By Michelle Lynne
President, ML Interiors Group
It might not feel like summer here in Texas today, but the scorching heat is right around the corner, and you’ll be glad you spent the time to prepare your outdoor furniture for fun in (or out of) the sun.
No matter what type of furniture you have, or whether you store it “off-season,” a build-up of dirt and dust needs to be removed.
Initial Cleaning
Spray your outdoor furniture with a hose and wipe it with a soft cloth to remove the top layer of grime. While you’re wiping it down, be sure to inspect the hardware holding the furniture together, so there are no summertime mishaps.
If you are prepping wood or wicker furniture, be sure to wipe it down with a dry towel as soon as possible after cleaning, regardless of when you anticipate beginning the summer preparation work.
Wicker or Wood Furniture
Wicker or wood furnishings take more work than other materials used for outdoor furniture, but if you provide an annual treatment, you can enjoy your beautiful furniture for many years. Suppose there were any signs of mildew or greasy substance when you did the initial cleaning. In that case, you’d want to wipe your furniture down with a combination of vinegar, grease-cutting dish soap & water (1 cup, ½ cup, and 5 gallons respectfully). Let the solution sit on the furniture for 5 minutes and then rinse & dry thoroughly.
Condition the piece of furniture with a teak or wood oil blend. This is easily applied with a paintbrush and will help protect the natural materials from sun & rain damage. Follow the directions of the chosen product and apply it systematically. Rotate the furniture to ensure full coverage. Brush out any drips, puddles, or pools of oil so they do not dry.
To keep your wicker or wood furniture looking best all summer, wipe them down with a damp cloth once a month.
Cushions And Rugs
Regardless of the tye of outdoor furnishing material, take any cushions off and dust the fabric with a soft-bristled brush. If necessary, take a hand vacuum to the cushion to remove stubborn, embedded particles. If the covers are worn or dated, but the cushions are in good shape, have custom replacements made with performance fabric to extend their life. Performance fabrics can repel water, avoid UV damage, and last for many years. The investment is well worth the years of beauty.
Outdoor area rugs add a beautiful element to any sitting area and make the space feel cozier and more welcoming. Once you have removed the furniture for cleaning, use a broom to brush & loosen dust, vacuum as needed. Then, hose away any remaining debris. Dry completely in the sun before placing the rug under the furniture.
Metal Furniture
With proper care & maintenance, metal furnishings can last a lifetime. Begin by spraying the furniture down with a hose. Then, use a soft-bristled brush, looking for any chipped paint. Exposed metal will allow water to adhere and create rust. Use a steel brush to remove the paint and create a scuff on the surface, dust, and apply a coat of paint to this area to match the rest of the piece. If a full renovation of the furniture is needed, consider hiring a professional. If no chipped paint is found, simply wipe the furniture with a soft cloth after brushing.
If you need an outdoor living area created for your summertime fun, now is the time to start. Give ML Interiors Group a call – we’d love to help!
Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than a decade working in Corporate America. She has built a successful design firm, employing multiple talented designers and growing the services provided to include full-service residential, multi-family, and virtual design services.
