14 Outdoor Furniture “Care Tips” That Will Ruin Your Pieces Faster

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Outdoor furniture is designed to stand up to the elements, providing a cozy and stylish place to chill on your back yard, porch or patio. But, while the intention is for these pieces to remain durable, a lot can go wrong when it comes to caring for them. Ironically, some of the “care” techniques that sound good when you say them can actually do more harm than good. In fact, a few of these well-intentioned tips can actually wear out your beloved furniture way before its time.

If you want your furniture to remain fresh and functional, here are the supposed care routines you want to avoid, no matter how well meaning they are.

Using Harsh Chemical Cleaners

After a long season of exposure to the elements, it’s tempting to reach for a strong cleaner to tackle tough stains. According to Hausers Patios, outdoor furniture, especially made of wood and wicker, is great in the summer sun, but can be stripped of protective coatings and natural oils by harsh chemical cleaners, putting them at risk from the sun and moisture. Instead of heavy duty cleaners, use mild soap and water. Imagine it as a little spa day for your furniture rather than a chemical scrub down.

Pressure Washing Everything

Photo Credit: Mark Schellhase/Wikimedia Commons

Pressure washers are powerful, but they’re not gentle. They work miracles on driveways and concrete, but many types of outdoor furniture, especially softer woods and woven materials, can’t take the intense pressure. A blast from a pressure washer can ruin that lovely wood grain in an instant, or leave wicker looking like a tornado has run through it. Use gentle washing methods on your furniture that will not damage it.

Using Oil Based Stains

Man working on furniture — Photo Credit : Pikwizard

Oil-based stains are great on certain types of wood, but not necessarily on outdoor furniture. In hot weather, these stains can become sticky trapping dirt and dust, leaving the surface looking grimy. For outdoor pieces, choose a stain or sealant made for use outside to dry properly and not be heat damaged.

Over-Oiling Wicker Furniture

Outdoor Patio With Brown Wicker Furniture Sofa Set — Photo Credit: Souranshi Fashion and Lifestyle Magazine/Pexels

Wicker furniture, though, can be tricky—it does need some oil to stay flexible and prevent cracking, but too much oil can cause mildew and mold growth. Excess oil attracts dust and retains moisture, which isn’t what you’re going for. Wicker furniture is fine with a light oiling once or twice a year, as you don’t want to invite mold in.

Using Bleach on Mildew

When mildew shows up, it’s only natural to reach for bleach. Bleach can kill mold, but bleach can also strip color and damage your furniture’s finish. Instead, use a vinegar and water solution to safely attack mildew without damaging your furniture’s aesthetic. Keep your furniture’s color intact and save the bleach for laundry day.

Using Regular Interior Paint

What about a quick touch up with leftover interior paint? Think again. Indoor paints are not designed to hold up to the wear of outdoor conditions, so they will chip, peel or fade much more quickly. Outdoor specific paints and finishes are intended to withstand weather and will prolong the life of your furniture far longer.

Not Sanding Before Refinishing

Yes, when it’s time to refinish your wooden furniture, you can skip the sanding step and save time, but you’ll wind up with a finish that won’t adhere properly. According to this EricEstate article, if you aren’t sanding, the finish will not be even, will peel more easily, and won’t last as long. Sanding may be a chore, but it is an important step in making a huge difference in durability.

Cleaning Glass With Abrasive Materials

Glass tabletops are such a thing, but they can scratch surprisingly easy. Don’t use harsh sponges or abrasive cleaning products that can leave marks and dull the shine. Use mild cleaner and a soft cloth for a streak free finish that won’t damage the surface.

Covering Furniture Too Much

It seems like common sense to cover furniture in harsh weather, but tight covers could backfire. The moisture often gets stuck under there, and that’s the perfect place for mold and mildew to breed. That’s especially a problem with fabrics and wooden surfaces that begin to smell musty or rot. Instead, go for breathable covers and make sure that there’s a bit of airflow below to prevent condensation.

Plastic Covers in Hot Weather

Furniture can be protected from the elements with plastic covers, but in hot weather they can trap heat, making materials such as wood and wicker warp. Plastics have a mini greenhouse effect, bringing on the heat and making the furniture material fade, crack or weaken. Instead of this, fabric covers with UV protection will work better when handle temperatures run high.

Over-Polishing Metal

Polishing metal furniture too often can do more harm than good, as it will wear away any protective coatings and leave the metal open to rust. Instead of always polishing, polish once or twice a year. It will also keep your metal pieces looking shiny without causing the surface to weaken.

Tape as a Way to Patch Smaller Tears

The temptation to grab a roll of tape and cover over small tears or breaks in cushions or fabrics as a quick fix may be strong, but it’s rarely a solution that will last. Sticky residue, dirt and eventually peeling will make the damage worse. For small rips, a stitch or a patch kit will be far more effective and will not stick out as much as the material you have.

Hot Water Washing Fabric Cushions

Throwing fabric cushions in hot water to ‘kill germs’ can actually do more harm than good, fading colours and weakening fibres. Instead, wash with lukewarm water (not hot), and in a gentle cycle (no agitation) or by hand if the fabric is delicate. This gentler approach preserves the look and feel of your cushions, and they’ll last season after season.

Not Letting Furniture Dry All the Way Before Covering

Some people get the idea that covering damp, wooden furniture with plastic will be harmless, and doesn’t really know that this will trap moisture and create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. If the furniture does feel a little damp, cover it when it’s completely dry. It’s a simple step that can help you avoid the unpleasant surprise of finding moldy furniture the next time.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.