How to Protect and Maintain Your Patio Furniture

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Find all the recommendations, tips and guidelines you need to know to care for any type of patio furniture and keep it looking its best for years to come.

As we head into what we can finally hope will be a more Covid-free and carefree SA summer, we’re all looking forward to leaving the past year’s stress behind. We may not all be in a position to hit the beach or venture out on a family getaway just yet, but we can certainly look forward to some more time enjoying our own private outdoor getaways—aka, our patios!

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Maybe you’re lugging last year’s patio purchase out of storage, looking to give an old set a fresh lease on life, or heading to your favourite store to treat yourself to a full patio makeover. Whatever the case, knowing the ins and outs of protecting your outdoor furniture is crucial if you want to get the most from your investment and avoid the disappointment of having a ruined or lacklustre patio set on your hands after just one or two seasons of fun in the sun.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

The thought of dirty cloths and sticky paintbrushes probably weren’t part of your daydream of poolside pina coladas… but take comfort, most patio furniture doesn’t require a serious amount of elbow grease, and with plenty of modern options on the market that are so serious about relaxation they practically take any real maintenance work out of the equation, there’s really no reason to sweat it (unless, of course, you’re mid-tan session!).

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be getting into the nitty gritty of common-sense protective measures for all patio furniture types, as well as all the specific recommendations for different kinds of furniture. Bottom line, this guide should give you the peace of mind you need to get to the all-important work of maximum relaxation and enjoying your patio to the full.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Before You Buy

If you’re in the position of kitting out your outdoor space for the first time, or doing your first major upgrade (you know, the kind that makes you start talking about an ‘investment’ rather than simply a fun purchase), it’s a good idea to do your homework and be aware of the various factors to consider before investing in a patio set.

Naturally, you’ll want to have an overall idea of the different patio furniture options available and the pros and cons of different materials. Having a sense of the maintenance requirements of different types of furniture is pretty important, so you’ll know exactly what you’re signing up for in terms of additional time and money you may need to spend along the way. This will help you make the best choice for your needs and budget, and avoid any unhappy surprises down the road.

For starters, here’s a cheat sheet to give you a basic idea of how a few of the most popular outdoor furniture materials stack up.

MODERN OUTDOOR

FURNITURE MATERIALS

COMPARISON CHART

WROUGHT IRON

ALUMINIUM

STAINLESS STEEL

TEAK

ALL-WEATHER MATERIAL

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WATER RESISTANT

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

RUST RESISTANT

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

FADE RESISTANT

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

WIND RESISTANT

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

EASY TO REARRANGE

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AESTHETICALLY PLEASING

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

COMFORTABLE

DURABILITY

MAINTENANCE

Of course, you’re here for more than the broad strokes… so let’s get down to the nitty gritty. Ready to get some dirt and details under your fingertips? Then keep reading!

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

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Maintenance Basics for All Types of Patio Furniture

While different materials obviously have specific and varied maintenance needs, there are a few common-sense measures you should consider following and possibly investing in, whatever patio furniture you may choose. The fact is, no matter how indestructible your outdoor furniture may seem, there’s always going to be a limit to what it can take, especially in the face of the sun’s superpowers. So rather than taking a risky bet on your furniture’s invincibility, be smart and take the conservative approach with sure-fire measures that will give your furniture the best chance of surviving you and making it into the will…

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Read up

Whatever you may read online (including this article!), the product manufacturer will always know their product best and be able to give you the most reliable advice for how to care for and maintain any particular furniture purchase. So do you homework, ask questions before you buy, and be sure to read (and carefully store) the care instructions that come with your purchase.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

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Cover up

The fact that patio furniture retailers sell protective covers even for furniture they advertise as “weather-resistant” or “all-weather furniture” is not a sign of dishonesty or an attempt to make an extra buck off their customers. Using a good quality waterproof protective cover is not only a convenient and quick measure to protect your furniture from all the elements, but will save you hours of cleaning and scrubbing (don’t forget, no furniture is pigeon proof!)—as well as the lost time of not being able to use your patio while you wait for things to dry out after a bout of rain.

Applying patio covers whenever the furniture is not in use will ensure you always have peace of mind, and the happy knowledge that seasonal cleaning will involve nothing more than a light wipe-off. It’s also way easier than packing your furniture away whenever some bad weather strikes!

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Wipe up

With your outdoor furniture being, well, outdoors, and generally used for more relaxed, casual activities, you’ll probably feel less fussed about the odd spill or a splash of dirt finding its way onto your patio couch or sun lounger. And no, there’s no need to stress, as most patio furniture is designed to take some punishment. All the same, it’s only prudent to clean up those spills before they have a chance to settle in and become semi-permanent features that will take a lot more elbow grease to remove.

Outdoor furniture naturally attracts dust as well, which is not only unsightly but can contribute to rust forming on metal furniture. Getting into the habit of wiping your furniture down once a week won’t just keep things looking clean and inviting, but also help keep additional maintenance to a minimum. It’s also wise to schedule in a good cleaning session at least twice a year—at the start and end of ‘patio season’ is most practical and convenient.

