How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture the Right Way

Regular cleaning is an important part of keeping your patio area looking fresh and inviting.  Whether it be a dreary winter or a wet spring, these things can take a toll on your patio furniture.  Basic maintenance will help not only keep your furniture looking good but lasting much longer as well.  Follow these basic tips to spruce up your patio for summer barbeques or cuddling around the firepit in the winter.

Getting Started

If you leave your furniture out for the fall and winter, it can accumulate a lot of dry debris.  The dirt and foliage from surrounding plants can gather on your furniture. This can be easily cleaned with a soft bristle brush or a dry cloth or even a broom.  Once the dry pieces are removed, you can use a hose or a wet rag to wipe down the frames of your furniture.  (Do not use a power washer as it is too powerful and may damage your furniture or rip your slings.)

Plastic

Plastic and resin furniture is inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of styles, making it the most popular choice for deck and lawn furniture. It also happens to be the easiest to maintain. Skip the abrasives (which can scuff the surface) and simply spray with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe down with a sponge or damp cloth to keep plastic furniture looking good.

Metal

Metal furniture can come in a variety of types: wrought iron, cast aluminum and aluminum are the most common types in lawn furniture.  These types of sturdy metal frames can be easily cleaned by using a sponge or brush to clean.  We recommend using mild dish soap or a product called “Simple Green” which can be sprayed on the frames.

If you find that your furniture has started to rust, you should try to use steel wool to remove the rust.  If not removed, it can damage your frames over time.  The best way to combat rust is to have the furniture powder coated, which can bring your furniture to a nearly brand new finish which will last for many years.  This repair can be costly, but it will benefit you and your furniture in the long term.

Slings

Slings are made from PVC-coated material and can take a lot of wear and tear, making it perfect for outdoor patio furniture.  The best way to clean sling material is to use a soft bristle brush dipped in a bucket of water with a little mild detergent or bleach.  Use the brush to gently scrub away the stains and dirt on your slings.  Do not use a power washer as the pressure typically will cause the slings to tear or split.  You can also use a product called Simple Green to clean the slings or frames.  Just spray it down, scrub the tough areas, and rinse away with a hose. 

Dealing With Mold

Mold is very hard to avoid especially during the long wet spring.  Showers will bring rain and humidity that can often result in mildew in damp cushions or furniture.  The best way to battle mildew is to wait for the furniture to try, then try to remove as much of the surface mold as possible with a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent diluted in a gallon of warm water.  You can use white cleaning vinegar to clean any trouble spots.  Most fabrics used in patio furniture are bleach safe, so you can also use diluted bleach in a bucket of warm water as well as it is very effective in removing mold and mildew.

How To Clean Your Outdoor Patio Cushions:

Cushions make a fun and comfortable addition to your patio furniture.  While these cushions look so nice when fresh and new, over time being outdoors can lead to a lot of wear and tear.  Outdoor cushions fabrics are designed to withstand the elements by being UV-treated and stain resistant.  The best way to keep these cushions looking as good as new is learning the best way to clean them and keep them nice. 

It is best if you clean your cushions at least at the end of the season (if you plan on storing them through the off seasons) and the beginning of the season so that your cushions can be ready for a full summer of use!  Here are some easy steps to keeping your cushions clean through the whole year.

Step 1: Vacuum up loose debris.

Using an upholstery attachment or a handheld vacuum, vacuum over the surface of the cushion to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to seams and crevices that could hide dirt and be careful around buttons or other decorative elements. You can also use a soft bristle brush to gentle brush away debris and grime.

Step 2: Scrub with cleaning solution.

You can use several solutions to clean your cushions.  If the material is bleach safe, dilute bleach in water according to the instructions on the bottle.  You can also use a mild detergent in a bucket of water. Use a soft bristled brush dipped in the cleaning solution to scrub the entire surface, going back over rough areas as needed.

Step 3: Rinse cushions using garden hose.

Use a garden hose on low to medium pressure to rinse off the cushions. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away all of the cleaning solution. Do not use a pressure washer as this might damage the fabric.

Step 4: Let dry completely.

Squeeze out any excess water with your hands if possible, then blot the fabric with a clean towel to soak up as much moisture as possible. Prop the cushions up vertically and allow them to air-dry completely. Set them in a sunny spot to speed up the drying time.

