Congratulations on buying the combination of storage and beauty when adding a deck box to your patio. And as you start to use it, you will find that the deck box will be the perfect place to store everything your patio needs, while keeping it conveniently accessible to all of your guests. While your cushions and other accessories may be protected and cared for in the safety and comfort of your box, the exterior of your box can wear out over time. While it can now sparkle with natural beauty, you will slowly see the charm and sparkle fade. A stationary lens opens to collect dirt, debris, and other depressing items as time passes. Making the perfect addition to your patio look more like the perfect dirt pile.
The attraction of dirt and debris is a natural occurrence that happens to every deck box over time. Because it stays in one place year-round (and even year-round in some cases), whatever Mother Nature throws out, goes out, and around will eventually end up against the walls of her beautiful deck box. Knowing how you can protect and clean this piece of furniture now will ensure your investment is protected for years to come, without the hassle of constantly renovating.
If you have a plastic deck box, cleaning every now and then will be a much easier process, a natural draw for those who live in places where you have visitors during all four seasons. Because plastic is a solid, non-porous material, keeping it clean is a very simple process. Bringing a mild cleaner (such as dish soap) and warm water to your plastic box will keep it clean year round; apply when needed and allow that natural glow to return to your deck box. For larger projects, taking a stronger cleaner will help remove longer-lasting stains. Always check what’s in the cleaner before applying it to your plastic case; the wrong cleaner could corrode the plastic and eventually break the case.
If you have a wooden deck box, taking care of your investment may require several more steps before it becomes easier. The materials it is made from will ultimately determine the best way to go about sealing and cleaning your outdoor furniture. While hardwoods like cedar can receive oil treatments to keep them protected, other woods (like pine or cypress) can be stained for an extra layer of protection, or even painted to your liking. Adding these protective barriers gives your case a solid layer of protection from the elements, protecting it from anything the world wants to throw at it and more. Plus, once your box has this key protective layer set up, cleaning can be as simple as bringing a sponge and warm water to your box.
But if your wooden pallet box gets too overloaded with dirt and debris, you can always start over by applying a light sanding to the entire box. Sanding the outer layer of the wood gives you a chance to start over all over again, removing the grimy layer of dirt and debris that will eventually settle into your box. Also, sand the wood to change the directions you want to go with your box. If you want to change the stain, or even paint a new motif across the box, just sand it down and start your masterpiece anew.
Knowing how to keep your deck box clean throughout the seasons will help you get the best results and offer the most protection for your investment. Taking steps now to keep your box clean will ensure years of joy and protection for all your patio accessories.