Umbrellas have been raised, pools have been cleaned and the furniture has returned from its winter hibernation. As guests continue to roll in, it's important that chairs, lounges and tables remain cleaned up and looking like new! There is no other types of furniture that take more punishment than outdoor furniture, whether it's taking a beating from the sun or carrying the weight of 6 inches of snow. While most outdoor fabrics and finishes are built to withstand the elements, annual cleaning can go a long way toward making them last (even past their intended life span).
Commercial grade outdoor fabrics are extremely durable, but dirt and grime can work their way into the toughest sports. It is best to start by dusting off any surface dirt, then use a sponge or soft bristle brush to get into the weave of the fabric. Rinse the cushions thoroughly to remove all the soap and allow the fabric to air dry. If wicker pieces are still in good condition, they may simply need a quick vacuuming and a wipe-down with a cloth and mild detergent mixture. Using a soft bristle brush, scrub off any stubborn grime then rinse with a cloth saturated in plain water. In addition to just looking dirty, dirt and grime can cause teak products to mildew so it's essential to give them a thorough scrubbing with a water/mild detergent and a soft bristle brush. Do this once a year and the teak should remain mildew free. Oiling teak can also help it retain its buttery gold color and keep the grain from cracking. Most commercial grade metal pieces are finished with a protective coating that makes them relatively impervious to all weather conditions. Pool furniture is exposed to a lot, and aluminum is built to take the heat and the elements. Prolong the life of the furniture by keeping it clean and properly treating it as needed:
Acrylic Furniture:
Lack of cleaning acrylic surfaces can cause them to become marred with stains, dust, dirt, mold and mildew - however, cleaning them the wrong way can harm the surfaces.
Fiberglass Furniture:
Fiberglass pool furniture is one of the most popular types of outdoor furniture on the market today. It's highly durable, affordable, comes in an assortment of styles and most importantly is easy to maintain. There are certain steps that should be taken to effectively clean fiberglass furniture.
Recycled Plastic Furniture:
Most recycled plastic furniture has been purified and UV protected. It's generally cared for and cleaned with soap and warm water. For certain stains and additional cleaning power, a 1/3 bleach and 2/3 water solution can be used on recycled plastic furniture without affecting the color. The surface characteristics of the furniture may require the use of a soft bristle brush to get into the creases.
Resin Furniture:
Outdoor resin furniture is an ideal alternative to metal or wood furniture, which can rust, splinter, continually need painting or are just plain heavy. Keeping new tables and chairs clean and looking good for years to come is easy - it's the older pieces that take a little more effort to restore to a cleaner, newer looking state.
Sling Furniture:
Get sling outdoor furniture looking clean and fresh with a little elbow grease, and cleaning supplies that is already on hand. If mildew is a problem, a bit of extra effort can help control it.
Vinyl Strap Furniture:
Vinyl strap furniture is ideal when looking for the perfect addition to a pool area. However, body lotions and oils can cause damage to vinyl straps. In fact, if possible, require guests to use a towel when sunbathing or drying off from the pool so that vinyl strap furniture will have a longer life span. Vinyl is porous, so it is important to protect the pool furniture from moisture and chemicals.
Be sure to inspect furnishings and site amenities every spring for general wear and tear. Never throw furniture into the swimming pool unless a hurricane is imminent and there is nowhere else to put it. This is NEVER a good way to clean off pool furniture.Meagan Deacon
