5 ways to keep your patio furniture looking fresh this season
Don't let faded furniture ruin your patio's appeal
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Sunny days are here again! For those of us who have to hunker down in the cold, snowy winter, getting to springtime weather feels like an accomplishment, so why not reward yourself with new outdoor patio furniture?
Whether it be a new bistro set or a pair of lounge chairs, patio furniture is susceptible to harsh conditions like UV rays, high winds, and heavy rains, which may damage your outdoor patio set over time.
Anti-aging measures like proper preparation, storage, and regular cleaning can help protect the integrity of your patio furnishings, maintaining that fresh look and feel reminiscent to the day you bought them.
Here's how to keep your outdoor patio looking good all season long.
1. Invest in a patio awning
Give your furniture sun protection at all hours of the day with an awning.
An awning is your best bet to shade your patio fully from the sun's damaging UV rays, which can cause the fabric to fade over time. The outdoor overhang also keeps your furniture from getting wet during storms, which can cause rust stains and structural decay.
A retractable awning like the Outsunny Exterior Window Awning lets you enjoy the sun when you want to, making it a popular option among homeowners.
2. Use patio furniture covers
Keep those lounge chairs and patio tables covered up from the elements.
Furniture covers keep your outdoor couches, chairs, and other patio seats looking as good as it did the day you bought it. The covers are like a blanket for your outdoor furniture, acting as a layer of protection against rain, sunlight, wind, and pests.
For your outdoor dining set, go for a water-resistant cover like F&J Outdoors that fits over both the table and the chairs. For outdoor chairs only, try a chair cover like the Vailge Patio Chair Covers, that's made with air vents to help reduce condensation from collecting inside.
3. Store your patio furniture during inclement weather
When your patio furniture is done for the season, easily stow it inside or in a storage shed.
When a severe weather event is on the horizon, storing your patio furniture should be top of mind for storm prep. Aside from your outdoor tables and chairs blowing around in high winds, securing them in a covered spot (like a shed or garage) protects them from rain, snow, and other debris.
Furniture that folds up quickly and easily, like the Birch Lane Bistro Set from Wayfair, is a convenient option. For stowing cushions in a hurry, try a moisturize-tight storage bag like Plow & Hearth.
4. Apply UV resistant paint to walls and floors
Lock in your patio flooring and prevent wear and tear with a clear enamel paint.
Keeping your patio walls and floors from fading, cracking, or peeling starts with preventative measures like enamel paint. The UV-resistant paint stands strong against sun and rain, so use it to coat exterior surfaces.
For protecting metal, wood, concrete, or masonry, reach for a can of Rust-Oleum's enamel spray that provides rust protection. It also claims to protect against abrasion, chipping, fading, and dulling to keep your patio in tip-top shape.
5. Protect and clean your patio furniture cushions
Outdoor patio cushions are the first to show signs of aging under sunlight and rainy weather.
Outdoor fabric can withstand some heavy hits over the years, and with regular cleaning, you can keep them looking good long-term.
Keep your cushions looking fresh by giving them a deep clean to rid them of mold and mildew. You can make your at-home cleaning solution with dish detergent, Borax, a scrub brush, and a garden hose for some pressure cleaning.
In addition to cleaning your outdoor cushions, preemptively protect them with a fabric spray, like the Scotchgard Water and Sun Shield, that blocks out UVA/UVB rays and excess moisture from rain. You can use sprays like this on furniture, umbrellas, awnings, covers, and more.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
