How to Maintain Outdoor Furniture in Indian
Climate (Rain, Dust & Sun) || MetroPlusLifestyle
Tips for Long Life Furniture
Outdoor furniture is an investment which is designed to deliver comfort,
attractiveness, and utility to out-of-house areas like gardens, patios, balconies,
and terraces. But with the fluctuating and sometimes harsh Indian climatic
conditions—blistering hot summer, heavy rains during monsoon, and dusty
covers—maintenance of outdoor furniture is a task in itself.
No matter if it’s an expensive teak wood lounger chair, a style wicker set, or a
powder-coated metal dining table, you should have some notion of how to get
them to look clean and new and also long-lasting. Here, in this article, we guide
you through how to clean garden furniture and provide some tips on how to
maintain outdoor furniture following Indian climate.
Know Your Material
Before diving into maintenance routines, examine the material your furniture is
constructed from. Different materials respond in different manners to sun, water,
and air pollution.
Wood (Teak, Acacia, Eucalyptus): Natural, sturdy, but can fade, crack, or warp if
not regularly oiled and sealed.
Wicker (Natural or Synthetic): Synthetic wicker will weather the outdoor
environment. Natural wicker needs to be taken indoors or covered during rain.
Metal (Iron, Aluminum, Stainless Steel): May rust (iron especially) if paint is
scratched. Aluminum won’t rust.
Plastic and Resin: Weather-resistant but crack or break if left in the sun long
enough.
Fabrics (Umbrellas & Cushions): Water-resistant but not water-proof. Needs
regular cleaning and drying.
General Cleaning Routine
outdoor furniture care tips
Dust is a nuisance throughout the year in Indian cities. Do these and your
furniture will be clean:
Daily or Weekly Wipe Down: Dry wipe with a soft cloth or dry microfiber.
Monthly Deep Cleaning: Soap and lukewarm water to wash surfaces and frames.
Clean through and dry on a soft cloth.
For plastic or metal, use a soft sponge. Chemicals, which dry up finishes, must
be avoided.
Rain Protection
The monsoon months are the worst time of the year for outdoor furniture so the
outdoor furniture care tips are :
Use Waterproof Covers: Purchase well-made covers to sit on during heavy
monsoons rain. Make sure they have some ventilation so no mildew is created.
Shift Indoors or Shade: Wherever possible, shift your furniture under an awning,
pergola, or indoors on heavy monsoons.
Rise Furniture Above Ground: Raise furniture above ground slightly using rubber
or wood pads to avoid pooling water damage, particularly for balconies.
Pro tip: Seal wood furniture with water-repellent sealants at the onset of the
monsoon season.
Sun protection
The Indian sun is strong. UV light bleaches and darkens material of furniture over
a period of time and outdoor furniture care tips.
Apply UV-Protective Finishes: Oil or varnish wood furniture or UV spray for
plastics and fabric.
Apply Shade Solutions: Pergolas, curtains, or garden umbrellas reduce direct
sunlight falling on furniture.
Rotate or Rearrange Furniture: Rotating regularly provides balanced wear and
keeps furniture out of sun damage.
Dust and Pollution
Urban dust and soot settle readily on patio furniture, resulting in discoloration as
well as obstructing joints.
Cover Unused Furniture: Cover unused furniture for extended time to reduce
exposure.
Vacuum Wicker and Fabric: Vacuum cleaner brush with brush attachment
brushes away dust from inaccessible areas.
Clean Metal with Anti-Rust Solution: Clean metal components with an anti-rust
solution, especially in the case of dust storms or smog conditions, to wipe off
acidic dust which will rust.
Special Maintenance Tips by Material
Wood (especially Teak):
Condition teak wood or wood sealant every six months to keep shine and avoid
cracking.
Sand lightly if surface is rough or sun-faded grey.
Shelter in rain; never leave it in standing water.
Wicker
Natural wicker
Keep out of direct sun and rain. Bring indoors or cover.
Mild soap, warm water, and a soft-bristled brush.
Synthetic wicker:
Low maintenance—easy to care for, hose occasionally and light dusting.
Metal:
Inspect welds and joints periodically. Paint blister areas immediately with rust
paint.
Dry, especially iron. Powder-coated metal will even rust if water seeps into welds
and joints.
Plastic/Resin:
Wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly.
Do not scrub with strong cleansers in event of scratching.
Shading from sun if possible.
Fabric Cushions:
Use water-resistant or waterproof fabric cushion covers.
Clean fabric covers occasionally as directed.
Sun-dry cushions always so as not to form mildew.
Seasonal Care Guide
Summer:
Use UV protective oils and sprays.
Water plants early morning or late evening so that water does not splash
furniture.
Monsoon:
Rain covers can be used.
Re-position furniture to indoors, if possible.
Mildew or mold caution and remedy immediately.
Winter
Condition and clean all furniture before covering or storage.
Bring pillows and textiles indoors to avoid cold weather damage.
Storage Counts
Once the furniture goes on vacation—that is, worst times of the year—storage
becomes the decisive element:
Foldable Furniture: Fold and store in well-ventilated, dry locations.
Stackable Items: Stack and store in corner, covered by cloth or plastic wrap.
Cushions and Fabrics: Store always indoors in air-tight containers or breathable
cloth sacks.
Spend Money on Quality Now
A pound of cure is worth an ounce of prevention. Spending money on quality
outdoor furniture—rust-free metal, weathered wood, wicker or rattan
UV-resistant, and water-drying cushions—makes your life easy when it comes to
maintenance. While shopping, don’t just think about beauty—see how each
material will survive Indian summers and monsoons.
Final Thoughts
With regular maintenance, your outdoor furniture will stay new, functional, and
stunning for years—to keep India’s harsh climate in perspective. It is not
over-maintenance; it is simply timely maintenance, wise placement, and
comfortable material.
If you are not so sure what the best material is for your city or would prefer
city-specific suggestions for outdoor furniture, call Metro Plus Lifestyle. We not
only provide you with the best outdoor furniture, but also suggestions on how to
keep it going through the heavens knows what.