Outdoor furniture can turn an outdoor area into a living paradise. Well cared furniture will allow your family and friends to enjoy the outdoors for many years to come. However the weather can be unkind to furniture and can leave it looking dull or drab. If your furniture is starting to become affected by the weather demons keep reading this blog for some great ideas and tips to help restore the look and keep it looking brand new.

Cushion Care

All fabrics will fade when exposed to the sun, including outdoor fabrics. The fabric will often fade rapidly in harsh UV climate. Accordingly, it is most important to keep cushions inside when they are not being used, or ensure they are covered with a waterproof outdoor furniture cover. Another alternative is to place the cushions in a well sealed cushion box. A cushion box not only protects your cushions when not in use but also allows for extra storage within your outdoor area.

Outdoor Furniture Covers

As mentioned above, the best way to take care of your outdoor furniture is to simply cover it.  Custom made, fitted covers in acrylic or polyester waterproof material are readily available and easy to put on and take off.  If you are unable to justify the cost of custom-made covers and are not so concerned over the look of the covered furniture, tarpaulins with eyelets and ropes can be used. Don’t let your beautiful new outdoor lounge or dining setting become a victim of the elements ! Our furniture covers can give an extra life to your outdoor furniture, and just about anything else you can think of.

Caring for your timber furniture

If possible store your timber outdoor furniture inside during periods when it is not being used. This will prolong the life of your furniture and reduce the necessity for treatment of the timber. The natural expansion and contraction of the wood due to changes in temperature and humidity can lead to structural damage, so keeping the furniture in a more regulated and insulated environment will prolong the life of the product.

Moisture is the other enemy of timber furniture, causing it to rot and warp.  If possible keep the furniture off damp surfaces like grass and soil, and when cleaning your outdoor area it is wise to remove the furniture first.  Proximity to soil can also attract termites and other pests that can quickly destroy the timber.

Timber ages gracefully, maintaining both structural integrity (it is very resistant to rot and warping) and appearance, requiring only periodical cleaning and oiling in order to maintain its attractive surface colour and grain.

If untreated, timber will weather to a silvery grey, which many people prefer if they are aiming to achieve a rustic or seaside look to their outdoor area. If on the other hand you wish to retain the rich, dark character of your timber you will need to clean and oil it periodically. 

Caring for your rattan furniture

One of the advantages of rattan is its low maintenance.  To clean rattan, simply brush down the rattan using a soft brush to remove loose dirt, dust, leaves, twigs or spider webs! Remember to brush in all the little nooks to remove any loose dirt which may have been sitting there a while. Avoid using chemical cleaners. Instead, wipe down the rattan regularly using a cloth and mild soapy water, then rinse off using a bucket or hose.  Make sure you remove the cushions first!

Harsh environment will ultimately damage anything that is left exposed to the sun for long periods, including buildings, cars and furniture. In extreme conditions, rattan can start to deteriorate and will become brittle in as little as 2 years, if it is constantly exposed to the sun. We strongly recommend that your rattan furniture is either covered, or stored out of the sun when not in use.

Mould is also another element to be wary of. A naturally occuring organism that has the ability to grow on any surface where there is constant moisture.

Our outdoor cushions are weather-resistant and can take a light soaking, but if they are constantly wet and out of the sun, mould will develop, as it does on any surface that is kept damp and out of sunlight. This mould can be removed with mould remover, however it will return unless the fabric is kept in a dry environment.

Outdoor cushions generally come with a water-repellent finish; however you can increase and maintain this finish by using a fabric protector.

Wipe up any spills immediately before they get a chance to soak into the fabric and the cushion itself.

Most outdoor cushion covers can be removed and hand washed.

Source from: https://www.outdoorlivingdirect.com.au/blog/index.php/maintaining-your-outdoor-furniture/