thisplace.com.au - Outdoor Furniture Care

Outdoor furniture should be stored inside during winter to avoid unnecessary weather damage. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned by washing with a mild detergent (hand dishwashing liquid) and water, rinsed and dried.

Products made for cleaning, polishing, and protecting auto surfaces, (such as vinyl, other plastics, painted metals, etc.) are made to stand weathering and greater abuse than those for strictly interior use. They will work well for similar materials in outdoor furniture. Look in auto supply departments of hardware and other stores, or auto supply stores. Always read the label to be sure they are recommended for the materials you have.

Cleaning Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Most plastics can be washed with solution of mild detergent (hand dishwashing liquid) and water, rinsed, and can be wiped dry to prevent water spots if that is a problem. Never use strong alkalis on plastic. Never use scouring powders or other abrasives as plastics scratch easily. Some new plastic furniture is finished with lacquered resins that protect the surface against ultraviolet rays, rain, and salt spray, with a special resin for plastic tabletops that gives touch ceramic-like finish.

For others, waxes or special protective finishes for plastics will give extra protection. Polyvinyl Chloride Frames and Tops Not affected by weather, but mat finish on frames soils easily and should be cleaned when soiled. Easily scratched so do not use abrasives. Auto wax protects it. Wash with mild detergent solutions and rinse Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Polyester Mesh Fabric Wash during the season when soiled with mild detergent (hand dishwashing liquid) solution and brush, and rinse. Wash before storage at end of season. Fabric sheds water and dries quickly. Nylon Webbing Seats Wash with mild detergent solution and brush and rinse when soiled, and again at end of season before storage. Vinyl Strapping Seats Protect from tanning lotions with large towel as some can stain.

Never use abrasives or strong detergents. Clean regularly as build-up of soil, oil, lotion can lead to fungus growth. Wash with mild detergent solution and brush, and rinse, when soiled, and before storage. Some may have mildew inhibitors.

Outdoor Wood Furniture

Redwood naturally resists weathering and rot. However it should be coated with a sealer to keep out moisture and thus retard cracks. Coloured sealers restore redness to greyed redwood. Scrub with detergent and water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before sealing; sometimes sanding is also necessary.

In winter, cover and store in a sheltered area. Cleaning Wipe with a sudsy sponge, followed by a damp sponge. Before storing, and when needed, scrub with detergent suds, rinse, and dry. For grease and soot stains as from outdoor cooking, wash with solution of 1 cup trisodium phosphate in 1 gallon water, and rinse. Reseal as needed. Finished White Wood this is used for camp stools, directors chairs, parts of some metal frame chairs. Care Seal completely with penetrating sealer for exterior use. May also coat with exterior varnish.

If cracks develop in finish, refinish to prevent mildew from moisture getting in. Store indoors when not in use outdoors. Do not leave out in rain. Cleaning Wipe with damp cloth and dry, when soiled, and before storing. On painted wood, can wash with mild detergent solution, rinse, and dry. Unfinished White Wood Used for "rustic" furniture, tables, benches, etc. Care Treat with exterior penetrating stain containing wood preservative and mildew inhibitor. Soak bottom 4 inches of legs that touch ground in wood preservative, or shield with thin aluminium covering. Cover and store in sheltered area in winter. Cleaning Wash with detergent solution rinse and dry when soiled, and before storing.

Source: Michigan State University