TREESCAPES ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OUTDOOR FURNITURE CARE

STEPS TO CLEANING YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE AND CUSHIONS

After a few seasons on the porch, your furnishings may start to show their age with rust marks, mildew, or stains. These general care tips will ensure that your chairs, tables, and cushions look beautiful for years to come.

Whether wood, plastic, or something in between, don’t be daunted by caring for your outdoor furniture year round. This Treescapes Guide will show you exactly how to bring life and beauty back to your forgotten picnic table or your tired plastic seating.

METAL, IRON AND ALUMINUM FURNITURERust and oxidation are the two biggest problems and the ones you will want to work to prevent. But even if you already have some rust on your metal pieces, there’s no need to call your furniture a lost cause. If rust is discovered early, there are many solutions for removing it. Over time, however, rust can create a real problem for any exposed metal surfaces and can even break down furniture.

How to clean: How to protect:Luckily, it’s easy to prevent rust, which is caused by water damage. Waterproof covers will generally take care of any regular seasonal rain or dampness. Just make sure your covers are long enough to protect the bases or feet of chairs and tables.

Consider washing aluminum frequently to preserve its natural luster.

Start with a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth.

Remove as much of the imperfections as possible, such as those patchy orange spots, by using a metal polishing paste or an equal solution of white vinegar and water.

For non-powdercoated aluminum, remove scuff marks with a soft cloth dampened with a nonabrasive product that has a mild exfoliant such as Soft Scrub. AVOID chemicals such as ammonia and trisodium phosphate (TSP); alkaline cleaners cause oxidation on aluminum furniture.

For powder-coated metal cast & extruded metal frame furniture, sponge clean with mild soap and warm water and then rinse with a garden hose.

Combat rust by sanding it off along with damaged paint. Wipe off metal residue with a cloth dampened with mineral spirits or naphtha. Use a rust-resistant primer before painting with a rust-resistant paint. AVOID using abrasive cleaning pads or detergents when cleaning outdoor metal furniture.

Consider having your wrought-iron furniture sandblasted or powder-coated for added protection.

To protect after cleanings, 1-2 coats of automotive wax may be applied.

Treescapes carries the 303® brand of cleaners and protectants for multi-surface

cleaning, restoring & protecting.

WOOD & NATURAL WICKER FURNITUREWood furniture can seem like the most challenging surface to clean with its varied texture and gorgeous finishes. But there are many cleansers that make it easy to clean wood pieces. The key to longevity of outdoor wood furniture is to start with good quality pieces made with wood that is appropriate for outdoor use. Teak, cedar, white oak, and even the less expensive acacia woods are naturally rot resistant and durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.

Wicker furniture can provide years of comfort and enjoyment if properly maintained. A natural product, wicker is a weave of reeds and plant fibers and can require specialized care. Some approaches may be used on all types of wicker, while others are suitable for either outdoor or indoor pieces only.

MOLD CONCERNS If your wood furniture develops any mold during cooler, wetter months, allow the piece to dry out before approaching the spots. Then, scrub the surface with a dry brush until the mold flakes off. To eliminate mold and mildew, wipe with a mixture of 25% white vinegar and 75% water, then wipe again with plain water. After the mold is cleared, check for any issues and allow to dry again fully before performing further cleaning.

SEASONAL TIP During peak-use seasons like spring and summer, try to wipe down wood at least once a week with a damp cloth to prevent dirt and dust from impacting the appearance of the materials. Do a deep clean at the start and finish of each season.

*Always consult the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning & protecting your furniture to avoid compromising or voiding a warranty

WOOD & NATURAL WICKER FURNITURE

How to protect:Hose down wicker every few weeks to prevent dirt buildup in crevices. Regularly wipe down wood to remove dirt, debris, and excess water.

For hard woods, consider annually sanding and applying a fresh coat of protective finish, such as oil, stain, or a polyurethane coating.

Natural wicker and painted wicker furniture should be brought indoors or covered in inclement weather. The elements will eventually rot the fibers, causing the furniture to decay after a period of time.

Remove cushions to clean them separately according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

First dust your furniture with a damp cloth. Light cleaning of wood outdoor furniture is best done with a cloth moistened with water or a mild soapy solution.

If your wood furniture needs a deep clean, apply a gentle cleanser. Use an oil-based soap such as Murphy’s Oil Soap or other that is free of harsh chemicals. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding and rinsing the surface.

Work in small sections to make sure the surface is thoroughly cleaned. A toothbrush can be used to aid in getting at dirt located in deeper spots in wood and wicker.

Clean your Wicker furniture with a small amount of mild soap and warm water. Rinse with a garden hose and allow to dry before replacing any cushions or pillows. Because of its textured surface, the best way to keep wicker clean is to use a vacuum with the brush attachment or a hand-held brush like a soft paint brush to remove surface dirt and dust.

