If you’re like us, you love spending time outdoors! Whether it’s lounging in the sun, hosting a barbecue, or just enjoying the fresh air, there’s nothing better than being outside. This is especially true if you’re able to enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of your own outdoor space.
However, one thing that can very quickly ruin your outdoor fun is having uncomfortable, damaged or dirty outdoor furniture. To help you enjoy your outdoor spaces at any time without the worry of an unusable outdoor setting, we’ve put together this quick guide on how to care for your outdoor furniture.
At Infinity Furniture, we know that with just a few simple steps, you can keep your furniture looking and feeling great all season long and for many years to come.
Common Causes Of Damage
If outdoor furniture is made for the outdoors, it should be able to withstand all weather without issue, right? Well, yes and no. Just like the exterior of our homes or cars, outdoor furniture is still subject to damage from constant exposure to the elements.
Wet Weather
Rain or even sleet/snow can lead to mould or mildew appearing on your outdoor furniture. This is most commonly seen on porous materials such as wicker furniture, wood or outdoor cushions.
UV Rays
Sunshine and the dreaded UV rays that we try so hard to protect ourselves against by using sunscreen are also capable of damaging surfaces. UV rays cause fading and peeling and can even break down fabrics over time. Even fabrics that are designed to be UV resistant should be protected from too much direct sunlight.
Dust And Dirt
While entirely natural, the settling of dust and dirt onto your outdoor furniture makes it unsuitable for use and may also cause damage to the surfaces and joints.
Salt
If you live near the ocean, salt spray can cause rusting of your outdoor furniture. Even if you do not live directly on the beach, salt can travel quite some distance in the breeze.
High Winds
Strong winds can cause debris, dust and dirt to hit your furniture, causing scratches and dents. If unsecured, strong winds can also tip your furniture over, which is especially dangerous for glass tabletops.
Hail
While a less common occurrence, hail can quickly cause significant damage to your outdoor furniture. Large dents, scratches, broken tabletops and shredded covers and cushions are common following hail damage.
If a hail storm is forecast, we recommend placing your setting undercover. If this is not possible, thick blankets or towels can help to minimise the damage.
Top Tips For Protecting Your Outdoor Furniture
If you want your outdoor setting to be ready for use at a moment’s notice and able to last through years of use, then learning how to care for your outdoor furniture is a must.
Here are our top tips:
1. Clean your furniture regularly
First things first, use a soft brush or broom to brush the furniture. This will help remove dirt, pollen, spiderwebs and other debris that can build up over time.
If required, you can then use a mild soap and water solution, or a commercial furniture cleaner. Simply use a soft cloth or soft bristle brush to gently wash the surfaces. Lukewarm water may be more effective for significant grime deposits.
If you have instances of mould and mildew, a mix of oxygen bleach and warm water can help to lift and fade these stains. In the case of wooden outdoor furniture, always scrub in the direction of the grain to avoid damage.
Once washed, always gently hose or rinse the furniture to remove any remaining soap or dirt and leave it to air dry in the sun to ensure no moisture remains. Never pack away wet cushions, wicker or wooden furniture as this will encourage renewed growth of mildew and mould.
2. Protect your furniture from the elements.
Ever heard the phrase that prevention is better than a cure? Keeping your furniture safe from the elements can save you time in deep cleaning it and ensure it lasts for many years. By always exercising care in this way, you can avoid damage and keep your furniture looking its best.
If you know there’s going to be bad weather, make sure to cover your furniture or store it indoors or undercover. This will help prevent fading, rusting, and other damage.
3. Be careful with sharp objects
It’s easy to accidentally scratch or dent your furniture when you’re using it outdoors – this is all part of using it as intended. However, to minimise this damage, we recommend that you try to avoid placing sharp objects on or near your furniture.
Additionally, be extra careful when moving things around and try to lift, rather than drag items as this can cause abrasions to the finish, making it easier for moisture, salt etc to penetrate and damage the furniture.
4. Don’t forget about cushions and covers
If you have any cushions or covers for your outdoor furniture, be sure to clean and protect them as well! These items can often get forgotten about, but they play an important role in keeping your furniture looking its best.
Even for cushions and covers that claim to be weatherproof or water-resistant, if constantly exposed, they will begin to show signs of damage. To clean and care for these items, simply wipe with a damp cloth and warm water with a little dish soap added.
We recommend removing outdoor cushions when not in use and storing them inside or within a waterproof storage container. Not only does this provide further protection from UV rays, but stops your cushions from becoming wet and soggy!
5. Take care of any repairs right away
If you notice any damage to your furniture, don’t wait to fix it. The sooner you take care of the problem, the less likely it is to get worse. This is especially true for any rust spots as this damage can quickly spread and create a much bigger problem.
For rusty stainless steel or wrought iron and wooden furniture where the finish has begun to peel, we recommend lightly sanding the damage, washing and drying the item.
Metal furniture will need to be treated with a rust prevention solution before being repainted. Wooden furniture can be re-oiled or lacquered to seal it against the elements and restore its natural colour.
What If My Furniture Is Too Damaged Or Dirty?
In some instances, if the furniture is too damaged and cannot be adequately cleaned or repaired, it may be time to invest in a new outdoor setting. Always consider whether the items can be used safely and do not pose a risk to anyone’s health.
Weakened furniture or very mouldy furniture should be disposed of thoughtfully through your local council’s curbside pick-up. If an item has the potential to be recycled, but it’s beyond your time or skill, there are upcycling groups who may be happy to take it off your hands.
Infinity Furniture – We’re Here To Help
At Infinity Furniture, we love helping our clients enjoy their outdoor spaces through quality outdoor settings and expert advice on how to protect your furniture. We hope these tips help you keep your outdoor furniture in great shape all year long.
Through regular cleaning and care, your outdoor furniture can survive even the harshest conditions and be ready to enjoy when needed.
Invest In Outdoor Furniture That Lasts
If you feel your outdoor area could use a freshen-up or that your existing furniture is sadly beyond repair, we offer an extensive range of quality outdoor furniture at competitive prices.
Our furniture meets rigorous standards for safety and is available in stainless steel, wicker, synthetic wicker, wood and wrought iron. Our outdoor cushions, covers and any synthetic wicker furniture are also highly UV resistant for optimal longevity.
As Melbourne’s Biggest Factory Direct Designer Furniture Outlet we have everything you need to make your outdoor space perfect.
We’re constantly renewing stock by importing a range of products direct from overseas factories. We also have stock from several Australian wholesalers clearing discontinued and overstocked products. This ensures we always have a fantastic range to select from.
To find your perfect outdoor setting at an affordable price, visit or call our Bentleigh East warehouse today on 0414 556 898 or enjoy easy shopping online.
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