Fall Outdoor Furniture Care in the Lowcountry: Cushions, Wicker, Iron and Covers

In most of the country, late October is when patio furniture gets covered, stacked and hauled into the garage. On Hilton Head and in Bluffton, it is closer to the opposite. The humidity is finally gone, the bugs have eased up, and the porch gets more use from now until spring than it did in August.

That makes late fall the right time for a real refresh. Summer is hard on outdoor furniture here: salt air, sunscreen, pool water, pollen residue, humidity and months of afternoon storms. An hour or two of care now sets your furniture up for a great season and adds years to its life.

1. 1Strip everything. Take off cushions, pillows and throws so you can see and clean every frame.
2. 2Rinse the frames. A gentle hose rinse removes salt and grit. Never use a pressure washer on outdoor furniture. It can force water into joints, strip finishes and fray woven materials.
3. 3Wash with mild soap. A soft brush, a bucket of warm water and a little mild dish soap handles almost everything.
4. 4Rinse again and let everything dry completely. Sun and a breeze do the job in an afternoon.
5. 5Clean the cushions (details below) and let them dry fully before they go back out.
6. 6Inspect. Check for loose hardware, chipped finishes, worn glides and tired foam.
7. 7Put it all back together, and plan where cushions go when a storm or a long trip comes up.

Cushions take the worst of Lowcountry life, and they are also what makes an outdoor space comfortable.

• Brush off loose dirt before getting anything wet.
• Spot clean with mild soap and water, using a soft brush and working gently.
• Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains. Residue attracts dirt.
• Dry on edge. Stand cushions up in the sun so water drains out of the foam. Never put a damp cushion back on a chair or into storage.
• Treat mildew early. Humidity is a fact of life here. Spots caught early usually clean up with the care method your fabric maker recommends.
• Check the foam. If a cushion stays flat when you press it or smells musty after drying, it may be time for a new insert. Replacing cushions is often the cheapest way to make a set feel new again.

Hand-woven all-weather wicker, like the pieces Lloyd Flanders weaves over aluminum frames, is built to resist fading, staining and stretching. It still appreciates a little attention.

• Vacuum or brush the weave with a soft brush attachment to pull out leaves, pollen and dust.
• Wash with mild soap and a soft brush, following the direction of the weave.
• Rinse gently and let it dry in the sun.
• Check for snags and address them before they catch on clothing and pull further.

Poly lumber from Berlin Gardens is about as low-maintenance as outdoor furniture gets. It resists fading, cracking and moisture, and it never needs paint or stain.

• Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
• For stubborn spots, a soft brush and a little more elbow grease usually do it. Avoid abrasive pads that can dull the surface.
• Check hardware once a year and tighten anything loose.

Powder-coated aluminum and marine-grade polymer, like the collections from Telescope Casual, are built for salt, sun and pool water.

• Rinse salt off regularly, especially on pool decks and waterfront patios.
• Wash with mild soap and a soft cloth.
• Inspect the finish for scratches and touch them up to keep the finish protected.
• Check glides and feet, which wear on pavers and concrete and are easy to replace.

Hand-forged wrought iron from O.W. Lee is heavy, beautiful and built to last for generations. The finish is what protects the iron, so care is all about the finish.

• Wash with mild soap and a soft cloth, then rinse and dry.
• Look closely for chips and scratches, especially on feet, arms and anywhere pieces knock together.
• Touch up promptly. Salt air goes to work on bare metal quickly. Ask the manufacturer or our team for the right touch-up product for your finish.

Covers are useful, but in a humid climate they can trap moisture.

• Use breathable, fitted covers designed for outdoor furniture, never plastic tarps.
• Make sure furniture is dry before covering it.
• Remove covers regularly to let air circulate, especially after rain.
• Do not rely on covers in a storm. A cover can catch wind and pull furniture over. Before a named storm, bring cushions in and follow our hurricane season furniture checklist.

Sometimes a refresh reveals it is time for new cushions or a new set. Stop by the showroom and see fabrics, frames and new collections in person, or take our outdoor living quiz to find the lines that fit your space.

Terrace + Tide is at 13 New Orleans Road on Hilton Head Island, Tuesday through Friday 10 to 5, Saturday 10 to 4, and Monday by appointment. Call us at (843) 715-0927.