Here are some suggestions for keeping outdoor furniture clean and well-maintained, from the American Furniture Manufacturers Association.

Hardwoods:
Mild soap and water. Depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, apply oil occasionally. Teak and jarrah can stay outdoors year-round. Pine, oak and cedar should be stored for the winter. Painted woods will need repainting every year or so.

Aluminum, wrought iron and steel:
Clean with mild soap and water. Apply car wax every few months to nontextured surfaces. For textured surfaces, apply baby or mineral oil. For aluminum: Occasionally spray oil lubricant on chair swivels or glides. For steel and wrought iron: If it rusts, sand area, clean it off then apply touch-up paint.

Tempered glass:
Clean with mild soap and water or glass cleaner and wipe dry with soft cloth.

Outdoor wicker:
Vacuum gently or use a soft-bristle brush. Hose off every few weeks and clean periodically with mild detergent and water. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

Vinyl straps:
Mild detergent and warm water. To remove mildew, use warm water, mild detergent and bleach (no more than 1/4 cup to 3 gallons of water). Apply vinyl protectant to straps after cleaning.

Sling furniture:
Mild soap and water.

Cushions:
Vacuum as needed. Clean by sponging with mild detergent and warm water. Rinse thoroughly. For mildew, clean with 1 cup bleach and a squirt of detergent per gallon of water. Scrub with a sponge or soft brush. Test an inconspicous spot first for color fastness. Rinse thoroughly.

Umbrellas:
Use a long-handled brush to wash covers with mild soap and water. Spray silicone on the joints of wire frames. Use wax or furniture polish on wooden umbrellas.

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