Posted on August 23rd, 2022 by Indian River Furniture.
As we’re more than halfway through the season, you may have noticed some wear in your well-loved patio furniture. Sun damage, mold, and salt water can all work to strip down even the most durable of materials like wood, wicker, and metal. While outdoor furniture is meant to withstand the elements, it’s possible to see some strain on your favorite pieces, especially if you’ve had them a while. Whether you’ve left your wicker out in a hurricane or your metal barstools are starting to rust, there are multiple methods to help keep up their integrity. From Indian River Furniture, furniture stores near Melbourne FL, here’s how to protect your patio furniture.
Wood furniture you see used for outdoor patio furniture around furniture stores near Melbourne FL is often made from weather-resistant wood. This wood is often covered in a sealant, a protective coating that keeps the wood’s color from fading and natural wear and tear. One example of this is our Castelle Antler Hill bench. If the wood isn’t covered with a sealant, it doesn’t mean it will disintegrate with the first rain of the season. It will simply fade into a weathered gray color. While low-maintenance, you can still help preserve the life of your wooden patio furniture by knowing how to properly care for it. Some things that can help the longevity of your wooden patio pieces are:
One thing to keep in mind about wooden furniture is that, especially in humid climates like Florida, mold can crop up. Your first line of defense against mold should be gentle, with soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush. If the mold is still clinging on, then mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on the affected area. Let it sit for about 60 minutes, then sponge up any remaining liquid. Does the mold still have a hold of your favorite chair? Bring out the big guns with borax. Taking one part water and one part borax, spritz the molded area down. This time, you’ll want to leave the liquid to seep in and penetrate the wood to prevent further mold growth.
Wicker furniture is a common go-to for outdoor seating-and for good reason! Usually made from rattan, wicker is weather-resistant, especially if you opt for the resin variation. While built to withstand the natural elements like rain, wind, dust, and organic threats like bugs, Wicker furniture like our Braxton Culler Swivel Chair can still need a facelift over time. However, if you want to avoid breaking down your favorite wicker chair or couch, here are some tips from our furniture stores near Melbourne FL.
One of the biggest issues with wicker is dirt buildup. Dirt and debris love to nestle themselves into the cracks and crevices of this style of furniture. The best way to wipe this up is with a wet cloth. For hard-to-reach spots, try using a toothbrush. Another thing to look out for with wicker is mildew. Those woven crevices can collect moisture, which left unchecked, can create the fungus. To get rid of mold, you can use an oil-based soap mixed with water to scrub it away. You can also try power-washing your wicker. Just make sure it dries completely by leaving it in the sun for a few hours. You can help speed up the drying process by using fans as well.
Metal furniture, particularly bistro-style like our Lane Venture Bar Stool is probably the most common furniture type for patios and balconies. Its hard surface makes this style incredibly durable when it comes to the outdoors. However, like with wood and wicker furniture at furniture stores near Melbourne FL, you can still take preventative measures to get the most out of your metals. Some things to practice are:
With metal patio furniture, your main concerns will be rust, scratching, and chipping. When it comes to rust, the metals that are most prone to this type of deterioration are irons and alloys that contain iron. If you’re in a coastal area, you’ll notice your items may rust faster. If you’ve noticed your metal furniture has taken on some rust or has moving or pet battle scars, there’s still a way to save it. By taking fine-grain sandpaper, sand the affected area until the rust has been removed. Touch up the area with paint if needed. For light cleaning, you can simply use dish soap and water to remove any unwanted additions to your furniture.
We hope these tips and tricks help you get the most out of your patio furniture this summer! While these are universal best practices, our furniture stores in Melbourne FL ask that you always check the labels and warranties of your furniture for care instructions. For more furniture care tips, make sure to keep up with our blog! Looking for furniture stores near Melbourne FL? Indian River Furniture stores can help! Whether you’re looking to create an inviting outdoor space for entertaining or an indoor oasis, we can provide the perfect pieces to bring your ideas to life. If you’re ready to build your dream room, contact Indian River Furniture today!
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