As a means to better ensure that your patio furniture lasts, it is important that you properly store it away when you’re not using it—whether it’s for the season or for another reason. With wooden patio furniture in Houston, MO, you will want to make sure that you store it away properly to prevent against mold or other growth. It is important to cover the furniture while it is stored because it will help prevent dents, dings and chips that would cause damage to any kind of patio furniture.
One of the most important steps in getting patio furniture prepared for storage is to adequately clean it up. When left on outdoor items, dirt and moisture can cause mildew or mold to grow and spread quickly, which will only leave your furniture in bad shape when you are ready to use it again. All you need to clean plastic, mesh, wicker or wrought iron is water solution and simple dish soap.
With wooden furniture, simply use water and Murphy Oil Soap and then rinse and let it dry. For stains that are tough to remove, use a mixture of one gallon of water, ½ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 cup of ammonia.
When dealing with outdoor cushions, it is important to look at the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. There are some outdoor fabrics that need to be machine washed—additionally, there are many cushion fillings should not get wet. If this is the case, you will want to use a dry cloth to brush off the dirt and pollen. If you have cushion covers that are removable, you will want to separately clean them by hand and with mild detergent and a sturdy brush. Ensure that the fillings and fabric are completely dry before you store them inside a cushion bag and plastic box.
When picking a place to store them, an indoor dry and clean place will allow cushions to last longer than an outdoor place. If you are concerned mice or other rodents could tear apart cushions, you definitely will want to store them inside—possibly in a closet or an attic.
If you have leather patio furniture, you will want to have it professionally cleaned before you store it away. It is of great importance to make sure that the surface is dry, as any moisture will cause mildew and mold to form on the furniture. Most consider this to be the biggest threat to leather furniture, so be extra rigorous with drying and cleaning. You also would be wise to put this type of patio furniture in Houston, MO, on top of a plastic sheet.
Plastic, metal and wood furniture will do well in an unheated garage, basement or shed, but you will want to make sure that the storage area is protected from the wind and is dry. If you are storing away your patio furniture for the winter, you will be happy once the spring arrives because your furniture will be clean and ready to use.