| Cleaning outdoor furniture becomes a regular task | | | | low pressure hose and a scrubbing brush to |
| during the warm months when we are using our | | | | loosen and wash away droppings. Add borax or |
| outdoor living areas more often. There are also | | | | bicarb soda to the water for a natural alternative. |
| plenty of birds around who leave their calling cards | | | | Dishwasher detergent has some bleach for white |
| in the form of bird droppings on outdoor furniture | | | | plastic if you want to keep them white. But don't |
| and fixtures. | | | | use pure bleach or harsh cleaners on vinyl or |
| Prevention is the best way. By putting everything | | | | plastic as they will gradually break it down, and |
| away after use you will keep it in better condition | | | | also can leave discoloration. |
| for longer. However, the fact is most of us are | | | | After Clean Protection |
| not going to be carting outdoor furniture | | | | This makes cleaning the next time so much |
| backwards and forwards from storage every | | | | easier. Depending on weather conditions once or |
| time we want to use it. | | | | twice a year is good for a thorough clean and |
| Bird Dropping Damage | | | | applying other protective measures, in harsh |
| Just like on the paintwork of your car the acidic | | | | conditions perhaps every three months is better. |
| bird droppings can cause lasting damage if left | | | | * Wood/bamboo/Wicker – If these are |
| unkempt for a period of time. Besides that, it | | | | painted, or varnished, look for chipped or worn |
| looks very unsightly and it can be a little | | | | areas to repair by sanding and touching up. If the |
| embarrassing to be offering someone a seat | | | | wood is bare it will need some type of protection. |
| covered in mess. | | | | This can be done in several ways. You may |
| Bird dropping in large amounts can also pose a | | | | choose to oil it regularly by rubbing in something |
| health risk so be sure to never try to clean while | | | | like linseed oil with a soft cloth. Some choose to |
| dry as the inhaled dust can make you ill. | | | | use soft waxes which work nicely. |
| Once a Week Habit | | | | * Metals – like wood these might be painted, if |
| Getting into the routine of cleaning your outdoor | | | | so look for any weak spots regularly. Any mild |
| furniture as you do your indoor areas. A once a | | | | soapy water will be fine. If the bird droppings are |
| week wash over with mild detergent and warm | | | | built up over time you may need to use a high |
| water will go a long way to keeping things fresh | | | | pressure hose and wear protective gear to avoid |
| and only require a quick wipe over just before | | | | eye and inhalation problems. |
| use in some cases. Many times your outdoor | | | | * Plastic/resin/vinyl – there are really some |
| furniture will be ready to be used at anytime. | | | | fantastic designs on outdoor furniture being made |
| This gives you a regular opportunity to check and | | | | with these today. You'll find waterproof cushions |
| see if any repair work or restoration work might | | | | as well, but still give them a wash over now and |
| be needed. | | | | again and leave to dry in the sun. Soft waxes can |
| Furniture Types | | | | sometimes be suitable for resins but not always |
| Outdoor furniture is going to be made of wood | | | | good for the vinyl, so read cleaning |
| varieties, metal, plastic, hardwearing materials like | | | | recommendations on the product. |
| canvas, or a combination of these. Recycled | | | | * Material/Canvas – again a light scrub with |
| plastic furniture is a fantastic way to help the | | | | warm water and mild detergent will suffice here. |
| environment and get durable affordable furniture. | | | | Umbrellas can do with the same treatment. Wet |
| You can safely know that in all cases a good | | | | down first and use a soft scrubbing brush. Be |
| wash with a mild detergent in warm water will suit | | | | sure they are dried properly before storing away. |
| all types of furniture on a regular basis to keep | | | | Show the same concern for outdoor Show the |
| bird dropping under control. You may need to give | | | | same concern for outdoor furniture as you do for |
| vinyl cushions a wash in the basin and leave them | | | | your furniture inside and you will have it for many |
| to dry in the sun for a day or two. The sun is a | | | | years. You might even consider some sort of |
| natural killer of mould and mildew. | | | | cover to drape over them while not in use. Be |
| If your cleaning regime hasn't been regular use a | | | | sure it is well fastened in windy areas. |