October 02, 2020 3 min read

During the end of summer and the beginning of fall your backyard or patio is THE place to be. From Saturday afternoon barbecues with family and friends to romantic evenings spent sipping wine by the light of candles and fireflies, there’s nothing more satisfying than a well-equipped outdoor space.

But with great satisfaction comes great responsibility, and your patio tables and chairs may require a bit of TLC to stay in peak condition.

Luckily, none of the work you’ll need to do is very difficult. Read on for five quick tips that’ll keep you sitting pretty in the great outdoors for many summers to come.

Furniture Fair has over 50 years of experience selling outdoor furniture. We have the know-how to show you what to look for when protecting your outdoor furniture from the elements.

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture
How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture

1. Protect Your Furniture From The Sun & Rain.

Outdoor furniture is made to weather the elements, but eventually all that exposure will take its toll. When not in use, your furniture doesn't need to be exposed to the elements.

Storing items under a protective shelter will limit their contact with the sun and rain, thereby doubling or even tripling their lifespans. Any kind of shelter that is safe from the elements of nature is a safe bet. Consider using a storage shed, the garage

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture

2. Keep your stuff clean

If you stay on top of things by giving your patio table and chairs a quick five-minute wash once a week or so, you’ll avoid the headaches that arise later due to built-up dirt, grime, and pollen.

No need for a full-on pressure wash; keep it easy by picking off stray leaves and twigs, then giving your furniture a quick spray with the garden hose. Voila!

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture
How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture

3. Use material-safe cleaning products for deeper cleans

When it comes to outdoor furniture, different materials require different cleaning methods and products. Fabric cushions can be washed with mild detergent then dried in the sun.

Wicker should be brushed with a bleach-and-water solution to remove mildew and then rinsed with a fine-spray garden hose. Wood should be washed with a mix of water, detergent, and bleach using a mildly abrasive sponge.

Metal can be scrubbed with a brush and a bit of water and detergent, then covered with a thin protective coat of car wax and buffed.

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture

4. Store cushions when you aren’t using them

Even the sturdiest fabric is susceptible to mildew, sun bleaching, and build-up from dirt and pollen. That’s why storing outdoor cushions somewhere cool and dry when you’re not using them is best practice. Storing your cushions and pillows will significantly extend their lifespan.

Invest in an few outdoor storage boxes if you have space, or opt for an easy-to-reach indoor storage solution in your entryway or garage.

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture
How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture

5. Cover or store your furniture during the off-season

When the end of summer rolls around (since all good things must pass), proper storage of your outdoor furniture is crucial. Snow and extremely cold temperatures will significantly reduce the lifespan of your furniture, while proper storage will ensure its long, happy existence.

An outdoor shed or garage will do just fine (a storage facility works too if you don’t have either of those). Just be sure to properly wash and dry your items before storing so they’ll be ready to use and in tip-top condition once sunny days return again.

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Now You Can Make Your Outdoor Furniture Last Longer!

Hopefully by now you have a better plan for how to protect your outdoor furniture from the changing seasons and the elements. Make sure you store furniture when not in use, and clean it regularly, taking special care of the cushions and pillows, and your outdoor furniture set will last much longer.

If you are in the market for outdoor furniture, consider shopping at Furniture Fair. We have 11 locations throughout the Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville areas. We offer many delivery options, including our newCurbside Shipping option. Check us out today!

How-To-Protect-Your-Outdoor-Furniture