4 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Outdoor Dining Sets

Did you know that an outdoor living space increases home value? In fact, more than half of prospective buyers rank an outdoor living space as the most important characteristic in a home.

This is just one of many reasons that consumers are focusing on the backyard and front porch. People also use an outdoor living space to host parties and enjoy a nice meal.

If you are trying to impress friends and family without breaking the budget, consider cleaning your outdoor dining sets. The weather takes a toll on outdoor furniture. Cleaning is a cheap and easy way to make your furniture look like new.

By doing so, you become a better host to friends and family. In addition, cleaning your outdoor dining sets makes the backyard look more appealing to prospective buyers. Read on to learn 4 tips to clean and maintain outdoor dining sets.

1) Plastic and Resin Furniture Is the Easiest to Clean

Most of the time, this type of outdoor furniture can be cleaned with a hose. If the grime is tough, you may need to use a scrub brush.

There are a number of over-the-counter mold removers that work great on plastic and resin. Many of these products hook up to the hose and can be sprayed on. One pro tip is to let the product sit for 5 to 15 minutes before washing it off.

2) Wicker Furniture Requires More Work

Wicker is harder to clean and maintain than plastic. You may need tools like a vacuum or a steam cleaner to get the job done.

In some cases, the wicker coating begins to deteriorate. When this happens, you must re-seal with a paste wax. Failing to do so renders the furniture vulnerable to water damage.

For a deep clean, a warm water and vinegar mixture works best. The professionals suggest using a tiny brush to get the stubborn spots.

3) Beware of Rust on Cast Iron or Metal Outdoor Dining Sets

While plastic and wicker face mold issues, cast iron and metal furniture present a new challenge in rust. Rust is worse than dirt and grime because it threatens the structural integrity of the furniture.

Many outdoor dining sets are rust-resistant. If not, grab sandpaper or a stiff wire brush to remove the rust.

After all the visible rust is taken off, a rust dissolver is needed as well. Once the rust is taken care of, you can prime and paint the furniture for a like-new appearance.

4) Wood Requires Exterior-Graded Varnish

Wood furniture tends to fade in the sun and bad weather. The best method to keep wood fresh is with varnish rated for exterior use.

The rules of thumb for cleaning wood furniture are fairly simple. Use a sponge with soapy water, and avoid power washing since the wood will splinter.

Wrapping It Up

Routine cleaning and maintenance is an effective way to keep outdoor furniture looking fresh. Considering the importance of outdoor living spaces, cleaning is a cheap way to emphasize your backyard as an asset.

If you are interested in browsing outdoor dining sets for purchase, please contact us for additional information.