Taking small steps to correctly maintain your outdoor furniture would assist prolong its life and allow you to enjoy it year after year. Officials at Hampton Bay, a line of furniture from Home Depot, present tips on cleaning, defensive and maintaining:

• KEEP IT SIMPLE. For least maintenance, prefer furniture made of easy-to-clean materials. Wrought iron and aluminum are fine choices.

• GO LIGHT. Pastels and light colors tend to uphold their color enhanced than darker shades. If your furniture is not secluded by a roof or awning, select light fabric to minimize fading.

• PREVENT STAINS. Keep some aloofness between your furniture and nearby foliage and trees. The bark and oils from certain trees (oak, hickory and extra nut trees, for example) could stain. Using fade- and stain-resistant fabrics on chair cushions too helps.

• CLEAN CAREFULLY. Use a force washer (keep the setting low) to get rid of caked-on dirt on PVC or wrought-iron furniture; a damp cloth to wipe off legs and bases of metal chairs and tables; and a soft brush, with a combination of mild soap and warm water, to clean cushions and seating areas.

• PROVIDE COVER. Though outdoor furniture is designed to be showing to the elements, defend it during bad weather. In heavy storms, pull patio furniture into a enclosed area to prevent metal from rusting and defend wood and fabrics from drenching, dirt and mold. During winter, store furniture in a garage or basement.

• PROTECT. Wood furniture needs extra care. For teak furniture, apply oil designed for treating teak. For all other woods, use a polyurethane-based wax made particularly for outdoor durability. Protect metals from rising rust by polishing them with wax.