Proper maintenance and care of your patio furniture can extend the lifetime and beauty of your investment and ensure that your enjoyment of the furniture set lasts for many years to come. Proper cleaning of patio furniture sets can be a relatively simple process, how you go about it depends on what part of the piece you are cleaning and the material it is made from. Because patio furniture differs greatly in style and the materials from which it is made there are different measures to take when cleaning and maintaining.
Cleaning Resin Wicker Furniture
Resin wicker is one of Sterling's more popular frame materials. This material may get sticky from food and drinks. Food particles and dirt may also become stuck in the intricately woven surfaces. However, this is an easy fix. There are a number of ways you can go about cleaning resin wicker and the easiest would probably be with a simple spray of the hose followed by drying with a cotton cloth. For more stubborn cases, mild soapy water and scrubbing with a soft bristle brush or sponge should do the trick. Follow the soapy water with a quick rinse from a hose and dry off the piece with a cotton cloth. All purpose spray is another option. Because of the chemicals in all purpose sprays it is best to try on a small, inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire piece of furniture to make sure the spray will not have a negative effect on it. Simply follow the all purpose spray with a quick rinse and dry it off with a cotton cloth. Using the tips above to maintain and clean your resin wicker furniture will keep it looking great longer.
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Metal Outdoor Furniture (Cast Iron and Aluminum)
Metal furniture with cast iron or aluminum frames is the easiest type of outdoor furniture to care for. When the furniture gets dirty, in most cases, you can just spray it with a hose and allow it to air dry or dry with a towel. In circumstances where the hose just will not get rid of stubborn spots you can use mild, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to scrub the stain away. The only thing you need to watch out for with metal furniture is rust. Taking care of rust is not a daunting task: simply use a wire brush or sand paper to remove any rust spots. A thorough cleaning and a coat of rust-resistant paint job once per year will keep your metal patio furniture looking like new.
Patio Umbrella Care
Umbrellas need care and maintenance just like any outdoor furniture pieces. Cleaning and maintaining an umbrella is an easy task. Simply use mild, soapy water with a soft brush or sponge to scrub any spots or stains that may arise from being outdoors. Metal frames can be cleaned the same however, wooden frames should be sealed with a paste wax once per year to protect the wood from moisture.
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Outdoor Pillows and Cushion Covers
While our outdoor pillows and cushions are encased in premium Sunbrella® and GeoBella™ fabrics which are engineered to withstand outdoor elements they will still need some attention occasionally. Pillows and cushions can be gently cleaned with mild soapy water and scrubbed with a soft brush or sponge. You might also consider investing in a decorative deck box to store these items in when not in use. Doing so will greatly extend the lives of your outdoor pillows and cushions.
Outdoor Furniture Covers
Covers for your patio furniture will help prolong the life of your furniture whether it is made from wood or metal. Covers protect your furniture from the elements and are a good back up plan in case you don't have storage for your patio furniture when winter weather strikes. Another option would be storing your furniture indoors or in a garage or storage shed when not in use during the winter/inclement weather seasons. Performing either of these options will surely extend and preserve the life of your patio furniture.
In conclusion, it is a good idea to clean off your furniture every once in a while when you notice it could use a quick spray of the hose. This will keep dirt and food particles from accumulating and will extend the life of your patio furniture. Also, umbrellas will sometimes need care too. A good rule of thumb to follow is to clean it when you are putting it up for the season and when you are taking it down. If you follow the simple cleaning procedures above your furniture will look newer, for much longer.
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