With Memorial Day this past weekend, many of you may have broken out your lawn furniture for the first time this year. With the harsh and unpredictable weather we are accustomed to here in Buffalo; wear-and-tear on outdoor fixtures is virtually unavoidable. Check out these quick and easy tips from Zillow.com on how to get the most out of your ?outdoor furniture.
Extend the lifespan:
- Wipe up any beverage or food spills right away.
- Wipe off furniture after it rains.
- Remove any tree or bird deposits as soon as possible.
- Remove any residue from suntan lotions and body oils that can stain or accelerate the breakdown of materials. Have towels available to provide an easily cleanable barrier between chairs and their occupants.
- Store or cover furniture that doesn?t stand up well to constant exposure, such as bamboo.
- Check all bolts and screws and tighten any that may be loose.
- Replace broken, rusted or missing pieces.
- Use a silicone lubricant on all wheels and hinges.
- Bring the furniture inside during harsh winter weather or store under a breathable cover.
- Look underneath chaises for damage to the glides from dragging. Replace if they are worn out or missing.
- Aluminum is one of those great recyclable items. Strip this furniture to the aluminum only, removing webbing, hardware (if not aluminum) and glides. Recycled aluminum is made into cans, pie pans, small appliances and lawn furniture.
- If the furniture is still serviceable but your design ideas have changed, donate the item to a local charity that sells used goods.
- If the lawn furniture is made from No. 2 plastic, it also can be recycled into other durable products.