Importance of Proper Garden Furniture Care
Garden furniture is exposed to completely different conditions than indoor furniture. The outdoor elements such as rain, heat, dust, wind, dirt, insects, UV light, etc. can cause severe damage to it if it is not well protected against the outdoor conditions and cleaned on a regular basis. Garden furniture typically requires more care than indoor furniture although the amount of care and maintenance required also depend on the material from which it is made.
No matter if your garden furniture is made from natural or man-made material, it will look more beautiful if cared for properly. The main purpose of garden furniture is to provide a comfortable place to sit and enjoy the nature when the weather permits but it also plays an important role in the overall look of your garden. A carefully chosen garden furniture which matches your garden’s style and décor further enhances its beauty and transforms it into an outdoor retreat, however, it can ruin your garden’s beauty if not cared for properly no matter how carefully it was selected and no matter how beautiful your garden is. An old but clean and well maintained garden furniture, on the other hand, can look just as charming and inviting as brand new outdoor furniture.
In addition to helping you keep your garden furniture beautiful, proper care will also help you extend its durability. By keeping it clean and well protected against the outdoor elements, your garden furniture will successfully withstand the factors that can cause damage to it and accelerate its degradation.
How to care for your garden furniture properly primarily depends on the material from which it is made. Some materials are resistant to outdoor factors that pose the greatest threat of damage including moisture, direct sunlight and termites. Examples include teak, stone and stainless steel. If your garden furniture is made from any of the mentioned materials, you basically only need to keep it clean with periodic dusting and cleaning with soapy water. Also, clean spills especially red wine and similar liquids as soon as possible to prevent them from staining your furniture.
If your garden furniture is made from material that is not naturally resistant against the outdoor elements, you should follow the instructions of the manufacturer. Most types of wood for example need to be coated with a water sealant which includes protection against the termites. It is also a good idea to store such garden furniture indoors during the winter. Metal garden furniture, on the other hand, should be protected against moisture with an anti-corrosion coating and periodically inspected for signs of damage to the paint or chipping because metal is susceptible to rust if exposed to moisture. Other than that, metal garden furniture does not require any special care besides regular cleaning although it is also a good idea to store it indoors before the winter.
If you are not sure from which material your garden furniture is made, you are highly recommended to contact the manufacturer or the store where you have bought it. This is especially important if it is made from wood because there are important differences from one type of wood to another. Whereas teak successfully withstands the outdoor conditions all year round without any protective coatings, spruce needs to be stored during the winter even if it is protected against the outdoor elements.