Patio sets are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors, but after a time even the sturdiest of furniture will eventually fall prey to the ravages of nature. With a little regular care and maintenance, your patio furniture will continue to last and look like new for years and years. The following are some useful tips for keeping patio sets looking tiptop.

* Wood. Wood furniture requires different upkeep depending on the variety of wood and whether it has been finished or unfinished. Finished furniture can be cleaned using just mild detergent and water. But make sure to rinse off any soap to deter buildup. To protect wood from turning a dull gray color, use a sealant once to a few times a year. Some woods, like teak, naturally create their own oil so less paint or sealer may be needed. In winter, if it is impossible to bring furniture into storage, the best route is to choose a strong tarp to cover exposed patio sets. Even the strongest hardwoods, though resistant to snow and stormy weather, last much longer when covered while not in use. One thing to make sure is that wood furniture is dry before covering with a tarp, otherwise mold could form. Most tarps and covers are made from vinyl or plastic and come in neutral or green colors. They are also designed to tightly fit over commonly sized patio furniture, so there is less chance of them coming off or acquiring outside contaminants, including moisture.

* Metal. Most metal patio sets are now coated with rust-resistant finishes, but it does not hurt to invest a little time and elbow grease to keep it protected. On metal that is not textured, auto wax is a good way to keep the finish on metal furniture looking new. Aluminum is especially attractive in this sense because the frames will not rust. Steel, on the other hand, does not provide such a luxury, and must be monitored more carefully. Any chips in the paint or rust to the frame must be sanded down and repainted to prevent further rusting. One thing common to most metal patio sets is the addition of weatherproof plastic cushions which are understandably much more comfortable to sit on than metal alone. The cushions also require some basic care. Though waterproof, even cushions will succumb to weather, so it is a good idea to bring them inside on rainy days. If they do get stained, most cushions can be wiped off with a damp rag unless they suffer from serious water damage staining. Finally, metal patio sets, just like wood and any other material do best when shielded from bad weather. Because metal tends to be extremely heavy, vinyl tarps are once again recommended during colder months.

* Plastic. Plastic patio sets are relatively self-explanatory and do not need much expansion, nor upkeep for that matter. Obviously, they will not rust like metal or crack like wood but even plastic is not invincible to the elements. Common problems include color fade from extended exposure to sunlight as well as paint chipping. Luckily, because plastic is generally much lighter than wood or metal, it can easily be transported indoors, or again tarps may be used to cover the furniture.

As evidenced, it does not require too much time or commitment to keep patio sets looking good, but with no maintenance, furniture will more than likely fall into a state of disrepair in as little as one to two years. A little care goes a long way.