Sun exposure, outdoor pests, rain, wind, and snow can damage outdoor furniture. Knowing how to protect your outdoor daybed and furniture can extend the life of your investment. Whether your furniture has wood, metal, cushions, or plastic, you can take steps to protect it from damage.
Considerations Before You Buy
Before you take any steps to protect your furniture, understand how the materials respond to the elements. For example, an outdoor daybed made of wicker needs different care than one made of wrought iron. Consider your environment and buy outdoor furniture that performs best in your area. For example, you might not want to have an iron daybed in an area that has extreme heat, while you might not want to leave fabric-covered cushions outside in frigid winter weather. You should also consider the time you spend on your outdoor daybed. Iron furniture lasts longer than other materials, but it gets hot in the sun and is not as comfortable as wicker, rattan, and plastic furniture. Some people like to bring their furniture in or cover it during the winter months, so consider the size and shape of the items you buy.
Protect Your Outdoor Daybed
Nothing is much more comfortable than an outdoor daybed. Having a large cushion with a plethora of pillows invites comfort and relaxation on a lovely summer day. Outdoor daybed frames come in several materials like wrought iron, wicker, rattan, and wood. Then, they have luxurious cushions and pillows made of various textiles. The best way to maintain your outdoor daybed is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, use the recommended products to remove dust, pollen, and other outdoor gunk. However, if you want to keep your daybed clean, buy a protective cover and use it religiously. A waterproof outdoor daybed cover protects your investment from UV damage, rain, and bird droppings. Not all daybed mattresses and pillows have UV-resistant fabrics, so a cover can help keep your cloth furniture and accessories looking bright and vibrant. Remember to clean the cover and your daybed to keep both items lasting a long time. If your daybed cushions do not attach to the frame, you might want to add hook-and-loop closures or ties to keep them from blowing away on gusty days. You can put one half of the hook-and-loop closure on the frame and the other on the cushion. This technique keeps your cushions in your yard. You can also protect your outdoor daybed furniture by keeping fabric cushions in your home. Take them out when you’re ready to relax, then bring them inside to keep them looking good for several years.
Taking Care of Your Outdoor Furniture
Frames The cushions and fabric-covered accessories require different cleaning techniques. The furniture frames, like those on a daybed or swing, need special cleaning methods. s.
Plastic and Resin
The most affordable outdoor furniture is plastic. It is easy to clean, but it might not look as nice as other natural materials. You can clean plastic furniture with a spray cleaner and a rag. To keep your plastic outdoor furniture looking good, keep it out of direct sunlight as UV rays can fade the colour and weaken the plastic.
Wicker
Wicker is a lightweight option with a sophisticated cottage look. Wicker does well in warm, sunny conditions, but it degrades in wet and cold conditions. If you live in an area with four distinct seasons, bring your wicker furniture inside during the fall and winter. Before you use it in the spring and summer, apply a waterproof protective coating to keep the wicker strong. Compared to other outdoor furniture materials, wicker consumes the most time. The finicky material is comfortable but not very durable.
Wood
Whether you have a classic wooden picnic table or a set of iconic wooden Adirondack chairs, wooden outdoor furniture creates a welcome look that invites people to sit and relax. Different types of wood need different levels of care, especially if it has been treated. Use a wood preservative to protect it from the heat of the sun and moisture in the air. If you take good care of your wooden outdoor furniture, it can last for generations.
Wrought Iron
If you want your home to have a historic look, choose wrought iron outdoor furniture. The pieces are heavy and durable. To keep your wrought-iron furniture looking good for years, keep it clean and paint it when needed, as the paint degrades in the elements. Unlike other types of outdoor furniture, wrought iron pieces can stay outside in the cold winter months. Don’t leave these pieces in the grass, as the iron can affect your lawn. Instead, put them on your patio or deck.
Protect Your Outdoor Cushions
No matter what type of outdoor furniture you have, adding cushions brings comfort. Despite having outdoor fabrics, cushions degrade after excessive outdoor exposure. If you don’t want to bring your cushions inside every day, buy an outdoor storage bin to keep them handy. Your bin could serve as an ottoman. Be sure your bin can withstand the weather, and the lid stays closed, so your cushions don’t blow around in extreme wind.
Stay Organised
To make it easy to maintain your outdoor furniture, keep your cleaning supplies and tools organised. If you keep your cleaning supplies in a convenient and single location, you will be more likely to clean your outdoor daybed and furniture. A convenient location could be a closet near your patio or in a handy bin in your garage. To clean your cushions and frames, use a sponge with a gentle disinfecting cleaning agent, rubber gloves, and a bucket. Fill the bucket with water and the cleaning agent. Then, scrub your furniture. Let the cleaning agent do its job and sit for five minutes. Then, use a gentle spray from your garden hose to remove the cleanser. Only use the bucket and sponge for your outdoor furniture to prevent dirt and grime from other cleaning projects getting onto your furniture. With a little care and time, you can protect your outdoor daybed and furniture from UV and weather damage. You’ve invested money in your outdoor furniture, so help it last for many years of relaxation and fun.