The leaves are changing, the temperature is cooling down, the nights are starting earlier and earlier every day...fall is here! As we welcome fall we get to relish in all the great things this season brings. Who doesn’t love nice walks up in the foothills with crisp cool air and the transformation of colors along the Boise Greenbelt as the leaves change? As we break out the sweaters and the blankets it is also time to start putting some things away and getting ready for the season of weather ahead. 

Having a great outdoor patio set is a must for any home to enjoy your outside spaces as much as your indoor ones. Patio furniture is a big investment. Left without proper care and maintenance these pricey chairs can break down way before their time. Maintaining and weatherizing your patio furniture is something that should be on the top of your fall cleaning list. Here are some tips for caring for your patio furniture so that you can enjoy them for many more seasons to come.

Season Cleaning

Give a thorough cleaning to all of the metal and glass of your patio furniture. While cleaning, pay special attention to any signs of rust. Your aluminum furniture should be coated in a rust-resistant powder coating. However, cast iron and wrought iron pieces are more susceptible to rust. Be sure to use a wire brush or steel wool to remove any spots of rust found when cleaning. This is also a great time to do some simple maintenance like making sure all the joints are tight and adjusting screws or bolts that may need tightening. Your plastic furniture can benefit from a good scrub brush to get any hard-to-clean dirt or stains. We recommend dish soap and water for cleaning all of your patio furniture. For your pads and cushions, a good vacuum and sweeping will help prevent any mold from developing over the winter months. 

Treating

Now that you have a clean surface to work on it is time to address all of those scratches and rust spots found in the cleaning. For aluminum, coating with an automotive wax after cleaning can add lasting protection to the paint and surfaces. To cover scratches on aluminum pieces simply match any exterior car paint. For the cast wrought iron pieces coat them with wrought iron exterior spray paint to apply extra strength where rust or excessive wear is showing. 

Storing

Now that everything is cleaned and treated for the next set of summer BBQs everything must be stored or covered. Your wrought iron, aluminum, and synthetic wicker pieces can all stay outside the entire winter months if properly covered. It is likely that your outdoor furniture designer offers a cover for purchase too. If you are looking for an alternative to a manufactured cover simply using a good tarp and bungee or rope can do the job. Your plastic furniture and real wicker need to be stored inside so that they do not crack in the winter months. It is important that all your cushions and pads are stored in a dry place and fully covered for the season. 

Now that everything is put away you may want to go out and enjoy a weekend and not worry about chores. We can help with that. Give the caring team at 208 Cleaning a call and see how we can help tidy up your life.