Where to start?
Your furniture has either been stored away or covered outside so it may need some TLC after putting up with our harsh winter climate.
We recommend cleaning your furniture before winter storage, or before being covered but remember condensation from under the furniture cover can cause mildew and mold. It is important to make sure when covering any furniture for the winter, you lift the cover from the ground to ensure proper air circulation while in storage or better yet purchase covers that have air flow vents to eliminate any moisture from forming.
Here is what ORWW suggests for preparing every type of furniture for Spring!
Woven: Resin may be washed with mild detergent and water, using a wet sponge, cloth or a soft plastic bristle brush. Do not use solvents, scouring agents, carbon tetrachloride, undiluted bleach, or janitorial cleaners. If in doubt about using a detergent, choose an inconspicuous area and test the cleaner. If you are using your furniture indoors, a damp cloth with mild soap and water should be the only requirements for maintaining your wicker.
Aluminum: Aluminum is strong, non-rusting, low maintenance and very resistant to the weather.
Apply a coat of non-hazing automotive paste wax at the start of each season to give your furniture that brand-new shine every year! Use a garden hose with light spray setting to remove the largest pieces of dirt and debris from the metal. Avoid using a pressure washer as a strong stream of water could damage the finish. After spraying the furniture off, wash using a soft cloth or sponge and a solution of mild detergent in warm water. Rinse thoroughly with a low-pressure hose to remove any soap. Allow the furniture to air dry. Do not clean the furniture with abrasive pads, brushes or cleansers. Use care to avoid scratching the finish.
Sling: Dust the fabric off with a non-metallic soft brush or run it over with a hand held vacuum. Wash it with a soft brush or a sponge, using mild natural soapy water and rinse well. Allow drying completely in the open air, well spread out. Never use solvents, abrasives, or chemical cleaning products as it may be harmful to textiles. Keep slings, and rope like fabrics away from trees or bushes that might drop sap.
Stainless Steel: When washing use a mild detergent, for best results and to reduce smudging the stainless steel should be dried afterwards. Cleaning stainless steel on a regular basis throughout the summer will also help to achieve maximum corrosion resistance, fight against surface contamination, and stop formation of deposits which may lead in a drastically reduced lifetime of your furniture.
Durawood: Durawood is virtually maintenance free since it has exceptional resistance to fading, moisture, insects, splintering, and other common outcomes from environmental stress seen with treated lumber or wood fiber composite. It just needs occasional washing with soap and water to remove dirt and debris if desired. FYI: Never leave empty glasses on Durawood surfaces under direct sunlight. Doing so may cause sun damage to the surface.
Sunbrella Cushions: Sunbrella is the world leader when it comes to outdoor fabrics…period, but because of little critters such as mice, and squirrels – we recommend that all your cushions are stored inside the house, or high up in a garage or shed during the colder months. Just like sling furniture, keep your cushions away from any type of tree or bush that might drip sap during summertime use. Alternatively, you can remove Sunbrella skins from the cushion foams and machine wash and let air dry.
Now that’s all done –
Time to enjoy your Outdoor Room!
