Outdoor furniture is a great way to add style and function to your backyard or patio. It allows you to enjoy the beautiful weather and spend time with friends and family. However, with exposure to the elements, your outdoor furniture can quickly become covered in dust, dirt, and grime.
In this blog post, we will discuss different ways to protect your outdoor furniture from dust, rust, and other weather conditions so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Different Ways to Protect Outdoor Furniture from Dust
Inspect the Source of Dust
First, it’s important to understand the source of dust on outdoor furniture. Dust is made up of small particles of dirt, sand, and other debris that can be carried through the air or blown by the wind. This dust can settle on furniture surfaces, making them appear dirty and dingy. Dust can also accumulate in the crevices of furniture, making it difficult to clean.
Keep the Surrounding Area Clean
To prevent dust from settling on your furniture, it’s important to keep the area surrounding it clean and free of debris. This can be achieved by regular sweeping and dusting in the surrounding areas and also by placing the furniture away from dust-prone areas such as dirt roads, construction sites, and busy streets.
Use Furniture Covers
One way to protect your outdoor furniture from dust is by covering it with furniture covers. Furniture covers are designed to fit snugly over your furniture, keeping dust and dirt off of the surfaces. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can find one that fits your specific furniture piece.
Be sure to choose a cover made from a durable material that can withstand the elements, such as polyester or PVC-coated fabrics. Furniture covers also protect your furniture from sun, rain, and other elements that can cause damage over time.
Clean Furniture Regularly
Another way to protect your outdoor furniture from dust is by regularly cleaning it. This will remove any dirt or debris that has settled on the surfaces. Cleaning can be as simple as wiping down your furniture with a damp cloth or using a pressure washer to blast away dirt and grime. For tough stains, you can use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the surfaces.
Be sure to rinse the furniture thoroughly to remove any soap residue. If you have cushions or pillows on your furniture, remove them and clean them separately. Sunlight and fresh air can help get rid of the musty smell that might occurs, so don’t forget to leave them outside to air out and dry completely.
Use Furniture Protectant Spray
Another good option is using a furniture protectant spray, that help to repel dust and dirt, and also protect the furniture from UV rays, mildew and other elements.
Apply Wood Sealer
Lastly, if your outdoor furniture is made from natural materials such as teak, cedar or redwood, applying a coat of sealant or oil that helps to protect the wood from moisture and sunlight, this will help to slow down the aging process and also making it more resistant to dust and dirt.
Tips to Protect Outdoor Furniture from Rust?
There are several ways to protect outdoor furniture from rust:
- Use a rust inhibitor: Before storing outdoor furniture for the winter, clean it thoroughly and then apply a rust inhibitor, such as WD-40 or a similar product, to all metal surfaces. This will help to prevent rust from forming.
- Use a sealant: Some outdoor furniture is made from metal that has been treated with a sealant or a powder coating, which helps to protect it from rust. You can purchase sealant or powder coating and apply it to the metal surfaces of your outdoor furniture yourself.
- Store in a dry place: Make sure to store outdoor furniture in a dry place, such as a shed or garage, when not in use. Moisture is a major contributor to rust, so keeping your furniture dry is an important step in preventing rust from forming.
- Cover the Furniture: A furniture cover is a great way to protect furniture from rust when not in use. The cover will keep the furniture dry, and prevent it from exposure to UV radiation, which can also cause damage.
- Use of Varnish: In case of wood furniture, use of varnish will help protect it from moisture and rust. Before applying varnish, ensure that the furniture is clean and dry.
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor furniture will also help to keep it in good condition and prevent rust from forming.
It’s important to keep in mind that, even with proper care and maintenance, outdoor furniture will eventually begin to show signs of wear and tear, including rust. However, taking steps to protect your furniture from rust will help to prolong its life and keep it looking good for as long as possible.
Read: Can Patio Furniture Get Wet?
Tips to Protect Outdoor Furniture from The Sun and Rain
There are several ways to protect outdoor wood or metal furniture from the sun and rain:
- Use furniture covers: A furniture cover is a great way to protect outdoor furniture from the sun and rain when not in use. The cover will keep the furniture dry and prevent it from being exposed to UV radiation, which can cause damage.
- Use a sealant: Applying a sealant or varnish to your outdoor wood furniture is a great way to protect it from rain. The sealant will create a barrier that will keep water from soaking into the wood, which can cause it to warp, rot, or crack. Be sure to use a sealant that is specifically formulated for outdoor use.
- Place furniture under a pergola or gazebo: A pergola or gazebo is a great way to provide shade for outdoor furniture and protect it from the sun and rain.
- Use outdoor umbrellas or awnings: An outdoor umbrella or awning can be placed over outdoor furniture to provide shade and protection from the sun and rain.
- Store Furniture in a covered area: If you don’t have a pergola, gazebo, or awning, you can store your outdoor furniture in a covered area, such as a shed or garage, when not in use to protect it from the elements.
- Use UV protectant: You can also use UV protectant sprays or oils to protect your furniture from the sun. It will create a barrier between sun rays and furniture.
- Use of Oil or Wax: You can also use oils or wax to protect the wood furniture, this will help prevent water to be absorbed and make the wood look good.
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor furniture will also help to keep it in good condition and prevent sun and rain from damaging it.
It’s important to keep in mind that no matter how well you protect your outdoor furniture, it will still experience some wear and tear from exposure to the sun and rain. However, taking steps to protect your furniture from the elements will help to prolong its life and keep it looking good for as long as possible.
Read Also: Can You Leave Patio Furniture Outside In Winter?
In conclusion
Protecting your outdoor furniture from dust, rust and keeping dry is important to ensure that it lasts for years to come. By keeping the surrounding area clean, covering it with furniture covers, regularly cleaning it, using furniture protectant spray or sealer, and maintaining natural materials properly, you can keep your outdoor furniture looking clean and new.
With a little bit of care and attention, your outdoor furniture will be a beautiful and functional addition to your patio or backyard for many seasons to come.