By Andrey Zhilin — Exterior Care Specialist, Sharky Destin
Living in Destin means outdoor life almost year-round — morning coffee on the patio, sunset dinners under palm trees, weekend gatherings by the grill.
But the same coastal air that makes it all beautiful also ages outdoor furniture twice as fast as inland homes.
Salt, humidity, and UV exposure combine into a slow, invisible process of oxidation and decay.
By fall, most patios carry a fine white film, soft mildew spots, and fabrics that have quietly lost their color.
1. Why Coastal Air Is So Hard on Furniture
Destin’s Gulf breeze contains microscopic salt particles that settle on every surface — metal, wood, wicker, even plastic.
As humidity rises overnight, those particles dissolve and penetrate materials.
When the sun returns, the moisture evaporates, leaving behind salt crystals that scratch and dry out surfaces.
The cycle repeats daily:
salt → moisture → corrosion → discoloration.
Add pollen, sunscreen residue, and spilled drinks, and you have a perfect habitat for mildew and stains.
2. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Power washing too aggressively — removes paint or protective coatings.
- Using bleach — kills mold but weakens fabric and damages wood.
- Ignoring cushions — foam padding holds moisture for weeks.
- Leaving furniture uncovered after cleaning — humidity returns faster than it dries.
Quick fixes often accelerate damage instead of preventing it.
3. The Sharky Destin Cleaning System
Our coastal outdoor cleaning approach focuses on restoring and sealing — not just washing.
Step 1 – Salt and Mildew Neutralization
We apply a low-alkaline solution that breaks down salt residue and mold roots without harming finishes.
Step 2 – Gentle Deep Rinse
Soft water pressure removes buildup from wood grain, wicker weaves, or fabric pores.
Step 3 – UV Protection and Seal Refinish
We recondition surfaces with hydrophobic and UV-blocking coatings to prevent fading and cracking.
Step 4 – Fabric Restoration
Outdoor cushions and umbrellas are treated with anti-fungal detergent and fast-dried with warm air circulation.
When we’re done, the air smells clean again — not chemical, just coastal fresh.
4. Simple Home Maintenance Tips
- Rinse metal and plastic furniture with fresh water weekly.
- Use mild detergent instead of bleach or ammonia.
- Store cushions indoors overnight during humid months.
- Apply fabric protector spray once every season.
- Cover furniture after cleaning, not before.
These habits add years to your patio’s life — and keep it looking like new through every season.
5. Why October Is the Perfect Month for Outdoor Cleaning
Humidity drops, storms ease, and temperatures stay warm enough for surfaces to dry quickly.
Deep cleaning now locks in protection before winter moisture returns.
In Destin’s climate, fall is not the end of outdoor season — it’s the reset.
Final Thought
Your patio is an extension of your home — and in a coastal climate, it deserves the same level of care.
A professional deep clean every fall means you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying the breeze.
Andrey Zhilin — Exterior Care Specialist, Sharky Destin
Helping coastal homeowners protect what the sea tries to take back.
Read also: The Hidden Cost of Ignoring Window Cleaning in Coastal Homes
