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How To Rejuvenate Outdoor Furniture

How To Rejuvenate Outdoor Furniture

Is your patio furniture looking a little worse for wear?

Years of exposure to the elements will inevitably take its toll. And with our varied climate, you can expect several forms of weathering.

Rust, mildew and even sun bleaching are just a few to mention. All of which could turn your once beautiful furniture into an eyesore.

Before you pull out your wallet or give your local handyman a call, try some of the following tips to rejuvenate outdoor furniture.

Wooden Furniture

Wooden furniture is typically left outside throughout the year. Naturally, this will result in some fading. Start by dusting off any dirt or cobwebs with a stiff-bristled brush. With some soap and warm water, wash away any excess dirt and rinse thoroughly. Be sure to do this on a sunny day, so that the wood can dry completely.

Have a look at our article on How To Clean Teak Furniture for more advice on regular care and cleaning tips.

Traditional Woven (Wicker) Furniture

Like wood, wicker is prone to fading. To maintain its original colour, keep out of heavy rain and direct sun when not in use. When cleaning, do so with a non-foaming detergent. The residue left over by foam will cause mildew. Finally, rinse away any residual soap or dirt and leave to dry.

Woven Plastic Furniture

Arguably the most durable of outdoor furniture types, currently on the market. However as with all outdoor furniture when you do start to notice wear and tear then it is best to deal with it as soon as possible. Most dirt and dust can be washed off with a hosepipe. More stubborn dirt may require some warm lightly soapy water, then allow to dry in the sun.

Any loose weave pieces can be rewoven, so contact us should you need to have some strands rewoven.

Cushions, Parasols and Outdoor upholstery

These days all outdoor fabrics have some form of weatherproofing applied when manufactured. Fading is an issue of the past as most of these fabrics are resistant to the sun's ultraviolet rays.

A quick wash with a specialized upholstery shampoo should have your outdoor fabrics clean in no time. Pick up any loose dirt or sand with a vacuum set to its highest power.

Wrought Iron Furniture

This particular kind of furniture should be checked periodically for defects. Chips in the paint and even the smallest of scratches will increase the chances of corrosion and rust.

Brush off dust or dirt before removing any rust with wire wool. Scrub everything down with soapy water and dry thoroughly before gently sanding exposed iron. Touch up paintwork with enamel or an anti-rust paint.

It is best to keep all wrought iron furniture away from water.

Aluminium Furniture

Like wrought iron, Aluminium is prone to oxidation. It's best to keep the furniture covered during rainy and humid weather.

When it comes to removing any scuff marks, it's best to use a non-abrasive cleaner. For added protection, apply a layer of clear car wax.

Moulded Plastic Furniture

It's best to store plastic furniture away when not in use. Although highly weatherproof, plastic is prone to discolouration. Consider our broad range of furniture covers to prevent sun bleaching.

Once again, a quick wash with soap and water will do the trick. Add a dash of bleach for those stubborn stains. Rinse and dry thoroughly before adding a protective layer of clear car wax.

With a little extra care, you can maintain your patio furniture. Regular cleaning and servicing are sure to lengthen the lifespan of most outdoor furniture. Wondering if you can leave your outdoor furniture out in the rain? Find the answer in our article here.

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