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Pack up

If your patio furniture doesn’t have either natural or man-made weather protection (perhaps you’ve bought second-hand or inherited an old set that you can’t find covers for in the right dimensions), the safest bet will always be to pack it up or store it safely away when it’s out of action. Cushions in particular should ideally always be packed away when not in use to prevent sun and moisture damage. Even hardy, water-resistant outdoor fabrics will still attract dirt and sometimes mould if left exposed. (And let’s not forget our pets who love to make those cushy spots their new favourite beds, complete with their own ‘decorations’).

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

All fabric, natural rattan and most wood furniture (teak and cedar are the exceptions) should be stored indoors over winter, or very rainy seasons.

With these basic measures under the belt, let’s take a look at the specifics of caring for different kinds of patio furniture materials.

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Metal Patio Furniture

Metal furniture is popular for its versatility, a wide array of styles, and its characteristic durability which requires relatively little maintenance. The one thing you’ll obviously need to watch out for with is metal’s mortal enemy—rust.

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Aluminium

Fortunately, rust is not a problem with aluminium, which is naturally rust-proof. Aluminium is strong, lightweight and very durable, though it can dent more easily than other kinds of metals. It’s definitely one of the lowest maintenance patio furniture materials around, and can safely be left out in most weather—just beware of strong winds! All it needs is an occasional clean to keep looking its best. Simply dust off and use a soft brush or lint free cloth to scrub or wipe clean with water and a mild detergent whenever you notice a build-up of dirt.

Powder-coated aluminium can be prone to scuff marks if it’s in a high traffic area, but it’s generally easy to remove these by gently rubbing with water and a non-abrasive cleaner where necessary.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Steel & Cast Iron

With ferrous metals like steel and cast iron, rust spots can develop quickly in moist conditions if there are any cracks or chips in the coating on the metal. Even some grades of stainless steel can form rust under certain conditions. Both galvanised and stainless steel are also prone to chlorine corrosion, so it’s a good idea to opt for products that feature a strong powder-coat finish if they’ll be used near a pool.

To prevent rust from forming on metal patio furniture, follow these guidelines:

  • Opt for powder-coated or baked enamel coatings which are less vulnerable to rust.
  • Avoid dragging and bumping furniture together, which can chip the protective coating.
  • Avoid leaving furniture exposed in wet conditions, especially over long periods.
  • Wipe off dust regularly, as this can trap water and cause rust to form more quickly.
  • Give your furniture a thorough cleaning twice a year with a mild detergent. Ensure it can dry easily in the sun, or alternately dry it off with a soft cloth.
  • Check the furniture regularly for cracks, chips and rust spots. If you find any, lightly sand the area, clean with a mild detergent, then touch up with clear varnish or paint where needed.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Wooden Patio Furniture

Wood patio furniture is a classic, reflecting the warm tones of summer, putting you in a relaxed mood—and of course, offering excellent durability when properly taken care of. The properties of different woods vary greatly in terms of care and maintenance, so be sure to know what you’re buying and how much TLC it’s going to need in the long run.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

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Teak

Teak is a tough all-weather hardwood that can take just about anything you or nature can throw at it. It won’t dent, and is very easy to maintain thanks to the fact that it produces its own oils, which give it natural defence against sun, rain, moisture, dry rot and insects. For this reason, teak does not need oiling, and can be left outside (although you shouldn’t let it stand in a puddle for long periods).

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Left untreated, teak will fade to a beautiful silver-grey patina. If you prefer to keep the furniture’s original colour, applying a teak sealant once a year is the best way to preserve those golden hues. Be sure to always clean your teak with wood soap before sealing it. Keep in mind that teak is a unique type of wood with its own characteristics, so always use products specifically made for teak and be sure to follow the product guidelines carefully.

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Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a more affordable alternative to teak that boasts some of the same defences thanks to its natural oils. Its oil content is lower, though, meaning it’s a bit more vulnerable to moisture and shifts in temperature, which can lead to cracks forming in the wood. To prevent this, Eucalyptus furniture should be oiled a few times a year and sealed with a water-based acrylic sealant once a year. It’s also best to store it indoors during the winter months.

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Other woods

For most other types of wood, giving the furniture a regular light cleaning and applying a wood sealant every 1-2 years is the best way to protect it from sun, moisture and insect damage over the long term (in addition to using protective covers or storing the furniture when it’s not being used).

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Rattan (Wicker) & Plastic Patio Furniture

Rattan has become one of the most popular outdoor furniture types thanks to its homely, natural looks, lightweight convenience and ease of maintenance. It’s important to note there are very big differences between natural and synthetic rattans, particularly in the maintenance department.

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Natural Rattan

Natural rattan grows in humid conditions, so it has a certain degree of built-in water resistance, but it shouldn’t be left exposed to the elements for more than a few days. Sun is the main enemy of natural rattan, so it will do fine on a covered patio, but if you want to use it in an exposed area, be sure to buy some good quality covers, and store it indoors when it’s not being used regularly.

