Restaurant Patio Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Outdoor Furniture Clean

How to Keep Outdoor Furniture Clean

In this article, we’ll be going over some tips on how to keep outdoor furniture clean and looking great for years to come. There are a number of ways to go about maintaining your outdoor furniture, from regular cleanings to rotating furniture placement. Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping outdoor restaurant furniture comfortable, safe, and visually appealing. It also ensures that your initial investment continues to positively contribute to the ambiance of your outdoor patio or courtyard.

Tips for Outdoor Furniture Care

When it comes to outdoor furniture care, there are a variety of cleaning and maintenance tips that you can apply, depending on the material that the tables and chairs are constructed of:

Outdoor Wood Furniture

If you’re wondering how to care for outdoor wood furniture such as an infused hardwood outdoor restaurant table top, it all starts with establishing a regular cleaning routine—daily if possible, but several times a week at the least. After sweeping away any debris and rubbing out any dirt, use a mixture of mild soap or detergent mixed with water and gently scrub the furniture with a soft brush. After all the grime is removed, be sure to dry thoroughly.
Other tips to consider to maintain outdoor wood furniture (and other materials as well) include:

  • Apply a protective finish or sealant
  • Invest in quality furniture covers
  • Avoid harsh cleaners
  • Regularly restain or repaint
  • Position out of direct sunlight and/or harsh weather conditions
  • Inspect regularly
  • Store furniture indoors during the off-season

Outdoor Aluminum Furniture

Aluminum is resistant to rust and corrosion, which makes it especially appealing as outdoor patio furniture. But maintaining the appearance and durability still takes work. If you’re wondering how to clean metal patio furniture such as an all-aluminum outdoor table top or chair, it’s a fairly straightforward process utilizing warm, soapy water and gently scrubbing with a soft sponge, being sure to spot-clean stubborn stains afterward. It’s also advisable to apply aluminum polish or protective wax to the furniture, and to use weather-resistant covers when the table and chairs aren’t being used.

Wrought Iron Outdoor Furniture

There is a slight difference in how to clean patio furniture made of wrought iron compared to wood or aluminum. Specifically, you have to remove any small areas of rust that might accumulate using fine-grade steel wool. As far as maintaining wrought iron, it’s recommended that you apply a coat of automotive wax or specialized metal sealer to protect it from rusting in the elements. Touch-up paint can also be applied if any scratches or chips in the paint appear.
Now that you know a little more about how to clean patio chairs and tables so they last a long time in an outdoor eating or drinking space, take a minute to browse through all of the premium quality restaurant furniture available at Bistro Tables & Bases.