Now is the time to start preparing for the patio season just around the corner. Yes, I promise, it’s right around the corner!
The snow is almost gone and we can access the furniture stored in the shed or uncover the furniture that was protected on the deck or patio for the winter. Here are some tips so you are ready once the weather allows use of our patios, decks, balconies and docks:
- As soon as you can, clean up the hardscape. Rake and sweep up left over leaves, branches and sand from your patio, deck or balcony. This is easier to do before you put all your furniture is place. Its surprising once the snow is gone, how much debris winter leaves behind.
- If your furniture is covered, wait for a dry and sunny day to remove furniture covers. Many outdoor furniture covers are washable. Make a trip to the laundromat or machine wash if your washer has the capacity. You will need to line dry, so a sunny day is best for this chore.
- Dust off your wicker framed furniture, tipping it up to clean away the dust and cobwebs that have accumulated over the winter. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush for this job.
- If the day is warm enough, use a bucket of warm water with a small amount of dish soap to wash the wicker or aluminum frames of your furniture.
- Inspect your furniture cushions. After vacuuming the fabric, if there are any stains you can spot clean. The Sunbrella website has tips for cleaning your outdoor fabric which can be used on any good quality fabric. Most stains are easily removed with just a little soapy water applied with a sponge or cloth.
- Make sure to follow with a soft dry cloth to remove spots left from the cleaning process, especially on table tops.
- You are now ready to arrange your furniture as you plan to use it for the season. If it is still a bit early to actually sit outside, place your clean furniture covers back on so that as soon a Mother Nature allows, all you have to do is remove and relax!
We are carrying a new line of products to clean and protect your outdoor furniture and fabrics. Watch this newsletter and our social media feeds for the introduction of these great products.