Looking to buy a new Fabric Garden Furniture set or reuse existing furniture? Here are our do's and dont's of getting your Outdoor Furniture ready all year round.
Whether you have a large, plush garden or a yard the size of a postage stamp, now is the time to get out into your backyard and enjoy the return of the sunshine. from weekend barbecues with family and friends to romantic evenings spent sipping wine by the light of candles and fireflies or relaxing on a swing seat with a good book.
So, if you are considering purchasing new Fabric Garden Furniture sets for your outdoor space or want to make the most of your old furniture, wondering how to best take care of it. So here are our do's and dont's of getting your Outdoor Fabric Garden Furniture ready, along with how to style them and keep it looking its best all summer long.
Tips on how to clean your fabric garden furniture sets
If you've invested in any outdoor furniture, you know how important it is to keep it clean. Many of these materials can withstand the elements. Still, they can also be vulnerable to other factors, such as sun damage, mould and mildew. Pick a sunny day and use mild dish soap and warm water to clean your furniture to keep them looking its best. Use a soft brush to remove dust or any crumbs, and rinse to remove all traces of soap. Give it time to dry out before replacing the furniture or moving it back to a shady spot. Note: no matter what you have covering your furniture set, if you don't clean it occasionally, it will get mouldy and mildew. Also, if your iron furniture is wrought, you'll need special care to prevent rust.
Do Get to know your fabric
Outdoor furniture is typically durable and water-resistant. But certain fabrics won't perform as well as others outdoors. Like our indoor and outdoor fabric cushions, the best outdoor cushions are kid and pet friendly. They won't get ruined in the rain. Opt for weatherproof materials like polyester, acrylic, or olefin if shopping for cushions. These outdoor fabrics are easy to clean and withstand harsh sunlight and moisture.
Natural fibres like linen, cotton, canvas, or wool are good options for your garden furniture cushions. Still, they'll need additional treatment to protect them from fading and mildew. You'll want to buy cushion covers with a water-repellent finish. You can choose from various colours—just make sure they're fade-resistant!
If you want an extra layer of protection against stains and spills, look for machine-washable cushion covers: They'll be easy to clean with just a little soap and water. And before you store them for the winter, let them dry thoroughly to prevent mould and mildew build-up.
How to protect your fabric garden furniture sets
Don't use a pressure washer
Many people use pressure washers to clean their patio areas and outdoor fabric garden furniture sets. However, while they might seem like a good idea at first, pressure washers are far too powerful for cleaning most types of outdoor furniture. They can easily strip away paint and varnish - not to mention the fabric on some fabrics - so try to avoid using them! Instead, use a cloth with warm water and soap to carefully remove dirt from your chairs with ease.
Don't leave cushions outside in poor weather.
Don't place your fabric garden furniture sets in areas that are particularly exposed to the elements. They might be weatherproof, but they will deteriorate if you leave your furniture out in the rain or under direct sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing them next to heaters and firepits. The fabric is designed to withstand some heat and can handle a bit of smoke, but too much will cause the material to become discoloured and brittle over time.
Do invest in a furniture cover
It's no secret that the British weather can be unpredictable. You must keep your new or old fabric garden furniture sheltered from the elements. A cover is a great way to keep your new garden furniture in tip-top condition throughout the season. If you want to keep your fabric outdoor furniture clean, remove any dirt and debris before putting it under the cover. Doing this will prevent dirt and rot from forming on your furniture.
Finally, how to style them
When you're thinking about how to arrange your outdoor furniture, there are a few questions to ask yourself before you start shopping. First up, what do you have space for? A six seat rattan sofa, a pair of chairs, a bench or maybe a large adult sheepskin bean bag? Measure your space and consider its shape. Is it long and narrow or wide and square? That'll help determine which forms of table and chairs are most appropriate. Then think about how you'll use the area—what will be the primary focus? In this case, it's the outdoor rug, so that can be positioned in the centre of the space. Then add a sofa to one side and some chairs on the other for an L-shape layout that's great for conversation.