{"id":4322,"date":"2024-03-26T17:12:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T17:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/?p=4322"},"modified":"2024-11-14T21:27:19","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T21:27:19","slug":"how-to-care-for-and-maintain-your-fine-furniture-collection-series-outdoor-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/how-to-care-for-and-maintain-your-fine-furniture-collection-series-outdoor-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Care for and Maintain Your Fine Furniture Collection Series: Outdoor Furniture"},"content":{"rendered":"
Last Updated Thursday, November 14, 2024<\/div>

Spring is on its way, and with it, the season of outdoor gatherings and warm moments in your outdoor living spaces. In this edition of our series on caring and maintaining your furniture, we cover how you can decide what to invest in and how to better prepare your outdoor pieces for the warmer months. <\/span>With outdoor entertaining lasting 9-10 months in many areas, it is even more important to make sure you are giving your outdoor living area the love and care it deserves. With our top preservation tips, the lifespan of your pieces will last for many years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make Smart Investments<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you are still shopping for your perfect outdoor furniture pieces, it is important to choose the right styles and materials for your space. Opt for materials that stand the test of time, like wood, wrought iron, or even stainless steel. When made of one of these sturdy materials, your individual pieces will not only last for years, but also lend a touch of timeless elegance to your outdoor oasis.<\/span><\/p>\n

Protect Your Pieces<\/span><\/h2>\n

While outdoor furniture is built with materials that are designed to withstand the elements, it is still crucial to protect your pieces from constant exposure to your climate. Whether you live in an area with scorching sunlight, frequent rain showers, or intense temperature swings, purchasing\u00a0 protective coverings for your furniture is a worthwhile investment. Select tailored covers for each piece or a decorative overhang or umbrella that protects your entire space. A little bit of coverage offers much needed shielding from UV rays, moisture, and pollen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Keep Things Fresh<\/span><\/h2>\n

It likely comes as no surprise that the best way to keep your furniture in good condition is to keep it cleaned and cared for throughout the year. Regular cleaning of your outdoor furniture not only keeps it looking the same as the day you purchased it, but also prevents dirt, grime, and stains from building up over time. But cleaning outdoor furniture is not a one size fits all situation \u2013 different materials will require different cleaning techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wood or Teak Furniture<\/h3>\n

Wood furniture is known for its elegance and durability, and keeping it clean is hardly a chore. Simply use a mild soap or teak-specific cleaner and give it a gentle scrub with a soft brush \u2013 no need for elbow grease. Rinse your piece thoroughly and then wait for it to dry completely before applying a protective oil or sealant. This last step is crucial as it enhances the natural beauty of your piece while protecting the material.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wrought Iron Furniture<\/h3>\n

Another popular option for durable furniture, wrought iron, keeps things simple, too. Begin cleaning your piece by brushing off any loose dirt or debris that may have accumulated. Then use a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean anything that might still be stuck on. Rinse completely, and make sure the piece dries all over to avoid rusting and deterioration. You may\u00a0 also purchase a wax or wrought iron-specific protectant to add some shine after your piece has dried.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stainless Steel Furniture<\/h3>\n

Many buyers love the sleek and modern vibe that stainless steel furniture provides \u2013 keeping these pieces clean is the best way to maintain that shine and appeal. Simply give your furniture a good scrub with mild soap and warm water, then rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Using a soft cloth will help to avoid unseemly water spots. Once or twice a year, make sure you wipe down each piece using some polish in order to see that sparkle shine through.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upholstery & Cushions<\/h3>\n

Make sure you don\u2019t forget to clean and maintain your outdoor upholstery on a regular basis.\u00a0 Give the fabric a quick brush down to keep loose dirt and debris from sticking on it or staining. If you find a stain, act fast with a mild detergent and soft brush to remove it.<\/span><\/p>\n

For cushion covers, follow the manufacturer\u2019s instructions for washing and drying. We highly suggest making sure all cushions are completely dry before putting them back on the frame. This will help avoid any mold or mildew from occurring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way to maintain and preserve your outdoor upholstery and cushions is to find an ideal storage space for them when not in use or during inclement weather. Opt for a dry and well-ventilated area to keep them fresh year-round.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking care of your high-quality furniture shows your dedication and attention to detail. By carefully selecting outdoor pieces that fit your space, protecting them from the elements, and building a quality cleaning and maintenance routine, you will ensure that your outdoor furniture collection will impress your guests for years to come.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last Updated Thursday, November 14, 2024 Spring is on its way, and with it, the season of outdoor gatherings and warm moments in your outdoor living spaces. In this edition of our series on caring and maintaining your furniture, we cover how you can decide what to invest in and how to better prepare your […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":303,"featured_media":4325,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[269,37],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/303"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4322"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4326,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4322\/revisions\/4326"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4325"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4322"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4322"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4322"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hickoryfurniture.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=4322"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}