Keeping your commercial outdoor furniture looking great and in good working order, can translate into less time and money spent on repairs. This article will go over tips for maintaining your commercial outdoor furniture to make caring for your investment much more straightforward.
Outdoor Furniture Maintenance Tips
1. Inspect each Season
This will help you catch any potential problems early on, which can save you time and money in the long run. If you have a fabric sling chair, be sure to look for areas that may be starting to fray or come apart. If there are any tears or holes in the fabric, they will need to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
Check for rust spots and signs of wear and tear for metal chairs and tables, such as scratched or dented surfaces. If you notice anything that needs attention, take care of it immediately to not worsen over time. Wooden furniture should also be inspected for any signs of rot or decay, as well as insect damage. If you find any problems, take the necessary steps to repair them before they get worse.
2. Clean your Furniture Regularly
Dirt and dust can build up over time and cause the furniture to look dingy and faded. Not only will this make the furniture less appealing to look at, but it can also lead to further damage over time. Be sure to use a soft cloth or brush to clean off any dirt, dust, or grime from all furniture surfaces. If any tough stains do not come off with regular cleaning, you can use a mild detergent or soap solution to help remove them.
Ensure to dry the furniture entirely after cleaning so that no moisture remains, leading to rusting or decay.
3. Apply a Coat of Sealant
This will help protect the metal from rusting and fading due to weather exposure. Be sure to use a sealant or paint specifically designed for metal surfaces, as other types may not provide adequate protection.
If you are using a coloured sealant or paint, be aware that it may start to chip and fade over time if it is exposed to direct sunlight. In this case, you may need to reapply the sealant or paint every year or so to keep the furniture looking its best.
Applying a coat of wood sealer every few years can help protect it from moisture and sun damage for wooden furniture. Make sure to choose a sealant meant for outdoor use, as it will be more durable than a standard sealant.
4. Keep Furniture away from Water
If your furniture is near a pool or any other type of body of water, it will be more susceptible to rusting and decay. In addition, the fabric on sling chairs can become wet and heavy if they are constantly exposed to moisture, which can lead to further damage over time. Try to keep the furniture as far away from water as possible to prevent any problems from occurring.
If you cannot move the furniture completely out of reach of water, at least make sure to dry it off thoroughly after it has been in contact with moisture.
5. Store Furniture Off Season
This will help protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. If you cannot store the furniture in a covered area, at least make sure to cover it with a waterproof tarp or cloth. Be sure to leave enough space between pieces of furniture so that air can circulate freely, as this will help prevent any rusting or decay from occurring.
If you live in a climate with extreme weather conditions (i.e., heavy rains, snow, etc.), it may be good to store the furniture indoors during those times of the year.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight for Long Periods
The sun can cause the colours on metal furniture to fade, and it can also dry out wooden furniture over time. If you cannot move the furniture out of the sun’s reach, try to provide some shade with a canopy or umbrella.
If you must leave the furniture in direct sunlight, be sure to apply a coat of sealant or paint every few years to help protect it from fading.
For fabric sling chairs, make sure to keep them in a shady area as much as possible – this will help prevent them from becoming faded and wet.
7. Keep Furniture away from Heat Sources
The extreme heat can cause metal furniture to warp, and it can also make wooden furniture brittle and crack. If you cannot move the furniture out of the way of a heat source, try to provide some insulation with blankets or towels.
If you must leave the furniture in direct contact with a heat source, be sure to apply a coat of sealant or paint every few years to help protect it from damage.
For fabric sling chairs, avoid placing them near any heating appliance – this will help prevent them from becoming wrinkled or melted.
8. Inspect Furniture Regularly
If you catch any problems early on, fixing them will be easier and less expensive. If you notice that a piece of furniture is starting to rust, decay, or warp, take action immediately to prevent further damage from occurring.
It is also a good idea to inspect the furniture every time you clean it – this way, you can take care of any minor issues before they turn into more significant problems.
Keep in mind that some types of damage (e.g., rusting) may not be visible until after the furniture has been cleaned.
9. Use a furniture Cover
This will help protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan.
There are various covers available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is made for outdoor furniture. This will ensure that the cover is durable enough to withstand weather conditions.
If you live in a climate with extreme weather conditions (i.e., heavy rains, snow, etc.), it may be good to store the furniture indoors during those times of the year.
Covers also come in handy if you have to move the furniture – they will keep it clean and protected while being transported.
10. Training your Staff
Make sure to have a written guide that outlines the proper steps for cleaning each type of furniture. This will ensure that everyone is using the same method and that no damage is being caused in the process.
It’s also important to schedule regular maintenance checks with your supplier – this way, any potential problems can be addressed before they become too serious.
11. Patience
The best way to keep your commercial outdoor furniture looking great for years to come is by taking care of it regularly. It may seem like a lot of work at first, but it will be worth it in the end.
Remember always to be patient and clean and maintain the furniture.
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