Summer may be the season of outdoor fun, but there’s no denying that it brings with it some extreme weather. From cloudfree days of blaring sun to unpredictable summer storms, there are a number of natural occurrences that can have a negative impact on your curated collection of backyard furniture. This is a valid cause of anxiety for many homeowners, but thankfully a number of solutions are available for protecting your backyard assets. Here are five effective tips to help you safeguard your outdoor furniture investment.
#1. Clean, Cool, and Collected
Keeping your outdoor furniture clean should be a priority year round, but this is especially true in the summer months when humidity and rain showers take their toll. Thankfully, even simple, regular cleanings can protect your backyard furniture. You don’t need an entire arsenal of cleaning supplies on hand to make a difference: just soap, warm water, and a rag is sufficient for removing mildew and grime from outdoor cushions.
If the mildew is particularly tough, a heavy stream from a hose can help break up the accumulation. Preventative measures such as durable outdoor furniture covers are essential in keeping grime and gunk at bay. From outdoor mattress covers to chair cushion covers, there is a cover for your furniture that will help cut down on the need to clean so often and keep your furniture cool and collected.
#2. Funk Free Fabric
Now that you know how to properly clean your outdoor fabrics, you can properly execute other methods of effective upholstery upkeep. Protective fabric sprays are a popular and widely available option for adding durability to your outdoor furniture. Fabric sprays provide a layer of grime and UV protection to any and all types of fabric, and can even be used on indoor furniture.
Application of these sprays is simple and does not require constant re-application: most fabric protection sprays only need to be applied from every 6 months to once a year. Picking up a spray solution next time you head to the hardware store will be an investment that will pay itself off in no time, and your fabrics will thank you for it.
#3. Sun Safety
You would never spend a day outside in the summer heat without applying sunscreen. So why should your outdoor furniture and appliances go unprotected from the sun? Constant exposure to UV rays can cause serious damage to your backyard living room or kitchen, from the fading of fabrics to the warping of wood decks and furniture.
The simplest solution for sun protection is making sure your backyard has ample shade coverage, be that with pergolas and canopies or smaller options such as umbrellas. Applying a fresh coat of paint to wood furniture and protection spray to metal frames adds another layer of protection. For appliances, your best option is a cover, such as a swamp cooler cover or griddle cover that will prevent UV damage and overheating. When a heatwave comes knocking, you’ll be glad to have covers on your side.
#4. Time For Tie Downs
It is common for summer showers to bring strong winds along with the rain. These potential gales can not only shake the trees but are more than capable of sending your backyard cushions flying. If you live in an area prone to strong winds, it is worth your time to consider what options are available for keeping your outdoor accessories anchored.
Look for outdoor cushions that feature built in ties on the edges to make securing them a breeze. If ties aren’t present, you can easily affix velcro strips to the bottom of the cushion and the seat of the furniture for a truly strong grip. Once you have ensured that your cushions aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, add a durable chair cover and your furniture will be ready for whatever nature throws its way.
#5. When In Doubt, Hide It Out
If you’re planning a summer vacation, proper storage of your outdoor furniture should be considered. You won’t be able to spring into action if the weather turns sour back home, and scorching rays or heavy rains can cause damage to your backyard living room. A simple solution to these worries is storing smaller and more lightweight pieces in the garage or a shed to keep them out of harm’s way.
Pillows, umbrellas, and other easy to move accessories can be tucked away safely in storage bags before you depart and put back in their respective spots when you arrive home. And for the more heavy duty components of your outdoor living room that can’t be easily moved, custom covers for any size furniture or appliance will help you keep your peace of mind while enjoying your much deserved holiday.
Conclusion
By implementing these five practical tips, you can ensure that your outdoor furniture remains in excellent condition throughout the unpredictable summer months. Shielding your investment from the elements will allow you to relish the joys of outdoor living without worrying about the impending weather changes.
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