Congratulations! You purchased some wonderful patio chairs for your deck, patio or balcony. Now you want to keep them looking like new, so you can enjoy them for years to come.

That’s one of the wonderful things about quality patio chairs. Unlike their PVC counterparts found at discount houses and mass retailers, really good chairs are made to last.

And while they use top quality materials and are constructed using stringent quality controls, you still need to take care of your patio chairs using some simple maintenance.

The type of maintenance depends on the type of material your chairs are made of and the climate you’re living in.
For example, wicker patio chairs tend to get a little dirtier than other styles of chairs. The weaving of the chair seems to capture dirt and hold onto it. This is particularly true if you live in a dusty locale. Dirt loves to roost in the spaces between the reeds. Eventually, this collection will make your patio chairs look grimy and glum.

Cleaning them is relatively straightforward. A pressure washer is a great tool. Mix a little soap and water to make a mixture and have at it. Don’t be tempted to use the highest pressure setting you have. A low setting will do just fine and a higher setting can damage the weaving, weakening the chair. A garden hose can also fill the bill. Let the chair air dry out in the sun. This can take awhile as there is a lot of surface area that has to dry.

Wood patio chairs are much easier to clean. A simple mixture of water and soap will do. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth and wipe the entire surface down, then rinse it clean. You can do the same with the cushions. When they are clean stand them upright and let them air dry. If your wood is looking a little dry or dull, you may want to apply a little extra protection. If you have teak patio chairs, you may want to use teak cleaner to restore the chair to its original honey gold color. Northern white cedar and red furniture need even less attention and will age gracefully with nothing more than an additional cleaning with soap and water.

Metal patio chairs are easy to clean, too. Good old soap and water will do just fine. For any tight spots or ornamented pieces, use a soft brush to get into the nooks and crannies. While you’re cleaning the patio chairs, look for any signs of rust. If there is any rust, use a wire brush to clean it or a bit of steel wool. Rust is a corrosive and you want to treat it aggressively or eventually it will weaken the metal, ruining your investment.

You can purchase specialized cleaners online or purchase them in your neighborhood home improvement store. However, in most cases, soap and water will do. If the dirt won’t come out of your cushions or you discover a little mold or mildew, prepare a solution of one cup bleach in a gallon of water. Soak the cushions thoroughly, wipe clean and allow to air dry.

Never leave your cushions on your furniture after the outdoor season is through. Clean them thoroughly, allow them to air dry completely and then store in a dry place. While it might be tempting to store them inside bags, don’t. This will encourage any mold or mildew spores that weren’t removed to grow and flourish during the off-season. The best place for your cushions is a dry shelf in the garage or in the basement.

Author Bio: Jesse Akre owns Edenvale Shoppes and hosts numerous furniture and furnishings for any home whether it be garden bench or end tables styles and designs.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: indoor bench,outdoor benches,hall bench,garden benches,entryway bench,hall tree bench