Keep your outdoor furniture looking their best with these easy maintenance tips from furniture retailer Mountain Teak.
- Wood
Credit: IKEA
Outdoor teak furniture requires little maintenance. Get rid of dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth. It will fade over time after prolonged exposure to the elements. If you don’t like the antiqued look, apply beeswax to prevent it from fading.
Cracks can appear on wood furniture when it’s exposed to sudden weather changes. Cracks are particularly common when using outdoor furniture in an air-conditioned indoor environment and then bringing it outdoors immediately afterwards. Allow the furniture to rest in room temperature before bringing it outdoors.
- Metal
Credit: DREAM
When cleaning metal furniture, avoid using corrosive and abrasive cleaning agents with rough textures. This will scratch the surface of the furniture, leaving it vulnerable to rusting. Should rust occur, remove it by sanding down the affected area or use a rust removal solution before applying touch-up paint.
- Fabric
Credit: IKEA
The water-repellent coating on the outdoor fabric can wear off after frequent use, which might result in mould or mildew growth. Regularly clean the fabric by brushing the dirt off with a soft bristle brush or wipe the fabric with water and mild soap and leave to dry. Then apply a few layers of fabric protector. You can clean off the mould with a water and oxygen bleach solution, although this might cause fabric discolouration.
