Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500295
06/24/03
Outdoor Wood Furniture--Care and Cleaning
Redwood
Care
Redwood naturally resists weathering and rot.
However it should be coated with a sealer to keep out
moisture and thus retard cracks. Colored sealers restore
redness to grayed redwood. Scrub with detergent and
water, rinse, and dry thoroughly before sealing;
sometimes sanding is also necessary.
In winter, cover and store in a sheltered area.
Cleaning
Wipe with a sudsy sponge, followed by a damp sponge.
Before storing, and when needed, scrub with detergent
suds, rinse, and dry.
For grease and soot stains as from outdoor cooking,
wash with solution of 1 cup trisodium phosphate in 1
gallon water, and rinse.
Reseal as needed.
Finished White Wood
This is used for camp stools, directors chairs, parts
of some metal frame chairs.
Care
Seal completely with penetrating sealer for exterior
use. May also coat with exterior varnish. If cracks
develop in finish, refinish to prevent mildew from
moisture getting in. Store indoors when not in use
outdoors. Do not leave out in rain.
Cleaning
Wipe with damp cloth and dry, when soiled, and before
storing. On painted wood, can wash with mild detergent
solution, rinse, and dry.
Unfinished White Wood
Used for "rustic" furniture, tables, benches, etc.
Care
Treat with exterior penetrating stain containing wood
preservative and mildew inhibitor. Soak bottom 4 inches
of legs that touch ground in wood preservative, or shield
with thin aluminum covering. Cover and store in sheltered
area in winter.
Cleaning
Wash with detergent solution rinse and dry when
soiled, and before storing.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Illinois
Extension bulletin Interior Design/Home Furnishings - Care
of Outdoor Furniture.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .