A rocking chair is a beautiful addition to any patio. However, with dust, debris, and animals, they can be hard to keep clean. As your patio furniture accumulates dust, it’ll begin to look aged and dirty. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your white rocking chair clean.
To keep the brightness of upholstery and solid material white, you’ll have to make different cleaning habits. We outline different ways to keep your white furniture looking brand new - from the time you buy it through each summer. Keep reading to learn how to keep your wood, metal, or plastic patio furniture flawless.
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How To Keep Wood, Metal, and Plastic Clean
When it comes to wood, metal, and plastic, you’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure they aren’t gathering dust. To keep the white bright, you’ll need to focus on upkeep. There are four major steps to take that will keep your white patio furniture in optimal shape.
1. Seal or wax it
Sealing and waxing your furniture will help it resist dust and debris and make it easier to clean. You won’t need to seal plastic furniture, but there are products you can use on metal and wood.
For metal furniture, use paste wax. This will help water bead off, resisting dust and preventing rust. Paste wax is the perfect safeguard for any metal patio furniture that you have. To apply paste wax:
- Thoroughly clean furniture with a damp cloth
- Apply wax using a wide paintbrush
- Allow drying completely
- Apply another coat for additional protection
To protect wood furniture, you can apply varnish or lacquer sealants. These will waterproof the wood and help bead off water and dust. Depending on the sealant you choose, you may apply it with a brush or spray. Make sure to sand the wood between coats.
2. Keep out of sunlight
There’s nothing like sitting on your back deck and enjoying the beautiful sunlight beating down on your skin. However, it’s not necessarily great for your white patio furniture. Try to resist all temptation and keep your white furniture out of the sunlight as much as possible. Direct sunlight will begin to yellow-white furniture over time. This makes it look aged.
Instead, keep white furniture in the shade and enjoy the cooler environment. Pour a glass of lemonade and read a book where you aren’t in direct sunlight. It’s better for you and the longevity of your furniture.
3. Spot clean
Occasional annoying spills and patches of dirt are unavoidable. When this happens, you probably won’t want to perform a deep clean every time. Luckily, you can take five to ten minutes and spot clean your white furniture to freshen it up. When you notice a spill or patch of dust or debris, get out your pale. Mix a bucket full of warm water with some dish soap until suds begin to form. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub away stains and dust.
This small task will help upkeep your furniture so the next time you deep clean it, your job is easier to complete.
4. Deep clean
One to two times a season, you’ll want to perform a deep clean to rid your white rocking chair of any dust and debris. For your deep clean, set aside an hour to get into the nooks and crannies. This deep clean should be thorough and focused. Use a bucket full of warm water mixed with a vinegar solution. The vinegar will help whiten and brighten the furniture back up after a season full of dust and debris.
If you keep up with your spot cleaning, this process will be easy. Wipe down the entire structure of the patio furniture to rid it of any dirt. If you see rust forming on metal furniture, take steel wool to scrub away the rust.
How To Keep Upholstery Clean
Now that you’ve kept the structure of your furniture clean, it's time to keep the upholstery white as well. Here are five tips to keeping your furniture upholstery clean:
1. Stain guard
When you first purchase your patio furniture, stain guard the upholstery. This will help prevent stains, and it will waterproof the upholstery. When you buy your stain guard, follow the directions on the bottle. It's typically an easy spray application with a brief drying period.
2. Slipcovers
If you have kids or pets, you might want to consider slipcovers. Slipcovers are especially handy if your upholstery doesn’t come off to be washed. They are also a good transitional piece and will allow you to change the decor of your outdoor living space. Shop from a variety of removable slipcovers to make a statement in your backyard.
3. Lint roll
Hair, debris, and dust can accumulate and make your upholstery look dirty. Often, a look roller can pick it up easily. If you have pets, this is especially important for removing hair before it imbeds in the fabric. Use the sticky side to pick up any loose particles on the upholstery.
Lint rollers are an easy and cheap product that makes a big difference in your patio furniture.
4. Spot clean
Minor stains or patches of dust? You can spot clean it using a stain remover and microfiber cloth. If you’ve stain guarded your furniture, this step will be extra easy. Spray the furniture thoroughly, let it soak for a few minutes, and pat the stain away.
If any spills occur, act fast to spot clean before the stain settles into the fabric.
5. Washing machine
When all else fails, remove the slipcovers and throw them in the washing machine. Carefully read the washing instructions provided. If possible, add bleach into the load to keep your furniture looking whiter longer. The washing machine will help get out any dust and debris that you’ve missed.
Conclusion
By following these easy steps, you’ve managed to keep your white rocking chair looking brand new. With a bright finish, your patio furniture is a statement piece in your backyard. Whether you purchased a metal, wood, or plastic chair, taking steps to keep it clean is necessary for a bright look.
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