Tips to keep your patio furniture looking fresh
Buying something new can feel very exciting. I mean, there’s a reason retail therapy is so common. However, like most things in life, every product ages over time, and your patio furniture is no exception given harsh conditions like UV rays, damaging winds, and rain.
Thankfully, anti-aging measures can protect the integrity of your patio. Preemptive preparation, smart storage, and regular cleaning are all key in maintaining a fresh look and feel.
Here are a few tips for keeping your patio looking good longer:
Invest in a patio awning
For full-on sun protection for your entire patio, an awning is your best bet. Not only does an awning provide shaded relief during a hot summer’s day, but it protects your patio furniture from the sun, which causes faded fabric, and the weather, which causes rust stains and overall structural decay.
A retractable awning lets you enjoy the sun when you want to, making it a popular option among homeowners.
Use patio furniture covers
Furniture covers keep your furniture looking as good as it did the day you bought it. Not only does a furniture cover protect patio pieces from sunlight during the day, but it keeps rain and moisture from wear over time.
For your outdoor dining set, look for F&J Outdoors’ water-resistant patio set cover on Wayfair.com. For outdoor chairs, the top-rated Vailge patio chair cover on Amazon is made with air vents that reduce condensation from collecting inside.
Store your patio furniture in inclement weather
An even better option than covering your furniture is to move it to a safer or shadier location.
If you live in a climate where major storms or snowy winters occur, being able to move patio furniture in and out of a safe location is key in keeping the furniture in good condition.
The stylish wood bistro set by Birch Lane on Wayfair.com can be conveniently folded and stowed away from sun and rain.
For stowing away your couch and chair cushions, the cushion storage bag from Plow & Hearth, sold at Target, offers a moisture-tight container in which you can tightly pack away your outdoor cushions in one place. It also keeps them safe from fading in the sun.
Apply UV resistant paint to walls and floors
Keeping your patio walls and floors from fading, cracking, or peeling starts with prevention. Enamel paint stands strong against sun and rain, so use it to coat surfaces.
To protect metal, wood, concrete, or masonry, Rust-oleum High Performance enamel spray paint, available on Amazon, provides rust protection and is said to prevent abrasion, chipping, fading, and dulling.
Protect and clean your patio furniture cushions
Outdoor fabric can take some heavy hits when it comes to aging and overall decay, but they’re not totally wearproof.
Keep your cushions looking fresh by giving them a deep clean to rid them of mold and mildew. You can make your own at-home cleaning solution with dish detergent, Borax, a scrub brush, and a garden hose for some pressure cleaning. Find out how at reviewed.com/laundry/features/howto-clean-your-outdoor-cushions-andpatio-furniture.
In addition to cleaning your outdoor cushions, preemptively protect them with a fabric spray that blocks out UVA/UVB rays and excess moisture from rain.
Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield, available at Lowe’s, creates a protective layer on your patio furniture, giving it a fighting chance if it’s out in the elements. You can use sprays like this on furniture, umbrellas, awnings, covers, and more.