Outdoor Wood Furniture--Care and Cleaning
Redwood
Care
Redwood naturally resists weathering and rot.
However it should be coated with a sealer to keep out
moisture and thus retard cracks. Colored sealers restore
redness to grayed redwood. Scrub with detergent and
water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before sealing;
sometimes sanding is also necessary.
In winter, cover and store in a sheltered area.
Cleaning
Wipe with a sudsy sponge, followed by a damp sponge.
Before storing, and when needed, scrub with detergent
suds, rinse, and dry.
For grease and soot stains as from outdoor cooking,
wash with solution of 1 cup trisodium phosphate in 1
gallon water, and rinse.
Reseal as needed.
Finished White Wood
This is used for camp stools, directors chairs, parts
of some metal frame chairs.
Care
Seal completely with penetrating sealer for exterior
use. May also coat with exterior varnish. If cracks
develop in finish, refinish to prevent mildew from
moisture getting in. Store indoors when not in use
outdoors. Do not leave out in rain.
Cleaning
Wipe with damp cloth and dry, when soiled, and before
storing. On painted wood, can wash with mild detergent
solution, rinse, and dry.
Unfinished White Wood
Used for "rustic" furniture, tables, benches, etc.
Care
Treat with exterior penetrating stain containing wood
preservative and mildew inhibitor. Soak bottom 4 inches
of legs that touch ground in wood preservative, or shield
with thin aluminum covering. Cover and store in sheltered
area in winter.
Cleaning
Wash with detergent solution rinse and dry when
soiled, and before storing.