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Synthetic Rattan & Plastic

Synthetic rattan or resin furniture is generally made from plastic, either PU (polyurethane), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or PE (polyethylene). High density polyethylene (HDPE) is the heavyweight of synthetic rattan, and is the only type that’s fully weatherproof, standing up to intense sun, rain and moisture. For the other types, it’s advisable to use protective covers and put the furniture in storage during downtime.

To keep any rattan furniture looking clean and fresh, dust it off regularly with a clean cloth or a paintbrush, or vacuum using a brush attachment. For a more significant build-up of dirt (or a pesky pigeon baptism), wash with water and a mild detergent, rinse well and allow to air dry in the shade if possible. Just be sure to use cleaners that don’t contain chlorine, bleach, abrasive particles or other corrosive agents.

The same cleaning measures apply for other types of plastic furniture. And if you really want to keep your plastic looking bright and shiny, you can apply a coat of car wax and get a free workout in the process—wax on, wax off!

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How to Clean Mesh and Textilene

Fabric and plastic mesh

Mesh on furniture such as dining chairs and pool loungers can tend to trap dirt, and mildew can become a problem on fabric mesh in particular if it’s frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions. It’s pretty easy to clean though, and if you follow this simple cleaning process at least four times a year, your furniture should stay in great condition.

  • Start by brushing away any loose dust, dirt and debris with a soft brush.
  • Use a diluted mixture of powdered soap or dishwashing liquid to wipe down the mesh front and back with a dish sponge or rag.
  • Give the mesh a good rinse with warm water.
  • Give it one more wipe down with a clean cloth, then allow to air dry.

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Textilene

Textilene® is a specially designed outdoor fabric woven from polyvinyl chloride-coated polyester. The material is resistant to bacteria and mildew, tearing, fading, abrasions and stains. According to the manufacturers, most stains will simply wipe off. For tougher stains, it’s safe to clean with a bleach solution (mix one cup bleach and one cup mild detergent with 11 litres of water).

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Cushions & Outdoor Fabrics

Outdoor fabrics on cushions, seat covers, hanging chairs and hammocks, often made from polyester, are usually treated to offer resistance to UV damage, moisture, mildew and stains. Even so, your cushions and fabrics get the most traffic, and tend to be the most vulnerable to the elements.

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Masterguard

If you’re not sure about the weather-resistant qualities of your outdoor furniture fabrics, or simply want to ensure optimal longevity, having them treated with Masterguard fabric protection is a wise choice. This special formula contains polymers that surround each fibre, causing liquids to ‘bead’ on the surface, and effectively preventing any kind of oil, water or biological-based stain from setting into the fabric. It also offers excellent UV protection to prevent fading and discoloration.

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Removable covers

Buying furniture with removable cushion covers obviously makes life a lot easier when it comes to cleaning. Many types can be machine-washed—simply follow the guidelines on the label, but don’t wash excessively as this can eventually strip the fabric of its UV properties. Once or twice a year at most is a good guideline to stick to. Hammocks and cloth chairs can usually also be machine-washed on a gentle cycle.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

General fabric cleaning

To clean synthetics, waterproof fabrics, and other fabrics that can’t be removed and machine-washed, first wipe off any visible dirt with a damp cloth or sponge. Then use a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid or other mild detergent to clean by hand or spot-clean. As with indoor furniture, you should always try to clean up spills right away before they turn into stains or compromise the integrity of the cushion filling.

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Umbrellas & Other Bits

Umbrellas are often one of our most important pieces of patio furniture in terms of staying cool and comfy, but it’s easy to forget they also need regular maintenance to keep looking good and performing well. Clean your umbrella fabric and frame twice a year along with other patio furniture, or whenever there’s a visible build-up of dust, dirt or mildew.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Cleaning umbrella fabric

  • Move the umbrella into the shade and start by brushing or vacuuming off the worst of the dust and dirt.
  • Perform a deeper clean, scrubbing in circular motions using a soft bristled brush and a diluted solution of dishwashing liquid or laundry detergent and warm water.
  • Give the solution 15 minutes to work on the fabric, then rinse with a hosepipe or pressure hose.
  • Allow the umbrella to dry in the sun.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Cleaning umbrella frames

Follow the same guidelines provided above for various types of metal or wood for your umbrella frame, and of course, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use a spray lubricant to keep any metal joints working freely. (The same applies to swivels and glide mechanisms on any other types of patio furniture).

Remember to close your patio umbrella when not in use (first ensure that it’s dry), and store it away during the off-season.

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

We hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of what goes into maintaining patio and outdoor furniture so you’re better informed to be able to choose the best patio furniture to suit your lifestyle, and make sure your investment stays in great condition so you can keep reaping all those relaxing rewards for decades to come!

Patio and Outdoor Lounge Furniture

Cielo offers one South Africa’s widest ranges of stylish, high quality patio furniture at amazing value for money.

Browse our impressive range of patio dining furniture, lounge sets, hanging chairs, pool loungersumbrellas and protective covers.

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