Aaaah, Labour Weekend! That feeling like we’ve made it. It’s the Friday Night of the season – when we have whole summer ahead of us. Bliss.
As the unofficial kick-off to the Kiwi summer, our minds turn to sun, socialising, and relaxing outside. Whether you’re staying home or heading to the bach, now is the perfect time to give your outdoor area some serious love so you can kick back and enjoy the best of NZ summer entertaining. Here’s a plan for that.
Part One: The Practical Prep—Spring Cleaning for the Outdoors
After a damp, dark winter, your outdoor furniture has probably gathered a bit of dirt and maybe a touch of green. A good spring clean is essential for protecting your investment and making it feel brand new.
1. Bring the Sparkle Back to Your Outdoor Furniture Frames (Especially Aluminium!)
If you own high-quality powdercoated aluminium furniture, you’ve already chosen a winner for durability. The finish is tough, but it still loves a gentle clean.
- The Simple Method: Use a soft cloth or a microfibre sponge, mild, warm, soapy water to gently wipe down all surfaces of your aluminium outdoor furniture frames.
- The Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove any soap residue.
- Pro Tip: Wash your furniture frame like you’d wash your car. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scourers, or high-pressure hoses, as these can damage the coating.
- Click here for our video on how to clean your frames.
2. Refreshing your Outdoor Squabs Cushions, Rugs and Fabrics
Your outdoor squabs and cushions are what make an outdoor lounge set truly comfortable, so treat them well, and you will be rewarded.
- Routine Care: Brush off loose dirt, leaves, and cobwebs with a soft brush.
- Spot Cleaning: For specific marks, use a mild solution of soapy water (dish soap works well) and a soft cloth or sponge. Blot the stain; do not rub vigorously.
- Deep Clean: With our products, your lounge furniture outdoor cushion covers ( and our throw cushions) can handle a cold, gentle machine wash. Always ensure they are completely dry before putting them back on as this prevents mould and mildew.
3. Prepping Your Cantilever Umbrella for the Summer Season Ahead
Your cantilever umbrella or sun umbrella is about to become your best friend, so let’s make sure it’s ready to provide beautiful shade all summer long!
- Inspection: Uncover and open your umbrella. Check the pole, ribs, and canopy fabric. Look for loose bolts or squeaky joints.
- Cleaning the Canopy: Use a hose to rinse away surface dirt. For a deeper clean outdoor cushions or canopy wash, use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge. Rinse thoroughly. Crucially, let the canopy air dry completely in the open position before closing it.
- Maintenance: Cantilever mechanics and base wheels can sometimes get a bit stiff. If the rotation or runner is squeaky, a light spray of silicone lubricant on the internal moving parts will often work wonders. Important: Wipe away any excess to avoid staining the fabric.
- Proper Use: Always close and cover your umbrella when it’s not in use, and especially if strong winds are forecast. Fasten the strap snugly to protect the fabric from unnecessary wear and tear.
4. Deck and Surface Tidy-Up
While decking isn’t our specialty, we know a clean surface makes everything look better.
- Brush Down: Give your deck or patio a good brush with a stiff broom to remove trapped dirt, leaves, and any slippery moss or algae.
- Water Blast: If needed, a gentle water blast can clean your deck, but be sure to use a wide fan and keep a reasonable distance to avoid damaging the timber fibres.
- Check and Treat: Look for any loose nails or screws. If your timber needs it, apply a fresh coat of stain or oil to protect it from our intense summer sun.
Part Two: Long Weekend Strategy—Forecast and Flexibility
Before you plan the menu and activities, check MetService! As we all know, Labour Weekend weather is famously unpredictable across the country.
- The Forecast Check: Look at the long-range forecast for both your home and the bach. Is it going to be a warm beachy spring weekend, or are there showers lurking?
- Have a Plan B: If the forecast is patchy, plan for activities that can easily move inside or under cover.
Part Three: The Softer Side—Looking at Your Space with Fresh Eyes
The Labour Weekend prep isn’t just about cleaning; it’s about refreshing the whole vibe. This is the moment to transform your space from ‘winter storage’ to ‘summer oasis.’
- The Fresh Eye Test: Walk out and look at your outdoor area like a guest and suss the vibe. Make changes as required
- Set the Summer Sound Track: Nothing kicks off the season like a great playlist. Get that summer playlist curated—whether you’re into relaxed acoustic vibes or upbeat party anthems. Make sure your outdoor tech/UE Boom or Sonos is charged and ready to go. Good tunes are the secret ingredient to great NZ summer entertaining and instantly boost the mood of your perfectly cleaned powdercoated aluminium furniture setting.
- Add Layers: Do your gorgeous powdercoated aluminium furniture pieces need a pop of colour? A couple of new throw cushions, perhaps in a vibrant summery shade, or an outdoor rug can instantly elevate the space.Make sure you have some outdoor throws/blankets on the ready.
- Bring in the Green: Now is the perfect time for a quick trip to the garden centre. Add some colourful potted plants, vibrant petunias, or a fragrant herb garden near your outdoor dining set.
- Lighting is Underated: Does your area feel magical after sunset? String up some fairy lights, place some lanterns on the table, or invest in solar-powered garden lights. Ambience makes a huge difference to NZ summer entertaining.
At Outside Space NZ, we’re focused on making sure your time spent outdoors is a pleasure, not a chore. By choosing quality outdoor furniture like our robust powdercoated aluminium ranges, you’re setting yourself up for a lifetime of easy care.
Kerry is the co-owner of Outside Space NZ, offering a range of contemporary outdoor furniture and sun umbrellas for coastal living kiwis seeking premium quality outdoor products and design at achievable prices.
