If you own composite plastic, wood, or wicker patio furniture it’s essential that it remains protected against moisture damage – in particular during the hotter summer months when moisture can cause irreparable harm to these materials. Therefore it’s a wise idea to bring all outdoor pieces indoors for safekeeping during this season.
Outdoor furniture is in high demand during the summer season, which may result in your desired patio set being unavailable.
Keep Your Furniture Covered
Conserving the appearance and lifespan of your furniture during summer months is one of the most vital tasks you can undertake. Not only will covering it provide protection from elements, but it will also keep it looking its best!
Uncovered outdoor furniture can become damaged from rain, wind and other adverse weather conditions over time, leading to dented fabric or even wood and metal rot. If any damages appear on your patio furniture it is essential that they are repaired immediately or else further damage may worsen and require costly repairs or replacements in the future.
As summer heats up, furniture should be protected by being covered in high-quality, heavy-duty furniture covers that fit your climate – such as those featuring breathable fabrics or ventilation to reduce mold and mildew growth. When not in use, store furniture safely – for instance in your shed or garage.
If your budget allows, invest in a climate-controlled storage unit. These units maintain consistent temperatures and humidity levels to protect delicate materials like wood and wicker from being exposed to extreme temperature swings or humidity levels. Alternatively, furniture covers for your patio may provide protection during off season storage.
Furniture that’s made of woven fabric or composite plastic material needs to be regularly cleaned in order to remove dirt, grime, dust and pollen that has accumulated since winter as well as any allergens such as pollen from collecting between uses. Regular summer cleaning should take place regardless of material, such as fabric versus plastic.
Protect Your Furniture from UV Rays
UV rays are one of the biggest threats to keeping furniture looking its best, penetrating fabrics and bleaching materials like wood. Although some damage may be reversed with professional assistance, preventing it altogether is always preferable.
Outdoor furniture is particularly vulnerable to sun damage, while indoor furnishings may also experience detrimental rays through windows and cause irreparable harm to wood, fabric and other materials. UV rays and high temperatures can crack plastics while humidity promotes mold and mildew growth – leading to mold and mildew development in your home!
Covering furniture when not in use is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect it from UV rays. Covers are readily available at hardware stores and offer an inexpensive yet easy solution for protecting against weather damage.
Shade structures such as pergolas and awnings provide another method of protecting outdoor furniture from sunlight, providing UV ray protection while being easily moved around to change its position.
Opting for window coverings that filter UV rays is another effective strategy, such as curtains or blinds that filter them, as well as more elaborate options like roman shades, solar shades or blackout blinds. Such window treatments help shield out sunlight while offering privacy while simultaneously maintaining the color and condition of furniture.
Prevent Moisture Damage
Summer storms can wreak havoc on outdoor furniture. Rain and high humidity can damage wood furniture, causing it to expand with age and eventually crack or warp, while rainwater seeping into cushion fabrics can result in mold, mildew, dampness or damp spots forming; and iron furniture may even rust.
Covering outdoor furniture can help protect it from moisture damage by creating an effective barrier between it and its environment. Furthermore, covering it prevents dust, pollen, debris and pests from settling onto its surfaces requiring more frequent cleaning – decreasing maintenance expenses while guaranteeing you always have perfect conditions for relaxing under the sun!
Opt for patio furniture upholstery fabric that’s specifically made to resist UV rays and fading. Cushions should be constructed using materials like acrylic and olefin fabric, while decorative pillows made of stain- and odor-resistant materials like blankets can help ensure they remain looking their best all season long. Use OxiClean(r) Odor Blasters Versatile Stain & Odor Remover on cushions before covering them to keep smelling fresh while looking like new!
If a thunderstorm is forecast, it is wise to store furniture and any flammable items such as rugs and curtains indoors in order to protect them from being damaged by lightning or heavy rainfall. Be sure to select a waterproof furniture cover made of breathable material so as not to create an environment conducive to mildew formation.
Keep Bugs at Bay
No matter if you are entertaining guests for an outdoor party or relaxing on your patio, bugs can be an inconvenient nuisance. Not only do they disrupt the experience and ruin the ambiance, but some insects contain pathogens which could potentially injure or destroy both people and property.
Keep pests out of your patio with natural solutions! Mosquitoes, flies and other flying insects can easily be deterred with natural solutions such as citronella candles.
Planting repellent plants such as lavender, basil, lemon thyme and rosemary is one of the best ways to keep flies, mosquitoes and other insects at bay. Lavender, basil, lemon thyme and rosemary emit strong scents that are unpleasant for insects while simultaneously attracting beneficial pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies that help pollinate other flowers within your ecosystem.
Homemade bug spray is an efficient and cost-effective way to keep pests at bay on your patio. Simply combine rubbing alcohol with essential oils such as lavender, lemon thyme and rosemary essential oils – particularly beneficial in repelling mosquitoes! Due to evaporation rates of alcohol however, regular reapplication may be required.
Standing water can be an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, so regularly cleaning gutters will help eliminate mosquito populations. Add a birdbath, pool, bucket or birdhouse to your patio or gazebo to encourage birds and bats that naturally prey upon bugs. Or install fans with light breezes that repel mosquitoes; for an elegant look use decorative ceiling fans inside covered spaces to produce light breezes to repel these pesky creatures from entering.
