These are the items you should never leave on the porch!
When the porch-sitting season starts, we are eager to make our exterior spaces nicer, and because of that, we tend to take various objects outside to help us in our quest. But there are some items you can never leave on the porch, and we are here to tell you more about them.
Maybe that item will break if it sits outside for too long, or your porch will have to suffer because of it. There are numerous reasons things like these happen, and because of this, you have to know what can be left outside without problems and what cannot.
We verified with a few experts and got all the essential information, and we are ready to share it with you. Read on and find out what items you can never leave on the porch.
1. Furniture that is not water- and UV-resistant
We know that you want that pretty outdoor furniture set you saw last time you went shopping, but before purchasing it, you should check if it’s appropriate to leave it outside or not. Many people fall into this trap, and by the end of the summer, their brand-new furniture is almost completely destroyed and can’t be used the next year.
Try to buy furniture that is upholstered with water-repellent, anti-microbial, and quick-drying fabric. If the furniture does not meet these minimal requirements, it is one of the items you can never leave on the porch because it will deteriorate in no time.
Also, you can try to look for furniture made from resin or another type of all-weather material. These are safe to be left on the porch, and they will never suffer water or sun damage.
2. Rubber mats
Generally, rubber mats are always on our entryways and porches, and they are incredibly useful on rainy days. But if you leave them outside permanently, they can become real troublemakers.
Rubber is one of the materials you should never leave on the porch because constant sun exposure can break down the material, and over time, your mat will crack and fade. What is even worse is that some rubber mats can stain your porch surface.
Another thing you should know is that rubber has the ability to trap moisture. But this can be a double-edged sword. During rainy conditions, this can offer your mat a good grip, and you can be sure you will not slip.
On the other hand, all the moisture that is trapped there can completely destroy your porch floor. Wood decks are particularly susceptible to rot and mildew, and because of this, you should try not to expose your floor to dampness.
What you can do is choose a weather-resistant mat, and in this way, you can keep your outdoor space safe.
3. Umbrellas
This might surprise you, but your umbrella is one of the items you should never leave on the porch. We know that you need it because it provides shade, but keeping it outside on your porch might cause more trouble than shade.
Why do we say this? Well, think about a storm or a windy day. What happens if you leave your umbrella outside on the porch? It might seem harmless, but that umbrella can transform into a dangerous projectile that can produce destruction on your property or on your neighbor’s property.
Open umbrellas can be pretty tempting for birds, and this is how you might end up with a nest on your umbrella. Also, other small animals, such as squirrels, might find the fabric tempting to chew.
Our advice is to store your umbrella in a dedicated outdoor container when you are not using it, and in this way, besides expanding its lifespan, you can also avoid various accidents that can happen.
4. Throw pillows and cushions
We know you love comfort, which is why you’ve transformed your porch into a cozy oasis, but unfortunately, throw pillows and cushions are some of the items you should never leave on the porch.
Now, nothing will happen if you leave them outside for a couple of days, but leaving them outside permanently can cause some trouble.
First of all, pillows are moisture magnets. That soft cushion makes them the perfect targets for moisture, and just think about morning dew, afternoon showers, or even the occasional spilled drink. All of them will transform your hangout spot into a sponge, and we are sure you don’t want that to happen, as this can be the perfect place for the growth of mold and mildew.
If you let your throw pillows and cushions stay for too long in the harsh rays of the sun, you can already say goodbye to those vibrant colors that caught your eye when you were shopping. Constant exposure to UV light will make the fabric fade, and all the charm will be gone.
5. Glass
This one might look like a sophisticated choice for the decorative elements on your porch. A nice vase or other glass ornament can look amazing, but it can also be dangerous. This is why glass is one of the items you should never leave on the porch.
Standard glass is dangerous when left on the porch because it can break easily. This might lead to injuries for anyone who’s around, or it can even destroy your porch. This is exactly why tempered glass is a much better choice when you want to use glass decorations outside.
Also, if you have a glass table, during the summer, the direct sunlight will transform your table into a magnifying glass. The scorching heat that is produced can harm the underlying furniture or floor, and if there is any rug around or other flammable material, this can even cause a fire!
6. Rattan
Many people want to transform their porch into a coastal paradise, and this makes rattan a quite popular material for outside furniture. And we totally get it. Rattan can look amazing, but it’s also light, and you can move it around without any problems.
But again, it’s the same thing that happens to pillows and cushions: when unexpected rain showers fall on your porch, your rattan furniture will absorb the humidity. Mold and mildew can grow, and the humidity also weakens the material and emits a musty odor that is not pleasant at all.
Maybe you think that rattan is not affected by UV rays, but this is not actually true. The natural fibers can become brittle and crack. And if you have furniture made from synthetic rattan, it will fade quite quickly.
In cases of severe weather, you should know that rattan is a material you should never leave on the porch because it isn’t resistant at all, and even moderate winds can blow it away.
These are the main things you should never leave on the porch because they can easily get damaged or damage your yard and porch. Try to invest in furniture that is weather-resistant, and if the conditions are too severe, just don’t leave it outside.
Hopefully, if you want to say goodbye to the struggle of bringing cushions inside every time it rains, there is something that might help you! We are talking about water-repellant cushions: Arden Selections Outdoor Deep Seat Cushion Set, 24 x 24, Water Repellant, Fade Resistant, Deep Seat Bottom and Back Cushion
You should also read: Avoid These 10 Things if You Don’t Want an Outdated Kitchen
