Caring for Your Patio Furniture When You’re Not Using It
All spring and summer you have been enjoying parties on the patio. But as the weather turns and the parties begin happening indoors more, you want to make sure you protect your patio furniture so you can get the same use out of it year after year. Here are ways to care for your plastic, aluminum, and wicker furniture when it’s no longer in use.
Caring for Your Plastic Patio Furniture
When the difficult weather of winter begins to show its head, you want to make sure your plastic patio furniture is out of harm’s way. Because plastic furniture is so light and winter winds can be so wicked, you will want to store your plastic furniture in the basement or other storage area away from the elements.
Because it’s stackable you can fit a large amount of furniture in a relatively small space. It doesn’t take too much to care for it. Just give the items a good wash with soap and water before you put them away. Make sure you let them dry completely before stacking and storing. They should be in perfect working order come spring when you’re ready to take them out again.
Caring for Your Aluminum Patio Furniture
Caring for your aluminum patio furniture isn’t difficult at all. You can keep it clean with mild soap and water. Rinse it thoroughly and then towel dry. Stay away from abrasive cleaning agents such a bleach as this may damage the finish. If you do notice some calcium build-up, wash it with a solution of vinegar and water. Use one part vinegar to nine parts water.
Inspect your aluminum patio furniture frequently for scratches or chips. If you find any, contact the manufacturer. If it’s not too large of a scratch or chip, you might be able to repair it yourself with a little paint.
If you are going to leave your aluminum furniture outside during the cold winter months, make sure you prevent water from accumulating in the frame. Ideally if you will not be using your aluminum furniture pieces, you should cover them with a tarp and if possible move them indoors out of the elements for safekeeping. This will keep the furniture looking its best for as long as possible.
Caring for Your Wicker Patio Furniture
When it comes to your wicker patio furniture, you need to take special care of it to ensure that it lasts a long time. Regular vacuuming of it will help keep it in tip-top shape. If it needs a deep cleaning, a mixture of 2 tbsp of ammonia to a gallon of water will get in the crevasses to keep it clean. Make sure to use a damp rag to wash away the ammonia when you are done scrubbing. It will need to air dry in a shady location.
Making sure your wicker patio furniture is not in the sun will be key in keeping it from drying out. Do not sit on wicker furniture when it is wet either.
You will want to store your wicker furniture in a place that won’t get wet and that is not in the sun when you’re not using it. Try to keep it out of extreme temperatures.
Following these tips will keep your patio furniture looking like new for a long time to come.
