Summer Entertaining Resources: A Guide to Getting Your Space Ready for the Season
Patio and outdoor furniture usually come with special care instructions. If you have pulled items out of storage (whether a storage unit, your shed or garage) here are a few tips to get everything cleaned and ready for use before that first big BBQ.
Furniture manufacturers typically have care instructions on their websites and even a quick search online should provide care details.
Wicker and rattan
Do you see any cracks or fraying? What about moisture spots or mold? Do not soak these pieces. All of that water will actually cause the material to become weaker. A soft brush with some mild soap is the best play for this material.
Teak, cedar, or eucalyptus furniture
If it’s splitting or warping, you might need to get some sandpaper to repair it. You can also coat the piece with teak oil or another type of sealant made for wood if you want extra moisture protection. It can also make the finish glow.
Aluminum or wrought iron furniture
Here you are looking for rust spots. Light rust can often be treated with a rust remover and paint. Aluminum is rust-resistant but still needs a good cleaning.
Plastic and resin furniture
Dish soap and a soft brush removes most issues here.
Cushions
Check for mold, mildew or musty smells. Most outdoor cushion covers can be machine washed. For cushions that can’t be washed, get a fabric-safe mildew remover, apply and let it dry outside.
If you’re on the other side of the coin and want to get rid of some of your outdoor furniture or items, you might need to research junk removal or hauling services.
There are services that do it all. They come to your home, they haul and they handle all the tough stuff like disposal or even dropping it off at a donation or recycling center. National providers like 1-800-GOT-JUNK operate across most major markets including Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado.
If you just need a dumpster, you can get a roll-off dumpster and put it right in your driveway. That way you can take your time with the clean-out. Search locally to find locations that offer them close to you.
If you want to donate, look at organizations like Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, the VVA or The Salvation Army. Many local charities will schedule free pickups for furniture and household items in good condition.
The power of social media is always an option. Consider selling through Facebook Marketplace or other online platforms or even have your own yard sale. All of these are great ways to get rid of items that might be junk to you, but a treasure to someone else.
Sometimes the answer isn’t donating or hauling away, it’s simply finding the right space to store. Guardian Storage has locations across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Colorado with unit sizes and climate-controlled options designed to fit every kind of seasonal transition. Find your location and reserve a unit at guardianstorage.com.
