Adding outdoor furniture to your backyard or patio is an easy way to make the area better suited for entertaining or relaxing. However, if you want the pieces to last for a long time, you’ll have to learn how to care for them. Below is a basic care guide to keep your items in good condition.

Wipe Them Down

Naturally, sitting outside will make your outdoor furniture prone to dust, dirt, and pollen buildup. While materials like wicker, resin, or plastic don’t need to be cleaned as often as wood furniture, you should still periodically wipe them down or spray them off with a hose. If they’ve developed any tough-to-remove residue, you might need to apply a basic soap and water mixture; however, you should dry them thoroughly whenever water gets involved to avoid any mold or algae growth. Also, wicker will need periodic vacuuming to remove any debris that has collected between the weave crevices.

The cleaning process for wood furniture can vary depending on the species you’ve chosen. For instance, shorea—a tropical hardwood—is very resistant to weather conditions and usually only needs a light, seasonal cleaning with a mild detergent and water. While teak hardwood is similar, you’ll also need to regularly apply teak oil to prevent staining if you live in a dry climate.

Keep Them Covered

All outdoor furniture should be covered and stored if possible during the colder months to prevent any cracking or moisture buildup. However, if you have soft or hardwood pieces, you should take extra care to keep them covered whenever they are not in use. This helps to minimize any extreme temperature changes and contact with rain, both of which cause the furniture to expand and contract.

Although remembering to clean and cover your outdoor furniture will help to keep it in peak condition, there may come a time when it requires more detailed work. At Unique Furniture Enterprises, the team helps homeowners throughout the Cincinnati, OH, area with all of their furniture repair and reupholstering needs. Call them today at (513) 821-7967 to find out how they can help refresh your furniture. For more information about their services, visit their website.