Outdoor furniture sets really need extra attention when it comes to maintenance. After being exposed to the outdoor elements for the entire year, you should pay special attention to your outdoor patio furniture to ensure it has the maximum life. The material that it is made from will dictate the best way to care for it.

The easiest way to care for you outdoor patio furniture set is by gently cleaning it on a regular basis and brushing away the dirt. You can use a nylon cloth or a blower to clean off the surface. By lightly cleaning the surface on a regular basis, you can ensure that the dirt won't build up to something that sticks and can't be removed a few months later. If there is dirt that is stuck, you can try to hose it down or use a pressure washer. Make sure you can put the outside patio furniture in the sun afterwards to insure that it is thoroughly dry.

If you get a stain on your outdoor furniture set, you can use a mild soap and water mixture to scrub off any stains. This will be good for wrought iron, wicker, plastic, wood or aluminum sets. After you have cleaned your sets, make sure they are properly protected to ensure they will withstand the future elements.

Wood patio furniture should be stored indoors during the winter. This will make it look great for years to come. Plastic and resin sets can be left out since they are less susceptible to the changing weather elements. Aluminum can withstand exposure to moisture for long periods of time, but other metals should not be left out. Painted aluminum that is left out can be cleaned with mild soap and water and rinsed to remove any sticky residue. Unfinished aluminum will oxidize but it can be removed by using a metal polishing paste with fine abrasives.

Patio furniture cushions should be wiped regularly and store away from the winter elements. Outdoor cushions are made from water and mildew resistant fabric but when they are saturated in rain water, it will shorten their life. To clean them it is best to use a mild detergent and hot water. Be sure to rinse them well and dry them in the sunshine for a couple of days.

If you properly take care of your outdoor furniture sets, you will have patio furniture that will last many seasons. It is no different than the fact that you have to clean and maintain your indoor furniture.