After a few years in

the sun, rain, and

other elements,

outdoor furniture will

inevitably start to

show signs of age and

wearing. These signs

can include:

• Mildew and mold

• Fading and

discoloring

• Rust

PROTECTING

FURNITURE

What can homeowners do to protect their furniture

and get as much life out of their patio furniture as

possible? On the following slides, learn the best steps to

patio furniture maintenance, including choosing the

right cleaning method and supplies for your different

types of outdoor materials.

WHAT CAN

YOU DO?

CLEAN REGULARLY Cleaning furniture in

the garden or patio

should be a regular

part of household

upkeep, the same way

that cleaning, dusting,

and vacuuming inside

the house are routine.

Outdoor benches,

tables, and chairs

should be swept clean

of dust and leaves

regularly with a soft

bristle broom or

brush. After the

furniture has been

swept, it should also

be lightly rinsed with

water and dried with a

lint-free cloth.

USING A

CLEANSER

When using a cleaning agent, use a mild soap. Bleach,

power washes, and even pine oil-based cleaners are

often too harsh for most furniture (unless indicated

otherwise in the manufacturer's product information).

A mild dish soap is more than enough for most furniture. Use ¼ cup dish soap

per gallon of hot water.

When testing out a new cleaning solution, scrub a bit of it on a hidden area to

make sure that it does not leave any marks or wear out the furniture.

MATERIALS

MATTER

The proper

cleaning

procedure can

change depending

on what materials

the furniture is

made from.

Wicker, fabric,

and other more

delicate materials

need to be

handled with

more care, while

wood and metal

need more heavy-

duty cleaning.

WICKER • Clean using a vacuum dust-brush attachment or a

very light paint brush.

• When scrubbing, use as little water as possible.

• Get rid of mildew or flaking paint with fine sandpaper; apply fresh paint

as necessary.

• Use furniture covers when not in use to protect from the elements.

FABRIC • Wipe up any spills or

stains with a damp

cloth immediately.

• Clean with a brush

regularly.

• Be sure to wash

removable covers as

indicated by the

manufacturer's care

guides. Some covers

can be machine-

washed and air dried,

while others need to

be hand washed.

• Remove mold with a mild cleaning solution (again, check the manufacturer's

information for what level of cleaner each type of fabric can handle) with a

soft bristle brush.

• Re-apply fabric protector once every year, or as needed to maintain

waterproofing.

METAL

• Scrub with mild soap

solution and rinse; dry with

a lint free cloth.

• If recommended, auto wax

can be applied after

cleaning.

• Use a silicon spray to

lubricate hinges and other

movable parts.

• Check hidden areas for rust

and chipping paint often;

rust, paint, and mold can

be removed with a light

sanding.

• Apply a touch up layer of

paint as needed.

WOOD

• Apply a sealant to protect from

the sun, dirt, and water.

• Stains and mildew can be

removed with a soft bristle

brush and cleaning solution.

• Depending on manufacturer's

instructions, oxygen bleach can

be used to clean some wood.

However, chlorine bleach

should never be used

• Small stains can be sanded and

then rinsed; for larger areas of

discoloration, it's best to use

wood brightener or other such

products.

BUYING TREATED FURNITURE For homeowners

who don't have the

time or ability to put

in a lot of work on

maintaining their

furniture,

Fifthroom.com

offers a wide

selection of treated

furniture for patios

and gardens. While

some cleaning and

maintenance is still

required, these

pieces come from

the manufacturer

already sealed,

stained, and

otherwise protected

from the elements.

Fifthroom.com has

been a provider of

high quality indoor

and outdoor

furniture for over 15

years. From simple

garden benches to

elegant gazebos,

Fifthroom.com is

your source for all

your furniture needs.

www.fifthroom.com

1 - 8 8 8 - 2 9 3 - 2 3 3 9