Whether you are getting ready for winter and preparing your outdoor furniture for the weather or if you just want to know how to care for your outdoor furniture, you will be happy to know it only takes a small amount of time out of your day.



All metal furniture is the one furniture you should worry about as the metal can rust. The different metals used for outdoor furniture such as iron, steel, and or aluminum. Frames of metal can rust; however, some of the newest made metal outdoor furniture is rust-resistant giving you less time to care for during maintenance. The metal frame that is not rust resistant needs sealed with a pasty wax after you have cleaned it with the mildest of soaps and water. By chance, if there are already some rust spots you should treat them immediately and then protect those areas with a rust remover you can purchase from the store. If your outdoor furniture is not metal and you are dealing with wood furniture than you will obviously be doing the complete opposite.



Outdoor wood furniture normally already treated with a seal before you purchased the wood furniture. If your outdoor furniture has been sealed before buying the set than there is extra exterior varnish on the furniture. In order to care for the wood furniture is to make sure that once again you have cleaned with soap and rinse with water. However, if your outdoor furniture is not sealed then you should immediately varnish the furniture as soon as possible. Wood outdoor furniture should be stored even if it is sealed or not sealed. The furniture needs to be stored in a dry area such as a garage or an outdoor shed that is moisture free. The only exception to the rule is cedar or teak furniture. These contain natural oil in order to protect the cedar and teak from damage due to moisture.



Teak is a yellowish brown wood with grains in it and texture. Teak wood used in the manufacturing of outdoor furniture, decks for boats, and other outside items that are not stored away from the weather. Although, you do not need to store this for weather damage it is always a good idea to store the furniture as it will ultimately last longer.



There are three other types of outdoor furniture, which are wicker, resin, and fabric. The wicker furniture only needs rinsed with a pressure washer. A hose is acceptable if you do not have a pressure washer. You should only use soap if the wicker is horribly dirty. Be sure to seal the wicker, and store it for the winter. Resin is plastic and the outdoor furniture is the easiest out of all others to care for. Just spray it down when you notice that the resin is looking and dirty.



Fabrics such as covers for cushions are machine washable on delicate cycle. Never put them in the dryer as it can cause shrinkage. Hang them out to dry. Keeping them dry over your cushions will protect fabrics but they too need to be stored.