Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Patio Furniture
Patio sets are essential for any outdoor space. They bring ease, style, and a zone to chill when it’s hot. But, to keep your patio set nice and last long, proper care is key. Whether you have a small chair set or a large dining set, cleaning them properly helps preserve their value and prevents damage. Here are some common slip-ups to dodge when cleaning your patio set.
1. Using Hard Cleaners
A big slip-up many make is using strong cleaners. They may seem fast, but harsh chemicals can hurt your set’s look or make it fade. For example, some cleaners are rough for wicker or wood, while others may take the paint off metal.
Tip: Use mild soap and water or gentle cleaners made for the yard. You can also use natural mixes like vinegar and water or a baking soda mix for hard spots.
2. Not Cleaning Often
Many miss out on cleaning their yard set often. Over days, dirt and other stuff can pile up, making it harder to clean and could damage the stuff. For instance, cloth seats can get spots from food or drink spills, and metal can rust if not washed properly.
Tip: Try to wipe your seat every few weeks to keep it clean and stop dirt from piling. Clean spots on the cloth right away, and take off any leaves or dirt that sits on your set.
3. Using Wrong Tools
The wrong tools can hurt your patio set. For instance, a rough sponge or steel wool on metal or plastic can scratch. Using a strong hose or power washer might seem easy, but it can hurt soft stuff or push water into cracks.
Tip: Always use soft brushes, microfiber cloths, and gentle sponges for cleaning. If you need to use a power washer, keep the force low and hold it far from your set to stop damage.
4. Forgetting to Dry Fully
A big error many make is not drying their open-air set well after cleaning. Wet can rust metal, help mold grow on cloth, and eat away wood over time.
Tip: After washing, always dry your set well. Use a towel to wipe extra water or let it dry in the sun. For cloth seats, take them off and let them dry fully in the sun to stop mold.
5. Not Checking Cloth Care
Yard cloth, especially seats and pillows, needs extra care when cleaning. Just wiping might not take out deep spots or smells. Many wash their cushions wrongly or leave them out to get dirty, which can cut their life.
Tip: For cloth seats, check the maker’s tips for cleaning right. Use a vacuum to pull dust and clean any stains with a safe cleaner for cloth. If covers can come off, you can wash them or follow the cloth care tips.
6. Not Saving Furniture in Cold Months
Even though you may not use your patio set in the cold months, it doesn’t mean you should forget it. Many leave their seats out in winter, which can make it worse fast due to rain, snow, and cold.
Tip: Keep your set in a shed, garage, or covered spot when it’s cold. If there’s no indoor spot, use covers to save it from the weather. Also, it’s smart to bring cloth seats and pillows inside when not in use.
7. Using Too Much Water
It’s easy to think more water means a cleaner set. But too much water can harm wood and metal, causing swelling, rust, or other damage. Wetting the cloth too much can also cause mold and mildew.
Tip: Use a damp cloth instead of soaking your set. A light cleaning with a bit of water usually does the trick to clear dirt. If your set is very dirty, clean it with a water-based mix and wipe off extra wet right away.
8. Not Fixing Rust
Rust is a big issue, especially for metal patio sets. If you don’t attend to rust early, it can spread and hurt the set’s strength. Sadly, many don’t fix rust until it’s a bigger problem.
Tip: Often check your metal set for rust. If you see some, clean the spot with vinegar and water, or use a rust cleaner. You can also put a protective layer to stop more rust.
9. Not Caring for Wood Right
Wood patio sets need special care to stay nice and last long. Many don’t seal their wood well, which can lead to damage from the sun and rain.
Tip: Often treat wood with the right cleaner or oil to stop damage. Also, use a sealant to keep the wood fresh and stop water damage. This keeps the wood’s look and build over days.
Ending Thoughts
Cleaning your patio chairs and tables shouldn’t be hard. Yet, keeping clear of usual errors can greatly help in making them last longer and look better. By picking the correct cleaners and methods, cleaning them often, and caring for them in off times, you can keep your patio furniture looking great for many years.
At Feidao Furniture, we have lots of outdoor chairs and tables that will match your patio and face the weather well. Look through our items and pick the best ones to make your outside area better!
Welcome to follow our Instagram, TikTok.
Or contact us directly.
Want to read another article? Please click this: Create a Private Outdoor Movie Theater with Feidao Furniture
