Outdoor living and entertaining has always been a favorite
during warm weather. The selection of materials and styles
for your patio, deck, backyard or garden furniture is as
varied as ever. The quality of these furnishings has
improved greatly and is reflected in the cost.

Following some simple care suggestions will extend the life of your garden, patio or deck furniture and provide you with the service you expected.

The methods of care for your outdoor teak furniture will
differ from the care and maintenance needed for your
aluminum patio furniture.

Follow the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning
and maintaining the finish at regular intervals. Some
outdoor furniture finishes require reapplication at
regular intervals. If you are unable to perform the regular
maintenance, contact a professional refinisher in your
area for assistance.

General Outdoor Furniture Care Tips

Store patio furniture indoors or cover well when not in use.
Remove wooden furniture from standing water.
Avoid direct contact with damp soil for extended periods.


Cleaning and Dusting

Between cleanings, wood should be dusted regularly,
at least once a week. Never dust with a dry cloth. Most
dust particles have sharp edges that can easily cut into
and scratch the finish of your home's wood furniture.
Because of these sharp edges, dry dusting should be
avoided.

Never use a feather duster. A feather duster simply
scatters dust particles into the air, where they can fall
back to rest on and harm your living room, dining room,
and bedroom furniture.
For best results, use a clean, washable, lint-free cotton
cloth, such as an old T-shirt, a cotton diaper, or a
dishtowel. Make sure the cloth is free of buttons, snaps,
zippers, etc., which could harm the finish of your home
furniture.