With summer soon upon us, thoughts turn to BBQs and weekends spent lounging in the sun. We all know that furniture should be cleaned properly before being stored for winter. However, if you are anything like me, you quickly threw it in the shed or garage at the first sign of cold weather and just hoped for the best.
Things You’ll Need:
- Mild detergent
- Water
- Rags, sponges, towels
- automotive paste wax
- bleach
- water repellent
- automotive vinyl cleaner
- wood oils
Step
1
Painted aluminium furniture can be cleaned with a mixture of mild detergent or dish washing liquid and water. After washing, dry thoroughly and apply automotive paste wax to protect it.
Step
2
Unpainted aluminium pieces pose a problem as while they don't rust, they can suffer from oxidisation. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, when cleaning. Use a metal polishing paste to have you piece looking as good as new. Light oxidisation can be removed using a solution of 4 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
Step
3
Cushions, if looked after well, can last for years. To clean, soak them in a tub or trash can filled with water and a mild detergent. If your cushions are completely white adding bleach to this mixture will give them a brighter, mildew-free and cleaner look. They should be hung up to dry in the sun after cleaning.
Step
4
Hammocks can be a nightmare while spring cleaning as they seem to pick up just about every bit of dust and muck available.
When cleaning your hammock, choose a sunny day and bear in mind that the hammock must dry completely in the sun before evening sets in.
To clean it, lie it flat on a clean non-abrasive surface (e.g. a deck or tarp).
Use a garden hose and soft brush to wash the hammock with dish washing liquid that has been diluted by water.
Both sides should be cleaned and rinsed thoroughly before being set out to dry in the sun.
As much as you would like to whiten and brighten your hammock, NEVER use bleach on them as it will weaken the fibers.
Step
5
Patio umbrellas can quickly become a haven for muck and mildew. To clean, create a solution of warm water and mild detergent and scrub well. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly using a gentle garden hose. This job should be done on a warm sunny day as the umbrella needs to be open to dry completely. Mildew on vinyl umbrellas can be stubborn, so if your mild solution does not work, apply automotive vinyl top cleaner - the sort that is used for convertibles.
Step
6
Iron furniture can rust easily, so always keep your pieces clean. Dirt on the surface can lock in moisture and cause rust. Pieces can be easily cleaned by gently scrubbing the surface with a mild dish washing liquid and rinsing with a garden hose.
While cleaning your furniture, always check for any signs of paint damage and rust. The earlier you catch this problem, the easier a job you will have remedying it. If you spot rust, sand it and the damaged paint down to the metal. Apply primer and rust resistant paint to protect.
To further protect your pieces, once or twice a year you should apply two coats of automotive paste wax. This will allow moisture to simply roll-off the surface. Highly detailed designs can be treated with a liquid wax, but bear in mind that it offers slightly less protection.
Step
7
Wood furniture should be cleaned and treated with oils once or twice each year. To prevent decay, always store in cold weather or during rain. Where possible, opt for teak furniture. While it is the most expensive, it is the most resistant to wet weather.
