Although your outdoor furniture may be built and designed to weather the elements, it is still not indestructible and it still needs to be cleaned just like anything else.

You can save your outdoor furniture from being subjected to the elements from the sun and rain, including the scratching and bumps from gusts of wind carrying sand or grit particles that can dull a chrome metal finish and can also cause discoloration of paint finish.

There are steps can take to protect outdoor furniture from the elements.

You can cover your outdoor furniture when not in use or stow it away indoors during bad weather.

Quality Wrought –iron and stainless steel, metal –based outdoor furniture is generally painted with an epoxy based primer that protects metal from the elements that can cause it to corrode and get damaged over time.

Wash furniture by hosing  down with soapy water once every two or three weeks to prevent spills or substances that cling to metal and eventually seep through the metal’s protective covering.

Cleaning products designed for cleaning outdoor furniture are formulated to make your outdoor furniture last longer and provide protection as well. Avoid using cleaning agents not made for your outdoor furniture, unless it is specified on the product label.

Although most fabric material used for outdoor furniture cushions tend to resist dust from clinging to the fabric/material, moisture and water can become absorbed into fabric, causing mildew to form in the padding so always keep cushions covered or out of the elements when not in use.  If there is a care label read and follow directions for  cleaning.  Also be sure to ask the company you buy cushions from how to keep clean.  In most cases you can wash with a damp cloth and let dry in the sun.

If you have  Outdoor furniture made of wood (and it does not need a new paintjob) you can take some soap and warm water and wash it down. I use Murphys Oil Soap because it protects the wood and adds back some of the oils lost from the washing. To make the furniture last longer and protect the wood wipe down with lemon oil or some linseed oil or a commercial furniture polish.

With vinyl furniture you can use commercial furniture cleaners or a a bleaching agent if it is stained. I use Tilex or Chlorox Spray. Be sure to throughouly rinse and not let the bleach stand too long on the furniture as it tends to weaken it.

Outdoor furniture that is taken care of can last for years.

Enjoy your outdoor furniture and enjoy your summer!

Be sure to check out MyStyles2Go.com for a complete selection of Quality Outdoor Furniture!