Decorating Secrets
Outdoor Furniture Care
Keep your chaises and chairs in perfect condition with these tips and techniques

There is nothing more frustrating than having to replace ruined patio furniture every spring. Here are some tips to keep your outdoor furniture looking beautiful for years to come:

1. Teak -- Teak is durable enough to be left outside year round and natural teak will weather to a beautiful silvery shade. Don't cover your teak furniture in bad weather or it will develop mildew. To maintain the golden hue of oiled teak, spray a light coat of clear wood protector onto your clean, dry teak furniture, allow it to soak in, and then wipe off any excess product.

2. Wood -- Most wooden patio furniture is coated with an exterior-grade varnish that can be washed using soapy water. Just remember to rinse it with clean water when you're finished. All wood furniture should be stored inside during the winter except for teak and cedar.

3. Wicker -- The sun dries it out, so position your wicker furniture in the shade to keep it looking its best. If it gets dirty, use wood oil soap and a toothbrush to get into all the little places that you would miss with a rag.

4. Aluminum -- If the paint on your aluminum furniture is looking rough, smooth it out by gently rubbing it with a fine sandpaper or .000 gauge steel wool and then buff it with standard car-wash polish to bring back its shine.

5. Cushions -- Most outdoor cushions are made of synthetic fabric durable enough for outdoor conditions but everything from dirt to tanning products can still cause stains. Plus, cushions with polyester fillings resist mildew and water logging but mildew often occurs with other types of filling. To wash your cushions, soak them in a solution of one cup bleach, two cups detergent, and one gallon water for 30 minutes and scrub them with a sponge or rag. Rinse with clean water and let them dry in the sun for a few days.

6. Vinyl -- Only use a washcloth with mild dish soap and water to clean vinyl. Bleach will cause it to deteriorate, and using a harsh brush can open pores in the fabric that will cause it to lose its shape.

7. Umbrellas -- Avoid damage by closing your umbrellas when there is a rough wind or heavy rain, but be sure to open them back up when the weather clears to shake the water out of the folds. After storing umbrellas inside for the winter, oil the joints on iron-frame umbrellas with a spray-on lubricant and wash the cover with a soft-bristle brush and mild soap and water.
 Designed by John Hutton, the teak frame of the OLYMPUS LOUNGE CHAIR comes in four natural finishes.bamboo chair 
Designed by John Hutton, the teak frame of the OLYMPUS LOUNGE CHAIR comes in four natural finishes. Available to the trade. Sutherland, sutherlandteak.com.The bamboo, mahogany and iron LAZY CHAIR strikes a balance between retro and contemporary. Available to the trade. Selamat Designs, selamatdesigns.com. 
 The MARSHMELLOW OTTOMAN, available in two sizes and several vibrant colors.  LEAGRAVE BENCH
Brighten up any space with the MARSHMELLOW OTTOMAN, available in two sizes and several vibrant colors. Lebello, from $145; lebello.com.An indestructable concrete-covered steel frame allows the faux bois LEAGRAVE BENCH to weather gracefully over time. Currey & Company, $1,880; curreyandcompany.com.
 The Luli woven leather club chairThe MONTECITO CHAISE is made of all-weather wicker,  
 The LULI WOVEN LEATHER CLUB CHAIR's wide, rectangular form has a futuristic flair. Walters Wicker, $3,060; walterswicker.com.Sleek and simple, the MONTECITO CHAISE is made of all-weather wicker in rich Espresso. Room & Board, $1,599; roomandboard.com.