Protect your patio furniture
By NANCY POSTER for Smart
Here's how to keep it clean
• Put a cover on it. "Most people do purchase outdoor furniture covers," said Mike Stevens of Artesian Factory Outlet, a retailer that sells pools, spas and other recreational items in the Greensprings Plaza in York.
The cost of a cover is under $50, he said, and will allow homeowners to keep their furniture outside year-round.
• Keep it natural with teak. "There are many different styles and types of outdoor furniture out there today," said Susie Mummert of Furniture Finesse on West Market Street in York. "One option is called 'teak' wood furniture." To keep its natural color, Mummert suggests owners use teak oil. If it needs to be reapplied, a mild sanding is necessary before rubbing with oil. Otherwise, the furniture will turn silver or gray on its own, she said.
• What to do with wicker. "To maintain natural wicker, use a mild cleaner or even soap and water with a damp cloth," Mummert said. "A soft bristle brush may be needed and useful to get in all the crevices." If the furniture is painted, it might need to be touched up to prevent a buildup of moisture. If moisture does occur, it could cause rotting. Stevens said wicker furniture with an aluminum frame is more durable and can stand up to moisture. A pressure washer can be used to clean quality synthetic wicker. "You may even use a garden hose with a mild dish soap for this type of wicker," she said.
• The skinny on sling seats and backs. Powder-coated aluminum furniture with sling seats and backs need to be cleaned with general surface products such as Fantastic or a mild cleanser, such an Bon Ami, Mummert said. If new slings are needed, Furniture Finesse sells replacements that would be cheaper than completely replacing the furniture, she said.
• Find the fabric code. Before cleaning most outdoor fabrics, first look for the code of that fabric, Mummert said. If it has an "S," that stands for solvent, meaning no
water-based cleaners should be used. "WS" is for solvent and wet, so mild detergent, upholstery shampoo or foam from mild detergent is OK. "W" stands for water-based solvent. "X" is rarely used, but means no water and no solvent. "To prevent overall soil with the 'WS' fabric, frequent vacuuming or light brushing to remove dust and grime is recommended," Mummert said. Spot clean the fabric with a mild solvent, an upholstery shampoo or the foam from a mild detergent. Avoid any product that contains carbon tetrachloride or other toxic substances and always pretest a small area first. Light clean-
ing and brushing is also recommended for fabrics marked with a "W." Spot clean, using the foam only from a water-based cleaning agent, such as a mild detergent or nonsolvent upholstery shampoo product. Apply the foam with a soft brush in a circular motion and vacuum when it's dry, Mummert said. But, don't forget to pretest the fabric first.
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