How to Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture and Umbrellas for Long-Lasting Use

That $50,000 investment in your business’s outdoor furniture might be deteriorating twice as fast as it should be.  

When five-star guests encounter three-star furniture, they notice immediately. And so does your bottom line.  

Premium outdoor furniture isn’t immune from the elements. Even the highest quality outdoor furnishings require consistent, professional maintenance to perform at their best.  

Implementing a strategic maintenance program is key for protecting your investments and preserving the guest experience that sets your property apart. These are some practices you can implement into your maintenance operations to extend the life of your property’s outdoor furnishings.  

Preventative Maintenance is Your Most Profitable Practice 

The difference between mediocre and meticulous maintenance? Years of performance and thousands in avoided replacement costs. 

In busy hospitality environments, proactive maintenance isn’t optional. Establishing regular care routines can enhance your property’s operational efficiency and help maintain its visual appeal.  

Proactive Maintenance Best-Practices 

Create Weekly, Monthly, and Seasonal Checklists 

Develop structured schedules that address routine cleaning, inspections, and minor repairs. 

Schedule and Standardize 

Establish detailed standard operating procedures to create consistency across departments by clearly assigning maintenance responsibilities to staff members and integrating these tasks into operational workflows. 

Perform Regular Inspections 

Train staff to recognize early signs of deterioration to identify wear before it escalates, such as rust formation, color fading, loose joints, or fabric stress points. 

Protective Covers and Off-Season Storage 

Proper protection is a must when it comes to extending the lifespan of your outdoor furniture. Quality covers and appropriate storage methods not only shield your furniture from environmental damage but also streamline daily operations to help maintain your property’s pristine appearance year-round. 

Daily Cover Usage 

Incorporate cover application into closing procedures. Choose form-fitting, easy-to-apply covers that staff can quickly put on during evening hours or extended periods of storage. 

Premium Custom Covers 

Product-specific covers provide superior protection, reduce wind damage, and maintain the visual integrity of your furnishings. 

Umbrella Care 

Train staff to close umbrellas during adverse weather conditions. Utilize built-in wind locks and store opening mechanisms properly to prevent structural stress and fabric deterioration. 

Off-Season Storage for Umbrellas and Cushions 

Thoroughly clean and disassemble umbrellas before storing them in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. Store cushions in vacuum-sealed or breathable containers to prevent moisture accumulation and mildew growth. 

Care for Different Materials of Outdoor Furniture 

Every material is different and requires its own cleaning method. Using the wrong products or method could cause irreversible damage and mean you have to replace a piece altogether, an expensive mistake that can impact both your budget and guest experience. 

• Wood: Teak and eucalyptus require regular dusting and application of appropriate protective oils. Avoid pressure washing, which strips natural protective oils and accelerates weathering. 

• Metal: Clean with mild soap solutions and soft cloths. Apply corrosion-resistant wax treatments, especially in coastal or humid environments. Treat powder-coated metals with non-abrasive cleaners to preserve their protective finish. 

• Upholstery & Textiles: Vacuum regularly to prevent dirt accumulation. For spot cleaning, use only manufacturer-recommended products to prevent color fading and fabric degradation. 

• Umbrellas: Clean canopy fabrics with pH-neutral soap and lukewarm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow complete air-drying before closing or storing to prevent mold formation. 

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist 

Now that we’ve gone through the importance of material-specific care and environmental protection, here’s a ready-to-implement seasonal maintenance guide for your operations team. This structured approach provides your maintenance staff with clear directives while ensuring comprehensive care of your premium outdoor assets throughout the year. 

Spring 

• Inspect all furnishings for off-season damage and perform deep cleaning 

• Reapply wood sealants and protective metal waxes as needed 

• Uncover and test umbrella mechanisms, replacing any worn cables or hardware 

• Schedule professional inspections for properties in harsher climates 

Summer 

• Increase cleaning frequency to accommodate higher guest volume 

• Monitor for UV fading, mildew formation, and fabric stress points 

• Ensure staff follows proper umbrella operation procedures to prevent structural strain 

• Conduct refresher training on proper furniture handling techniques 

Fall 

• Begin transition preparations by thoroughly cleaning and drying all furniture and textiles 

• Remove and properly store cushions and accessories not in use 

• Put on protective covers for transitional weather protection 

• Inspect for summer wear and address minor repairs before winter storage 

Winter 

• Store all removable elements indoors in temperature-controlled environments 

• For permanent pieces, ensure proper drainage to prevent any water pooling 

• Complete any necessary repairs before extended storage 

• Use breathable covers on remaining outdoor pieces to prevent moisture accumulation 

Explore our collection of premium outdoor furnishings and speak with our specialists about customized care protocols that can maximize your investments for years to come. Get in touch to set up a consultation today!  

Meet The Leaders in “The Art of Creating Shade” 

Elevate your outdoor spaces with Poggesi’s signature collection of shade solutions and outdoor furnishings. From cutting-edge engineering to trend-setting designs, quality is at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re designing a luxury hotel, restaurant, or private residence, our premium textiles and resort shade structures solutions will provide superior comfort, durability, and sophistication.  

Discover how we can help you create unforgettable outdoor areas. Learn more about us here.