To remove grime, use a mild oil-base soap mixed with warm water. Otherwise you can make a cleaning solution by mixing 1⁄4 cup ammonia, 2 tablespoons white vinegar with 1 quart of warm water. Commercial wood cleaners are often the most effective but be sure to read directions carefully. Wicker and painted woods might require diluting the solution.

How to clean:

GLASS FURNITUREGlass furniture doesn’t just look elegant and complement a modern home, its transparent nature provides the illusion of more space. However, from smudges to finger prints, it doesn’t take much for glass furniture to appear dirty. Beyond just keeping it clean, caring for your glass tabletop also means protecting it from cracking, etching and scratches.

How to clean: How to protect:Remove any stuck-on debris with a glass-safe, nonabrasive material. Many scrub brushes will scratch glass, so opt for one designed to tackle tough cleanup jobs without marking your furniture.

Dish detergent and home cleaning solutions are the most effective cleaners. After an initial cleaning, spray on white vinegar or glass cleaner and wipe away with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Fix small scratches and chips in glass with a glass-repair kit from an automotive retailer.

Clean frames of glass tables according to their material type.

Clean the underside of a glass table at least once a month to prevent irreversible grime.

Cover a glass table when it’s not in use.

Be aware of the manufacturer’s weight limit recommendations and try not to place heavy objects at the edge of glass tabletops or coffee tables.

Always use drink coasters to catch condensation and clean up any puddles or spills right away.

Don’t throw things like keys or sharper objects onto glass tables, take care not to scoot items across the surface, and consider purchasing a custom protective cover for when the table is not in use.

PLASTIC & ALL-WEATHER WICKER FURNITURE

How to protect:If you want to take extra steps to care for your plastic furniture, you can apply a layer of car wax to keep the elements from damaging the shiny surface.

First dust it clear of light dirt and debris.

Plastic benefits from a mild cleanser. Make your own by mixing 1/2 cup washing soda (often found in the laundry aisle) mixed with 1 gallon warm water, or 3 tablespoons automatic dishwasher detergent and 1 gallon warm water. For colored plastic, mix 1⁄4 cup vinegar mixed with 1 quart warm water. AVOID chlorine and bleach because they eat away at the material.

For stubborn stains, dampen a clean rag with white distilled vinegar and wipe down the piece.

Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge to create a mild abrasive that will peel away stains but won’t scratch surfaces. AVOID abrasive cleaners as they will scratch plastic.

Use WD-40 to restore shine. Spray it onto the plastic and wipe clean with a dry cloth.

After washing your plastic furniture, protect it with a coat of automotive paste wax.

How to clean:

Perhaps the easiest of all surfaces, plastic and all-weather wicker furniture is low-maintenance and season-friendly for any climate. Cleaning for these pieces is simple. It’s important to check the labels of any product before you use as corrosive ingredients will deteriorate and damage your plastic pieces.

Always, always read the manual. Unless you inherit or purchase vintage pieces, outdoor furniture should come with instructions for its care.

The type of water in your pool could play a factor in how well your outdoor furniture will hold up. Consider this when purchasing new furniture. If you have a salt-water pool, you should consider a pool side collection designed for ocean environments. If you have an ionized pool, your outdoor furniture should be ok with normal care. A chlorine pool may require more frequent maintenance and care of your furniture and cushions.

Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time (and during long bouts of inclement weather). Use breathable covers to avoid creating a mold incubator.

Sunscreens and bird droppings should be cleaned off your furniture as soon as possible. They can be particularly damaging and cause permanent stains and corrosion.

OTHER OUTDOOR FURNITURE TIPS & TRICKS

Always be sure to check the cloth tags for any manufacturer’s instructions specific to the brand or fabric type.

CUSHIONS

If you have natural fabric cushion covers that can be zipped off, wipe the surfaces first, then launder on a gentle cycle.

For synthetics & waterproof fabrics, wipe with a damp cloth to clean dirt & dust.

After removing dirt, use a solution of diluted dish soap and water to clean deeply without damaging fabric.

Occasionally if fabric has been left outside in the rain or damp, some upholstered pieces can mold. Not to worry - just scrub the mold with a dry brush after dusting the surface with the dry cloth. Then wash according to the specifications of the fabric type.

NEVER clean outdoor cushions with a pressure washer.

For specific cleaning instructions for Sunbrella brand fabrics, consult Sunbrella’s website at www.sunbrella.com

CUSHIONS

ENJOY YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE!

Keeping your outdoor furniture clean doesn’t have to be intimidating; a seasonal cleaning schedule can help you keep your beloved patio sofas, chairs and tables fresh all year. Even if you’re not a big cleaner, it’s easy to give furniture a quick scrub-down in the warm months and allow the pieces to dry out in the sun.

Need more help with outdoor furniture care or information on what type of pieces are right for you? Ask the local experts at Treescapes. We have over 20 years’ experience and more than 40 talented craftsmen who work to ensure that pools are built safely and to last. From pools to patios, we’re committed to providing the backyard oasis of your dreams!