Outdoor Patio Furniture Tips: How to Protect Your Investment in Southern Maine

by Kim Tarbox

If you live in Southern Maine, you already know… our outdoor spaces go through a lot.

Snow. Rain. Humidity. Salt air if you’re near the coast.

And while patio furniture adds so much to your home—especially in the warmer months—it does take a bit of care to keep it looking its best.

Whether you’re in Portland, Saco, Biddeford, Scarborough, Windham, or Gorham, these simple tips will help your outdoor furniture last longer and feel like an extension of your home year after year.

Let’s keep this easy and doable.

Start with the Basics: General Outdoor Furniture Care

Before we get into materials, there are a few things that apply to just about every type of patio furniture.

Keep It Clean

Outdoor furniture collects dirt faster than you think.

A simple rinse or wipe-down regularly can prevent buildup that becomes harder to remove later.

A clean space just feels better too.

Cover When You Can

If you have covers, use them.

They help protect your furniture from:

Rain and moisture
Direct sunlight
Pollen and debris

If covering isn’t realistic, try placing furniture in a shaded or partially protected area.

Store During the Off-Season

Maine winters aren’t gentle.

If you can, store your furniture in a garage, basement, or shed during the colder months. This one step alone can extend the life of your furniture significantly.

And a small tip: avoid stacking furniture when it’s wet—it can lead to mold.

Keep Furniture Off Wet Ground

Standing water and damp soil can slowly damage furniture legs and frames.

Even a simple patio base or deck surface can make a difference.

Caring for Different Types of Patio Furniture

Different materials need slightly different care—but nothing complicated.

Metal Furniture

Metal furniture is durable, but it still needs attention.

Clean with mild soap and water
Avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia
Touch up scratches early to prevent rust
Apply a protective wax coating if possible

If your furniture has moving parts, a little oil once or twice a year helps everything stay smooth.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic is low-maintenance, which is why so many homeowners love it.

Clean with warm water, dish soap, and a bit of vinegar
Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the surface
Use gentle cleaning solutions for stains or mildew

A little routine cleaning goes a long way here.

Vinyl Furniture

Vinyl is comfortable and practical—but it does need gentle care.

Clean regularly with mild soap or all-purpose cleaner
Avoid bleach or abrasive products
Check straps for wear and replace when needed

It’s a small detail, but it keeps everything feeling fresh and usable.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker adds so much character to an outdoor space.

Use a vacuum or soft brush to clean between textures
Treat occasionally to prevent drying or cracking
Clean spills quickly to avoid staining

Because of its texture, wicker just needs a little extra attention.

Wood Furniture

Wood furniture feels timeless—but in Maine, it needs protection.

Limit direct sun exposure when possible
Clean and reseal or stain every 12–18 months
Check annually to make sure the finish is still protecting the wood

A simple “splash test” works well:
If water soaks in instead of beading, it’s time to reseal.

Why This Matters for Homeowners

This isn’t just about furniture.

It’s about how your home feels.

Outdoor spaces are a big part of how we live in Southern Maine—especially in the spring and summer months. Whether you're hosting friends in Scarborough, relaxing after work in Windham, or enjoying coastal evenings in Biddeford or Saco, your outdoor space becomes part of your lifestyle.

And if you ever decide to sell?

Buyers notice these details.

A well-maintained outdoor space helps your home feel cared for, inviting, and move-in ready.