Store Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last
?>
Download eBooks and Software
 Home Made Energy - The Best Diy Offer!
Feb. 2012 -- 52% Conv. On Back-end Sale. Choose The Energy Offer That Super Affiliates Promote - Today! For Aff Resources, Go To: Http://www.homemadeenergy.org/best/affiliates Also Check Out: Http://www.survivefoodcrisis.org/aff
Tedswoodworking.com 16,000 Plans - #1 On Home & Garden Category!
Insane Conversions Of 23%! Earn 75% On $67 Product. Earn Up To $80 Per Sale With Bonuses Plus Upsells! Hot Seller With Low Refunds. 16,000 Woodworking Plans With 150 Videos & Shed Plans. Affiliates Go To: Http://tedswoodworking.com/affiliates.htm
Power4home -- Powered By Webseeds.com - *proven Products
The Highest Converting Home Energy Site - Earn $79.85 W/ Back End Sale - Join Webseeds.com Today! 100% Commissions + Rewards $$$ Professional Copy & Design $$$ Premium Customer Support, Low Returns. Complete Affiliate Tools: www.webseeds.com/aff
Articles > Home ImprovementStore Your Outdoor Furnishings to Make Them Last
by: Debbie Rodgers
In many parts of North America, the end of "porch season" has arrived. Whether you're clearing out for some oncoming bad weather, closing up the cottage for the season, beating the vandals on devil's night, or just retreating to your nest for the winter, you'll want to store away all of your outdoor items with maximum care.
Dirt particles can settle deep into fabric and wood fibers and making tiny cuts that hasten their deterioration. Untreated soiled spots can become irremovable stains. Moisture can breed mold, mildew and rot. Rust will spread, eating through metal. So proper storage will not only make your spring set-up more pleasant, it will prolong the life of your furnishings and décor.
The first step is to clean and dry all pieces.
- Remove any loose dirt and dust from all pieces. For cushions and wicker furniture, use a vacuum or a soft-bristle brush. Then attack any specific problems.
- If there are mildew spots from a humid summer, remove them with a bleach and water solution (1/4 cup bleach to 3 gallons of water).
- Remove rust spots on metal frames; sand the area lightly to remove as much as possible.
- Use toothpaste applied with a dry cloth to get rid of scuff marks on vinyl furniture or strapping.
- Once specific areas have been treated, wash all pieces with mild soap and water and rinse well. If you have cedar furniture that is dingy, you can use a pressure washer set on low to help restore its lustre. Umbrellas covers may need to be scrubbed with a bristle brush.
- Wipe down all pieces with a dry cloth and then leave to thoroughly air dry. This is probably the most important step.
Secondly, repair and protect surfaces.
- Apply vinyl protectant to vinyl straps.
- Oil moving parts such as wire umbrella frames and hinges by spraying silicone on the joints.
- Use furniture paste wax to polish wooden umbrella poles.
- Apply car wax to non-textured metal finishes, and baby oil to textured ones. This will help maintain the surface.
- If there were rusted spots that you have cleaned up, apply touch-up paint or clear lacquer.
Third, store your items away.
- If you live in a climate with long snowy winters, seriously consider indoor storage of your furniture & decorations for the season, whether that's in your back shed, a neighbour's garage, or a rented storage facility.
- If you cannot store your items inside away from the brunt of winter's fury, then do cover them - but make sure the furniture is dry before you cover it! If it is not, the plastic tarp can promote mold growth. Inspect the tarp carefully for tears so that water and snow do not leak in.
- Some furniture, such as teak benches, cedar chairs and wrought iron table sets are designed so that they can be left in the elements year round. If you have some of these furnishings and will not be using them in the winter, bring them in if you have the space. Yes, they will endure the winter, but winter protection will extend their life.
So take some time now to store away your outdoor paraphernalia. It will pay big dividends next spring.
About The Author
Debbie Rodgers owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Visit her on the web at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on “Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space”. Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com
|
?>
News on Home Improvement
Leading Global Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies Retailers - Company Benchmarking Analysis Report
NEW YORK, May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue: Leading Global Home Improvement and Gardening Supplies Retailers – Company ... 5 Ways to Lower the Cost of Home Improvement
Whether it's adding a bath or remodeling the kitchen, here's how to find materials for a fraction of the price at big-box home improvement stores, hire the right contractor at the right price, and get that project done for less. Friday Sector Leaders: Home Furnishings & Improvement, Education & Training Services
In trading on Friday, home furnishings & improvement shares were relative leaders, up on the NARI, Rebuilding Together provide home upgrades to seniors
MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee NARI Home Improvement Council and the Rebuilding Together Greater Milwaukee are teaming up for the month... Lucintel Estimates Global Home Improvement Retail Industry to Reach US $1,959 Billion in 2017
Lucintel Estimates Global Home Improvement Retail Industry to Reach US $1,959 Billion in 2017Irving, TX (PRWEB) May 25, 2012 Despite many challenges and pressures in the market, the environment for home improvement retailers is encouraging, and the global home improvement retail market is expected to reach an estimated $1,959 billion in 2017 with a CAGR of 3% over the next five years (2012-2017 ...
|
