on enamel surfaces is generally the most durable of all types of patio furniture. Painted metal furniture should be handled with care so that it does not chip. This is especially important when stacking the furniture for storage. To clean painted metal furniture, use a solution of warm water and a heavy duty liquid soap. An old toothbrush can be used to clean any grooves in the surface of the furniture. Be sure to dry the furniture completely and then apply an auto wax to the furniture. This will form a protective coating and help to prolong the life of the furniture.

Wicker Furniture Cleaning

Wicker furniture can be very sensitive to the elements. For this reason, it is recommended that wicker furniture not be exposed to long periods of sun, rain, or other elements. Instead, wicker furniture should be used in places such as covered porches. If you are exposing your wicker furniture to the elements, adding a bit of marine varnish may help protect it from the weather.

Cleaning Wood Outdoor Furniture

There are different types of wood furniture and each type will require specific care. Furniture made of redwood will be naturally resistant to rot and weathering. It should however be coated with a sealant that will keep moisture out. Sealed wood can be cleaned with a mixture of water and liquid soap. Finished white wood should be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Cleaning Canvas Outdoor Furniture

Generally canvas is made of tightly woven cotton. It will often shed water but will begin to rot after periods of long exposure to the elements. To keep canvas furniture in good shape, scrub regularly with detergent and a stiff brush. Rinse canvas off and then dry thoroughly prior to using.

With the proper cleaning, storage, and maintenance, outdoor furniture can last a long time. Before making a purchase, it is important to research the type of furniture you want to buy so you know exactly what the care and cleaning requirements will be. Some types of outdoor furniture are much more low maintenance than others and proper research will help you narrow down your choices. Learn more about patio furniture care by visiting the following websites.

• Outdoor Furniture Care
• Outdoor Furniture Care Guide
• Care and Repair of Outdoor Furniture
• How to Care for Patio Furniture
• Wicker Furniture Care and Cleaning
• Caring for Outdoor Wood Furniture