The Slings And Arrows Of Outrageous Fortune… And Porch Furniture 

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That might not be how the classical Shakespeare quote goes exactly, but since we've got your attention, let's talk about some of the common types of slings that we sell on our e-commerce website.

We have the high-quality cheery summer furniture that you can use on patios and porches, around pools, on decks and docks, and generally around the front yard or backyard. Did you know that the clear-cut areas around your property are descended from early “yards” that were timbered to keep wolves from around the doors of frontier homes? Okay, nowadays, you can bask in comfort without worrying about attack, for the most part. Our outdoor furniture can help. These are comfortable installations that can help you to veg out in summer, or even catch a few Zs.

Chair Slings

These are your everyday run-of-the-mill slings that seat one person comfortably. Chair slings are great for sitting around a table, or for various kinds of event seating, like watching someone play the guitar or some other more exotic instrument. They're basically the standard type of sling that we sell.

Chaise Lounge Sling

These are those two-panel lounge chair slings that allow you to lie back and relax. They're super popular around a pool area and because they’re built as a sling, they’re portable and light. We have them available in the colors and patterns that you love!

Loveseat Sling

This is pretty much just what it sounds like – a place for two lovers to sit on a warm summer evening, basking in each other’s company, and whispering sweet nothings into each other's ears, or whatever lovers do. That's up to them. We build high-quality durable frames with the two-person sling draped carefully across the rods and frames of our top-tier outdoor equipment.

Ottoman Slings

No, we’re not talking about history – we’re talking about when you want someplace to prop up your feet.

The ottoman or footstool is a much-desired accessory where lounging is a priority. Our ottoman slings are simply designed to be portable and not take up a lot of space. Get matching styles where appropriate, and a build that will stand the tests of time.

We offer help with sizing, measuring and delivering mesh fabric slings, not to mention cushions, pillows and other types of home furnishings. Check out the whole catalog and get what you want for every season of the year, to show off your home or other property in style.

Three Easy Ways To Update Your Home

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Let's face it; no matter how much you love your home, you’ll still always want to try and find new ways to improve how it looks. Changing things up a little bit can make your house look and feel completely different, breathing new life into your living spaces. While many people want to spruce up their homes, most people can’t decide what will give them the biggest bang for their bucks. Luckily, there are thousands of different ways you can change the look and feel of your home on any budget and, for your convenience, we have compiled a list of the three best ones.

Change Up Your Existing Room Designs

This first option is pretty simple and doesn’t require any money. Rearranging the furniture in your home is an excellent place to start for anyone looking to change things up in their house. Because you’re not buying anything and just moving the furniture you already own, this option is by far the cheapest and most accessible.

You may think that simply changing the layout of your furniture won't make your home feel any different, but you’d be surprised with the results.  Many people can attest that doing something as simple as moving your couch can make your home feel a whole lot better.

Update Your Outdoor Spaces

The second option sticks to the furniture theme. If you have any outdoor furniture, this is the perfect option for you; all it involves is switching out the cushions. This may seem like a bit of change, but it will have a significant effect on the appearance of your patio and home.

By changing the cushions on your furniture, you open the door to a variety of possibilities that are all capable of making your house look stunning. Anyone with outdoor furniture should give this a shot. It’s inexpensive, effective, and guaranteed to make your home look amazing.

A Fresh Coat Of Paint

Finally, an option that doesn’t involve furniture. Painting your house may seem daunting, but it is one of the best ways to make it look and feel different. By changing the color of the interior of your home, you can completely alter its appearance. And in the modern age, painting your home is not nearly the hassle it used to be.

Painting requires minimal effort if you choose to hire someone to do it for you. While it may feel like a big step, we can guarantee that it will make your home feel completely different.

Choosing your patio chair cushions

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It’s springtime, and lots of people are looking at housewares (or, if you prefer, home furnishings) for the outdoors. They have a wide variety of options to choose from – all sorts of e-commerce shops and brick-and-mortar stores are offering different types of colorful and attractive chair cushions, outdoor pillows and other items for your home.

How do you choose? Here are three major tips for getting the best chair cushions and pillows for your property.

