For some, keeping your outdoor furniture in peak condition during rainstorms is as simple as sticking it in your shed or garage, but many could only dream of such a simple solution.
Luckily, James Ewens, Commercial Director at outdoor furniture experts Alexander Francis, has put together some tips on how you can make sure that you have some stunning furniture ready for when the sun returns!
“One of the quickest and easiest solutions to help keep your furniture in tip-top shape is to get a good waterproof cover for whatever furniture where you have no way of storing inside – but bear in mind that this won’t give 100% protection. It’s best to combine this with other protections to keep your chairs, tables, and whatever else you may have in the best condition possible.
“Wooden furniture is the kind that will need the most love here, as excess water can cause the wood to swell and become damaged, along with promoting rotting. The first thing to do is give it a good clean, removing any dirt, dust, moss or cobwebs that would lessen the strength on any waterproofing treatments.
“It can also be a good idea to sand down any particularly rough patches or sharp edges for the same reason, as well as improving the safety of the furniture to avoid any unwanted splinters. Finally, apply the protective coating of your choice – making sure it’s suitable for the wood you’re using it on and going with the grain – let dry, and cover up with tarp until the showers finally stop.
“When it comes to metal furniture, once again cleaning is the first step to take, from a sponge and warm water to a pressure washer if you really want to give it a good scrub. Instead of a varnish, with metal furniture it’s best to use a lubricant such as WD-40 to create a protective layer against the water and prevent rust. You can even use car wax to create an additional barrier if you want to be as safe as can be.
“It may go without saying, but you also want to absolutely avoid leaving any cushions or other items with fabric out during this period – this can also be a great opportunity to put everything in the wash before you’ll need it again. Leaving the fabric out in damp conditions can promote mildew growth, not only staining your fabric but also leaving a less-than-pleasant smell that just becomes harder to get rid of over time.”