Part of getting ready for summer is getting ready to spend more time outside, lounging in your patio furniture, enjoying the sunshine, visiting with friends and family or cooking out.

Here’s how to keep your furniture looking fresh for years to come.

Cleaning

Regular cleaning plays a big role in caring for your patio furniture. For most materials, mild soap and warm water can work wonders. For some pieces, such as wicker or rattan, run a vacuum with a soft brush attachment over the furniture to remove any loose debris first. Rinse your furniture well to remove any soap residue. Let the furniture completely air dry before using it.

While bleach may cure a variety of conditions, it’s not the best thing to use on patio furniture. Not only can it discolor fabrics and cushions, it can also weaken the fabric and shorten your furniture’s useful life. If you don’t want to use soap, vinegar is generally safe to use; make sure to spot-check whatever cleaner you’re using to make sure it doesn’t damage your fabrics and other materials. Clean your patio furniture once a month to keep it looking its best.

Protecting

Once your furniture is clean, protect it from the elements. Routinely check wood furniture for rotting, warping and cracking. Once repairs are made, seal it with a coat of protective sealant appropriate to the type of wood used in your furniture.

Rattan furniture can be warped or discolored by exposure to moisture or humidity, so keep these pieces away from water sources and clean up spills or rainwater immediately. Periodically paint metal furniture with a rust-resistant paint.

Store plastic furniture out of direct sunlight when it’s not in use to prevent fading or deterioration.

Storage

When you’re not using your patio furniture or during severe weather, store it in a dry, protected area such as a shed or garage. Store it off the ground and use furniture covers to protect it. If you don’t have an indoor storage option, conside using waterproof furniture covers t protect your investment.