Outdoor furniture is capable of adding to your property’s beauty, but if it’s always exposed to extreme conditions such as the hot sun, destructive insects and moisture, it can soon look worse for wear. The only way you can ensure your outdoor furniture will serve you for a long time is through regular maintenance. Most modern outdoor furniture stores build their products to withstand such conditions, but simple activities such as cleaning will help keep your outdoor furniture in Melbourne looking new for a long time. Below are some of the maintenance tips you can use to keep your outdoor furniture attractive and durable.
Cleaning
One of the easiest ways to keep your outdoor furniture in good shape is with regular cleaning. The cleaning process will be different for each type of material:
- Wicker and teak: The best way to clean these types of material is by using a soft brush with water and soap. The cleaning interval should be every two weeks.
- Plastic and wrought iron: The best way to clean plastic and wrought iron is by using a mild dishwashing liquid, water, and a cloth. Mix the water with the detergent and apply the mixture all over while scrubbing with a damp cloth, then use clean water to rinse.
- Aluminum: The best way to clean aluminum furniture is by wiping with a damp cloth and a mild dishwashing detergent. Use clean water to rinse.
- Fabric furniture: You can vacuum outdoor fabric furniture every month if there are no stains. For stained fabrics, you can use fabric stain removers with a soft-bristled brush to scrub the affected area
Keeping Off Mould and Mildew
Mould and mildew is a common threat for outdoor furniture, especially in areas with high humidity levels. You can store your outdoor furniture indoors during wintertime, or cover it with a polythene material to keep the moisture away. Mould is known to spread quickly and can grow fast within a short time, making your furniture unattractive. Mould infested furniture can also cause health problems in people, including allergies, impaired breathing and migraines.
The best way to remove mold and mildew from your outdoor furniture in Melbourne is by using chemicals such as ammonia mixture, hydrogen peroxide, and mild bleach. These chemicals will kill the mold and prevent it from spreading. There’s also a natural way of curbing mold spread, which involves scrubbing the affected area using a mixture of lemon juice and salt. Mould can be challenging to control once it has started growing, so the best way to protect your furniture is by taking preventive measures such as storing your outdoor furniture indoors during the winter months.
Protecting Your Furniture from Harsh Elements
The outdoor furniture stores that make outdoor furniture in Melbourne design their pieces to withstand the harsh outdoor environment, but they won’t have complete resistance. Extreme weather conditions can sometimes damage your outdoor furniture even if it’s made from resistant materials. One way of protecting your outdoor furniture is using quality furniture covers that are suitable for your area’s climate. People living in coastal regions should purchase moisture resistant covers, while those living in sunny areas should install an overhead shelter to protect the furniture from direct sunlight.
