Last year we purchased a beautiful redwood dining set for our outdoor food gatherings. We took the time to add weatherproofing and sealants to retain our beautiful set, doubling our efforts we took extra precautions. However, given the nature of the climate in which we live, an area with four seasons including snow and ice even the extra precautions did not manage to keep the effects of the climate under control. Being the conscious family that we are, we bought a quality cover for our linen umbrella, our oval dining table and the matching chairs. As the sun emerged and began adding warmth to our days, we eagerly removed the vinyl covers from our table and chairs and behold, green fuzzy mounds were speckled throughout the table and chairs. Every nook and cranny seemed to have new growth. Aghast! I poured over resources to find a cure. Thankfully, there are solutions.

What To Look For

Look for places on your outdoor furniture that has already been weathered and shows signs of splitting or where the sealed wood has worn out leaving the wood vulnerable to the climatical elements. Obtain a good quality wood sealer and reseal those places. Otherwise, when you begin to see either green, grey or black powdery spots in the crevices and corners of the furniture, do not delay, begin treating your furniture immediately. Whether the furniture is wood, plastic or metal, the first steps are always the same. Brush or vacuum off loose debris, wash down surfaces with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Use a hose equipped with a nozzle, not a power washer. Sure, using high-pressure water might save you a few minutes of scrubbing time, but there’s too much risk of damage. Take the safer route, use the brush and vacuum process to remove loose debris. Apply treatment for the preservation of your furniture.

Healthy Tips

• If you do not have a space to store all your outdoor furniture, try to monitor the amount of moisture on your table and chairs during the snowy, icy or rainy season of winter. Otherwise, it is better to weatherproof your furniture with a good sealant, leave your furniture outdoors and when spring comes reseal your wood.
• Avoid harsh chemicals that will strip your wood.
• Use a mild abrasive that will remove the mildew and mold.
• Apply a cleaner that will kill and destroy all mold and or mildew bacteria growing on your furniture.
• Do this on a warm sunny day, start early so the sun can help dry out the damp areas.
• Once all the areas that have been infected are scrubbed and cleaned, it is time to reseal your work.

Check out my Online Magazine and Subscribe Today….It’s “FREE”  Click HERE!

Zoesuccess Smart Living Today Online Magazine