Al fresco cleaning methods don’t stray from traditional means
It’s no secret that more and more Americans are craving outdoor living spaces for everything from casual entertaining to formal candlelight dining. The recently published “2006 Home Design Trends Survey” from The American Institute of Architects reported that the demand for outdoor living spaces has surged from 47 percent in 2005 to 67 percent in 2006, and is on track to continue rising into 2007.
“As homeowners spend more time creating their outdoor retreats, it’s also important to consider the best way to clean and maintain the furnishings that grace those spaces,” says Ginger Johnson, national marketing manager of high-end outdoor furnishings company Gloster Furniture Inc.
Offering a variety of stylish outdoor designs in teak, sling and woven furniture, Gloster helps homeowners create an environment that is not confined by walls, but defined by a sense of personal space: a stylish oasis of peace, relaxation and freedom.
Experts at Gloster recommend thinking about cleaning outdoors much in the way you clean indoors. You wouldn’t clean your dining room table with harsh chemicals that can damage the finish. The same is true for outdoor furniture.
“When considering the proper care for outdoor furniture, it’s important to remember that not all materials are created equal,” Johnson said. “While different types of furniture require different methods of upkeep, they can all maintain their beauty and grace the backyard for many years.”
Teak
Gloster recommends using a nontoxic teak protector with a water-based formula to protect the wood from stains. Strong cleaners can alter natural teak oils, remove the soft grain and literally deteriorate expensive teak, so it is best to use the mildest cleaner possible.
Left untreated, teak will naturally weather to a beautiful silvery-gray patina and last for generations with minimal care. Gloster recommends that you allow your teak furniture to weather as nature intended and simply clean it thoroughly once or twice a year.
Some consumers prefer to store their furniture indoors during the winter, but experts advise them to store their teak outdoor furniture in a garden shed or garage. Moving teak directly from the garden straight into a heated indoor room for storage exposes it to sharp differences in temperature and humidity, and may cause the wood to split.
Woven
Experts recommend a nontoxic and water-based formula cleaner for all-weather woven furniture as well. Carefully follow the instructions on the label. Be sure to purchase a nonfoaming cleaner for your man-made woven furniture, since the foaming variety can leave residue in the gaps in-between the weave which will actually attract dirt.
A garden hose can be used on all-weather wovens, but avoid using a pressure washer on any wood on the furniture, since the water pressure can erode the surface of the timber.
If you notice small abrasion marks on your all-weather woven furniture, it could be caused by wear over the years. You can repair these small scratch marks yourself, but proceed with caution. Carefully and briefly direct a heat source, such as the small flame of a handheld lighter, at the affected area. As the heat affects the fibers, rub the scratches away with a piece of hard cardboard to restore a smooth edge.
Gloster recommends testing the technique on an unseen portion of your furniture in order to refine your technique, and to use the heat source sparingly. Always take caution when using a heat source and never apply any flame to sling outdoor furniture.
Metal
Many stainless steel, aluminum and wrought iron frames can be cleaned with water and mild soap, if your furniture is certified rust-resistant or rust-free. If not, then use paste wax to protect it from corroding or rusting. If brown spots appear on stainless steel they can be cleaned by gently rubbing the surface of the steel, in the direction of the brushed finish, with a mildly abrasive plastic cleaning pad.
Covering metal outdoor furniture when not in use or storing indoors will help to protect it from the elements and the sun’s harmful rays.
A little maintenance now can keep your outdoor furniture in wonderful shape for years to come, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your backyard or natural space. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when caring for your outdoor furniture, and keep them in a safe place for easy access when it’s cleaning time.
For more information, please visit www.Gloster.com.
Information courtesy Gloster Furniture Inc.