How to Keep Your Outdoor Furniture Looking Like New, Year After Year | Outer
Outdoor furniture lives at the center of our most relaxed moments — where mornings start slow, and evenings wind down naturally. Taking care of it helps protect not just how it looks, but how it feels to spend time there.
Every piece at Outer, from the Teak Outdoor Sofa – 3 Seat to the Brown Wicker Outdoor Armless Chair, is designed to live beautifully outdoors. With a few thoughtful habits, your furniture can stay as comfortable and inviting as the day it arrived.
Understanding the Elements That Affect Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor conditions are dynamic. Sunlight, humidity, rain, and temperature shifts can affect natural and engineered materials in different ways.
Outer furniture is designed to anticipate these changes. With durable materials and intuitive design details, each piece resists the elements while maintaining its comfort and structure through the seasons.
Sun, Rain, and Everything in Between
The sun’s UV rays can fade fabrics and dry out natural woods. Rain and moisture can lead to surface buildup or mildew if not managed properly.
Outer’s furniture integrates smart protection systems like the OuterShell® built-in cover, which rolls out in seconds to keep cushions dry and clean. When the sky clears, it folds back neatly — ready for the next moment outdoors.
Smart Design That Protects Itself
True durability comes from design. Outer’s protective innovations, like the OuterShell®, OuterWeave®, and OuterCloud®, are engineered to simplify care while preserving long-term comfort and appearance.
OuterShell®: Built-in Protection, Always Ready
The OuterShell® is designed into the cushion itself — no extra storage, no separate covers. It’s quick to deploy and keeps out moisture, dust, and debris.
Whether you’re maintaining the Brown Wicker Outdoor U Sectional – 7 Seat or a White Aluminum Outdoor Sofa – 3 Seat, this feature helps your furniture stay clean and protected year-round with almost no effort.
OuterWeave® Fabric and OuterCloud® Comfort
The OuterWeave® fabric resists fading, repels water, and dries quickly — ideal for daily use in changing weather. Inside, OuterCloud® triple-layer cushions balance softness and support, combining comfort and resilience.
Together, these materials create an outdoor experience that feels effortless and refined. For more ideas on modular configurations and layouts, visit The Complete Modular Outdoor Furniture Buying Guide.
Your Simple Routine for Year-Round Care
Caring for your outdoor furniture doesn’t need to be complicated. Consistent, gentle maintenance keeps materials performing as they should — without harsh chemicals or heavy effort.
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance Tips
• Brush off dust, pollen, or leaves with a soft brush or cloth.
• Wipe down surfaces with mild soap and warm water.
• Allow cushions and frames to air dry fully before covering.
• Check fasteners and joints monthly to ensure everything stays secure.
Simple routines done regularly can extend the life of your furniture for years.
Seasonal Deep Cleaning and Storage
When seasons shift, a bit of extra attention goes a long way.
Before winter or during rainy months:
• Wash removable cushion covers and let them air dry.
• Wipe all frames clean with warm, soapy water.
• Ensure everything is completely dry before covering or storing.
• If storing indoors, choose a dry, ventilated space.
For mild climates, your OuterShell® provides sufficient protection to keep furniture outside year-round.
Material-Specific Care: Wicker, Teak, and Aluminum
Each material has its own strengths — and a few unique care preferences. Here’s how to help each one last beautifully.
Caring for Wicker Furniture
All-weather wicker is designed to resist cracking, fading, and mildew.
• Wipe with a damp cloth weekly.
• Use a vacuum brush to remove dust from woven areas.
• Rinse occasionally with a garden hose and let dry fully.
The Brown Wicker Outdoor U Sectional – 7 Seat is a perfect example of durable design built for daily life. Combine it with the Brown Wicker Outdoor Armless Chair to create a flexible seating layout that fits gatherings of any size.
Caring for Teak Furniture
Teak is known for its natural oils and ability to age gracefully. Over time, it develops a soft silver patina. To maintain the original golden tone:
• Clean gently with warm, soapy water.
• Apply a teak protector annually.
• Avoid high-pressure washing.
The Teak Outdoor Sofa – 3 Seat, Teak Outdoor U Sectional – 6 Seat, and Teak Outdoor Armless Chair are all crafted from FSC®-certified teak — responsibly sourced, naturally weather-resistant, and timeless in appearance.
Caring for Aluminum Furniture
Aluminum furniture is light, modern, and naturally resistant to corrosion.
• Wipe periodically with a soft cloth and warm water.
• Dry thoroughly to prevent water marks.
• Avoid dragging pieces across rough surfaces.
The White Aluminum Outdoor Sectional Chair – Right and White Aluminum Outdoor Sofa – 3 Seat offer strength without heaviness — ideal for coastal or contemporary spaces.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
The key to long-lasting furniture is consistency. Quick cleanups, thoughtful storage, and using built-in protection after each use help your pieces stay ready for every season.
Durability is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. The longer your furniture lasts, the less you need to replace — a simple but meaningful form of environmental care. Learn more in Why Sustainable Design Belongs in Every Backyard.
For a finishing touch, layer your setup with the 1188 Outdoor Rug — made from 1,188 recycled bottles, it adds warmth and texture while supporting circular design.
A Final Thought
Taking care of your furniture is about more than upkeep — it’s about extending the life of the moments shared around it.
Outer furniture is built for those moments. With considered design, sustainable materials, and small acts of care, it will continue to bring comfort and calm to your outdoor space for years to come.
Live Better. Outside.