Material Choices

One of the most important considerations is what your chair cushions and pillows are made out of. For example, we offer products made with solution dyed acrylics, and products with an SDA blend that tends to be stain repellent. We also have items made with sling fabric. You can read up on each of these in their utility and durability on our website. Be sure to check out products made with Tempotest fabric, an Italian-made product that stands the tests of time and passes each test with flying colors.

The Look

Of course, you want vibrantly bright colored chair cushions and pillows. Find items that match your furniture or paint tones for a patio or porch. The brighter the color and bolder the lines, the more these accessories will help your property pop and increase the curb appeal of your home or investment property. Just ask an AirBnB owner who wants to deck out their house in the most attractive way for weekly or monthly use. Guaranteed, they're looking for color and style, and they’ll probably tell you that having these smaller items in place makes a big difference in demand and marketability, because buyers appreciate these little things. 

The Feel

Although your design patterns are important, it’s also helpful to think about how your chair cushions and pillows feel to the touch. You want a certain firmness, but not a “cold” hard and scratchy texture. You want these items to be decently filled to be firm, and not fall apart quickly over time. All of this can be hand-tested, or you can take advantage of our ecommerce model that guarantees high quality products. We carry items like placements for outdoor dining, as well as our line of patio slings that delight households everywhere. We have a variety of chaise lounge cushions, bench cushions, and more for your  home. Let us help to dress up your yard or outdoor space for the season ahead, and every season into the future.

Outdoor Fabrics – How to Choose the Right One

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Soaking up the great outdoors often means sprucing up or acquiring new outdoor furniture, which is an investment into your property and your way of life. Outdoor furniture is a sustainable resource that helps you connect with nature’s best at home. When you go shopping, the right information can help you turn your outdoor area into that tranquil oasis you’ve been dreaming of.

Start With Purpose and Performance

All outdoor fabrics are created for a purpose and rated accordingly. Some may be designed to perform best on a covered porch while others are created for permanent outdoor exposure. To ace this purpose and performance thing, it helps to know a little about the fabrics and brands. Here are some of the best options.

Types of Fabric and Brands

Solution-Dyed Acrylics – This medium to heavy-weight water-resistant fabric is designed for durability with a high thread count that gives it strength. It’s created for applications that will be permanently exposed to the elements like umbrellas, awnings, and outdoor cushions. Solution-dyed acrylic (SDA) fabric is super fade resistant and easy to clean because the fibers are dyed before being spun into long-lasting performance fabric.

Sunbrella, Outdura, Fortress Performance, and Tempotest are some of the hottest names in the outdoor fabric industry. They offer superior solution-dyed acrylic (SDA) fabrics that are stylish, cost-effective, and sustainable. Sunbrella is a popular brand boasting up to 1,500 hours of exposure before beginning to fade. Outdura SDA fabrics are bleach cleanable as well as ultraviolet, mold, and mildew resistant.  Tempotest specializes in machine washable SDA fabrics that are easy to maintain without harsh chemicals. Fortress Performance is engineered to have an ultra-soft feel with all the desirable qualities of an SDA fabric.

SDA Blend – When solution-dyed acrylic fibers are blended with polyester, you get a high-performing SDA fabric with tons of design options. These fiber blends are designed for performance with unique stain repellent abilities. While competitively priced, the SDA polyester blend is a top-quality outdoor fabric that takes aesthetics to the next level. It offers bright fresh colors that retain their strength while being fade resistant and easy to clean.

Sunbelievable fabrics are created for performance and beauty with virtually unlimited design options.

Sling Fabric – This vinyl-coated polyester fabric is brilliant for permanent outdoor applications. It’s a type of PVC mesh with a weaved appearance that allows water to pass through quickly. Sling fabric doesn’t stretch making it ideal for poolside applications and patio chairs because it doesn’t require cushions. It’s fade-resistant and dries quickly for long-lasting performance out in the elements.

Phifertex Fabrics are ideal for waterside applications and patio furniture. This special fabric dries quickly and requires no special maintenance.

When it’s time to update your patio furniture, look no further than Chair Care Patio. We’ve been repairing, restoring, and replacing high-quality outdoor furniture for more than three decades. Contact Chair Care Patio today to create your ideal outdoor oasis.