Outdoor furniture can instantly double your living space and make your deck or patio a great place to entertain or just relax, but it is important to care for that furniture properly. A well maintained set of outdoor furniture can last for many years, but the key is to know how to care for that furniture carefully.

The specific care instructions will vary according to the type of furniture you have, and the care instructions for the most popular kinds of outdoor furniture are listed below.

Teak Furniture

Teak furniture is unique in that it requires very little care, and teak furniture can be left outdoors in the weather with few problems, and its ability to take all the things that nature can dish out is what makes teak furniture such a great choice for outdoor living.

Teak furniture will change color as it ages, resulting in that silver color that marks genuine teak furniture. For those who want to keep the original color of their teak furniture longer there are a number of products on the market that can help. Teak oil should never be used on furniture that will be placed outside, since the application of teak oil will cause it to turn black and mildew.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is among the easiest to clean, and most wicker furniture can be easily cleaned using the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris. If additional cleaning is needed a soft sponge soaked in mild soap and water can remove built up dirt and other types of debris.

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture can be cleaned using a mild soap and water solution. Solvent based cleaners, and cleaners that are abrasive, should be avoided. A monthly cleaning will help to prevent mold, mildew and dirt from building up, resulting in a longer useful life for the furniture.

Cushion Care

Outdoor furniture cushions are made using weatherproof materials, and most can be cleaned quite easily with a mild solution of soap and water. How often outdoor furniture cushions must be cleaned will depend on a number of factors, including the local weather conditions and the humidity level. Outdoor furniture cushions will need cleaned more often in a humid climate than in a dry one.

Outdoor furniture can be a joy and a delight, and caring for that outdoor furniture the right way can help to ensure that the furniture will be around and looking like new many years after the initial purchase. Outdoor furniture can be quite an expensive purchase, and it just makes sense to take care of this significant investment the right way.