As the weather warms up and garden season kicks in, many people are pulling out their patio sets, folding chairs, and dining tables—ready to enjoy the outdoors. But before you host that first summer BBQ, your wooden outdoor furniture could use a little care.

Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to extend the life of your pieces or a retailer looking to educate customers, here are 5 must-know tips to help protect acacia, eucalyptus, and other hardwood furniture from heat, moisture, and everyday wear during the summer months.

1. Give It a Gentle Clean (No Harsh Chemicals Needed)

Wood is a porous material. During summer, pollen, dust, mold spores, and air pollution can settle into the surface grain, especially if left uncleaned. These particles absorb moisture, increasing the risk of mildew, discoloration, and long-term degradation.

Moist organic buildup creates a perfect environment for fungi and microbes, especially under humid summer conditions. A basic wash disrupts this cycle and prevents deeper staining or microbial growth.

How to clean properly:

• Use warm water with a small amount of non-detergent soap (detergents can strip natural oils).

• Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge to avoid raising the grain.

• Rinse with clean water and dry in the shade to prevent uneven sun bleaching.

Cleaning every 3–4 weeks during summer is ideal for heavily used furniture.

Avoid pressure washers or bleach—they’ll do more harm than good. A gentle clean once a month removes grime, pollen, and mildew buildup that summer weather brings.

2. Re-Oil to Protect Against Sun and Dryness

When left unprotected, UV radiation from the sun breaks down the lignin in wood fibers, leading to fading (graying), surface checking, and eventual brittleness.

FSC-certified acacia and eucalyptus furniture often comes pre-oiled, but summer heat wears down that layer.

Here’s how to reapply:

• Use teak oil or hardwood oil made for outdoor furniture

• Apply a light coat with a cloth following the grain

• Let it soak in and wipe away excess

Re-oiling every 2–3 months during the summer helps prevent fading, cracking, or drying out.

3. Use Shade, Covers, or Smart Placement

UV exposure and rain are the two most destructive environmental stressors on outdoor furniture. Constant sun exposure dries wood and accelerates fading, while soaking rain leads to wood swelling, microbial rot, and warping. Wood expands across the grain as it absorbs water, then contracts when it dries. Repeated cycles of this expansion-contraction cause internal stress that leads to warping and cracking.

Sun and rain are the biggest enemies of wooden furniture during summer.

To reduce weather damage:

• Place furniture under a canopy, pergola, or tree shade when possible

• Use breathable, waterproof covers when not in use

• Avoid plastic tarps—they trap moisture and cause mold

4. Tighten Bolts and Check for Movement

Wood naturally expands and contracts in heat, which can loosen joints and hardware over time.

Every few weeks:

• Check screws, bolts, and moving parts

• Tighten anything that’s loose

• Replace rusted parts with stainless steel where possible

This prevents wobbling and keeps chairs, tables, and recliners safe for daily use.

5. Don’t Leave Cushions and Accessories Outside

While cushions seem harmless, they retain moisture after rain or even heavy dew. That moisture can leach into wood frames, creating mold, warping, and even attracting termites or ants over time.

Best practices:

• Store cushions indoors or in weatherproof boxes

• Let them fully dry before putting them away

• Wash covers and air them out regularly

If cushions stay damp, they can lead to mold—and that moisture transfers to the wood frame underneath.

Whether you're a furniture retailer, a garden center manager, or simply getting ready for summer, maintaining wooden furniture is easier than most people think. Just a few minutes of care each month can extend its life and protect your investment for years to come.

At Dai Phuc Hung Thinh Furniture, we’ve spent over 21 years helping buyers source sustainable, long-lasting outdoor furniture from Vietnam. All of our products are made from 100% FSC-certified Acacia and Eucalyptus, crafted to perform outdoors—especially when cared for properly.

Here’s why leading retailers trust us:

1. Trusted by JYSK, Segmuller, and top retailers across Europe

2. Flexible MOQs and 20+ years of manufacturing experience

3. Fast communication, personalized quotes, and expert shipping support

🛍️ Shopping for furniture?
Ask your favorite retailer if they carry Dai Phuc Hung Thinh products—crafted responsibly in Vietnam and built to last.

📩 Are you a buyer or retailer?
Email us to request a catalog, sample quote, or sourcing consultation: sales@daiphuchungthinh.com.vn