The furniture used in the pool, garden, balconies and verandas requires specific care. Check out tips to keep them fresh.

Produced with different materials, the furniture used in places such as gardens, swimming pools and balconies, need special attention. This is essential to maintain the quality of the material and ensure its useful life. Keeping them dry in a covered and ventilated place is the first step among some others you can learn.

By conserving these furniture, the decor remains modern and always renewed, ensuring that the fabric colors will be maintained. Because they are exposed to the open air, the sun, rain and wind can compromise these furniture in the long run. However, little periodic care will keep them aligned longer.

Here are some tips for conserving furniture to decorate the outdoor area and keep the look of this space always renewed with small actions.

Wooden furniture

Keeping wooden furniture looking original is a simple task, but one that requires attention. Getting into the habit of dusting off with a soft cloth dampened with water, followed by a dry cloth, will prevent the build-up of dirt that can be resistant to peeling off over time.

To guarantee the durability and conservation of external wooden furniture exposed to the sun, rain and other weather conditions, a surface protection process must be carried out every six months. Along with a wood-specific maintenance kit, you can follow the product manufacturer’s recommendations or the step-by-step instructions below:

  • » Wash the furniture with soap and water;
  • » Wait for the piece to dry completely;
  • » Sand it lightly with a fine sandpaper or steel wool;
  • » Apply the waterproofing product* (impregnant stain or specific oil for decks);
  • » Remove excess product while still wet;
  • » Clean the surface with an abrasive sponge;
  • » In the case of protection with oil, it is recommended to apply a second coat after a few days.

Stains are supplied in several pigmentations (shades) in addition to the transparent one, making it possible to change the appearance of the product. Oil enhances the natural design of the wood and is easier to apply. However, it has less power to “seal” the pores and requires greater care.

The role of these waterproofing agents is to create a protective barrier for the wood, protecting it from UV rays. In addition, it helps prevent rainwater ingress which can promote spoilage and decay. Both work well and it is important to ensure they are reapplied at least once a year. Consult specialized stores to find the best option for your outdoor furniture.

Outdoor pool furniture

Avoid leaving wooden outdoor furniture exposed to the sun and rain when not in use. After excessive contact with natural heat or water, it is common to experience depigmentation, shrinkage, cracking, bending of boards and loosening of screws. Waxes and chemicals, except for the specific maintenance kit for wood, must also be avoided so as not to cause stains and damage to the surface of the piece.

Aluminum Furniture Care

This material stands out for being a strong, durable metal that does not need constant maintenance. It requires an occasional cleaning done with automotive wax (parts with shiny paint) or liquid silicone (with matte paint), to delay the appearance of stains.

Quick and very easy to do, cleaning aluminum surfaces only needs a white cloth to spread the product. To do this, pass the flannel according to the furniture’s paint (matte or glossy), and use another dry and soft white cloth to give shine and remove the excess.

If combined with materials such as canvas, synthetic fibers and PVC strips, aluminum outdoor furniture should only be cleaned with water, mild soap and a soft sponge. If possible, do the process weekly.

To preserve the shine and new appearance of aluminum external furniture, avoid the use of abrasive products such as alcohol, ammonia, chlorine and solvents. As well as steel wool and derivatives when combined with different materials and coatings. On the other hand, to guarantee the shine and new appearance of each aluminum piece of furniture, it is essential to keep them dry and clean.

Plastic Furniture

A good start to keeping plastic outdoor furniture preserved and looking new is to leave it covered with covers. This small action helps prevent stains and dirt while not in use.

However, cleaning this material is very simple and quick, as long as it is carried out once a week. The ideal is to wash them with water and mild soap, using a sponge or soft cloth.

For those looking for industrialized products to combat dirt on plastic furniture, the market offers cleaning pastes. With them it is possible to remove the main stains from the surfaces of plastic furniture without compromising its structure.

To ensure the quality, color and fresh appearance of plastic outdoor furniture, avoid contacting it with abrasives such as alcohol and ammonia. Even chlorinated pool water can cause stains on the surface of the piece, so it is worth wiping it with a cloth to remove splashes.

Maintenance of furniture with natural fibers

Cleaning furniture made from natural fibers such as rattan, rushes and others is very simple. Prepare a mild soap and water solution to be spread over the furniture with the help of a soft cloth or flannel. To better clean the gap between the braided fibers, use the same solution with a soft-bristled brush, followed by a soft dry cloth. Abrasives, detergents and solvents are prohibited when maintaining or cleaning these furniture.

Exclusively suitable for indoor environments, natural fiber furniture can also be used in leisure areas such as balconies and winter gardens. In this case, they need to be either covered or protected from the direct action of the sun, wind, rain or moisture.

Synthetic Fabrics and Fibers

Even being more resistant to exposure to the sun and rain, outdoor furniture that uses fabric or synthetic fibers need to be properly sanitized so as not to damage the raw material. The cleaning process for these garden furniture is quick and simple: just use water, mild soap and a soft sponge to scrub the furniture and thus remove the thick layers of dust and dirt lodged in the fabrics.

In places such as swimming pools and beach decks, where the synthetic fiber furniture or screen is always in contact with repellents, sunscreens and tanning oils, cleaning must be intensified weekly to avoid possible stains.

Supporting but no less important

Cushions and ombrelones used in the garden, pool, balcony or terrace also deserve special attention and care to achieve a long service life. Check out some tips:

Ombrelone

Intense sun, torrential rain and gusts of wind are climatic adversities that can compromise the life of fabric ombrelones. As they are located in the garden, pool or terrace, it is important to avoid placing them under trees or leaving them open if they are not being used. In case of winds, keep them closed to avoid possible damage.

Cushions

Even water resistant, pillows with Aquatec technology (water-repellent fabric composed of cotton and polyester) are not completely waterproof. The models produced in Bagum and PVC are 100% waterproofed.

The fabric with Aquatec finish consists of the application of polymers associated with fungicidal agents that add different benefits. They have greater durability and color resistance, easy cleaning and anti-microbiological action.

However, the extension of the useful life of both occurs when they are kept dry after use, preferably in covered and ventilated places. In this way, unnecessary exposure to bad weather is avoided so that molding does not occur in the filling, or stains on the coating.

Conservation of outdoor pillows

In order to preserve the characteristics of the Aquatec pillow, it must be periodically washed by hand. In this wash, only water and mild soap are used, using a sponge or soft bristle brush. Covers and pillows in Bagum and PVC follow the same requirement. In both cases, avoid the use of chemicals or abrasive agents, as they can damage the part.

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Apply these tips and ensure a longer useful life of furniture, accessories and coverings for outdoor areas. Periodic maintenance aids in long-term savings and parts appearance.

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