The Australian climate is known for its extremes. It can be hot, cold and wet, all within a few months of each other. This means that it’s important to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements and prevent any damage. To get the most out of your outdoor furniture, you have to carry out regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and the condition of the materials. In this blog, we look at why it’s important to carry out regular maintenance to your outdoor furniture to help its longevity.
Limiting weather exposure
Most outdoor furniture is made to last against the elements, but it’s important to keep up with maintenance to ensure that it lasts. While some outdoor furniture can be left out all year round, others may need to be stored indoors or covered during winter months. In Australia, where temperatures can fluctuate significantly between seasons, this can help prevent cracking and minor distortion as materials expand or contract.
To protect your outdoor furniture from direct sunlight, heavy rain and hail, you should limit its exposure to these elements by storing it in the shade when possible. If you do have an outdoor space that isn’t sheltered from direct sunlight, consider using covers that are UV resistant to help prevent fading and deterioration over time.
Investing in waterproof materials
To ensure that your outdoor furniture stays in great condition, we recommend that you invest in waterproof materials. For example, timber is water resistant and teak is a great choice for durability. If you’re looking for something more modern, try powder-coated aluminium or powder-coated steel or marble or stone. For synthetic wicker, investing in a good-quality cover will help protect against sunlight damage. Teak is a great choice because it’s strong, durable, and water resistant. With the appropriate amount of maintenance, it can be left outside year-round.
Regular cleaning
Outdoor furniture is an investment that can last for years if you take care of it. Regular cleaning is a must to maintain the appearance of your outdoor furniture and to keep it in good working order. Clean with warm soapy water and avoid harsh detergents or chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage or discolour the finish on your outdoor furniture and leave residue behind when they dry.
You can apply polish without silicone to timber, but avoid the use of silicone polishes on plastic furniture as they may leave a sticky residue behind. Regular cleaning and wiping also help to prevent mould and mildew build-up which can cause damage to your outdoor furniture over time.
Extra protection for soft furnishings
Australian weather can be harsh on your outdoor furniture, and unfortunately, it’s a lot more likely to damage soft furnishings than hard ones. That’s why we recommend investing in waterproof or water-resistant cushions and fabrics.
In addition to keeping your cushions safe from the elements, you’ll also want to wash them often. You may need to clean them after every season if you live somewhere that experiences heavy rainfall or snowfall during certain times of the year.
Reduce exposure to potential damage
If you’re not using your outdoor space often, cover up the furniture with a tarp or another protective covering. This will reduce exposure to bird droppings, tree sap, pollen and other damaging things that may occur when left exposed. It’s also a good idea to try to prevent pets or other animals in your garden from getting onto the furniture.
Visit our website to browse through our outdoor furniture collection.
