Covers protect patio furniture from the elements year round. No matter if it's a pricey or budget patio set, it will stay looking great for a long time with some simple upkeep and storage.

Sharing a meal or relaxing on a deck, patio or balcony can be the highlight of a summer day. And when the season changes, proper care can make your outdoor furniture last for summers to come.

Whether you have a pricey patio set or something more modest, experts recommend some simple steps for upkeep and storage.

Look for cover

Ideally, it’s best to store any type of patio furniture — metal, plastic or wood — indoors during harsh weather. If that’s not possible, Matt Blashaw, a licensed contractor and host of DIY network’s “Yard Crashers,” recommends weather-proof covers, or at least some simple poly/vinyl tarps secured with straps or weighted down.

“There are furniture covers of just about every shape and size available,” he says, adding that the newest ones are waterproof and UV-treated for excellent protection.

Measure your pieces before you buy covers to ensure the right fit. You can also ask for manufacturer guidelines that may help you choose the correct style.

Don’t forget fire pits and chimeneas. There are elasticized covers made for them, too, and it’s important to keep water from rusting their metal burners and grates.

As for acrylic cushions and fabrics — even ones made for outdoor use — store them inside. If you just don’t have the space, Blashaw recommends putting them in air-tight bags.

Careful cleaning

Before you store patio furniture, make sure it’s free of dirt and debris.

“Who wants to spend the first warm days of spring on furniture cleanup duty anyway?” Blashaw says.

Lowe’s Home Improvement spokesman Colleen Maiura tells customers to check the manufacturer’s directions before using any cleaning products. For most materials, however, you’ll just need soap and water, she says. Consider using a pressure washer on a low setting (1,200 to 1,350 pounds per square inch) to make the job go faster.

“Monthly cleaning and maintenance can help the furniture maintain a good appearance and make your investment last longer,” she says.

For acrylic cushions, Maiura recommends spot cleaning with a sponge, mild soap and water. Make sure the cushions are completely dry before storing them.

While many outdoor cushions are mildew-resistant, you can use a solution of 1 cup bleach, 2 cups detergent and 1 gallon of water to clean. Spray it on, allow it to soak for 30 minutes, then scrub with a sponge or rag.

Fabric pieces such as hammocks and cloth chairs can be machine-washed on gentle. Stretch them back over the frame for the right fit, and to make sure the fabric is dry before storing indoors.

Must-do maintenance

For wood, you may need to oil or varnish it, depending on the type. For wicker, you may have to wax it if it’s not water-resistant. Some metal frames require paint touch-ups, but most are made to be rust-resistant or rust-free. If your set is not, consider using paste wax for protection. Some rusted metals can be professionally powder-coated, making them look new again. Check your manufacturer’s directions for details.

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This July 9, 2013 publicity product photo provided by Lowe's Home Improvement shows a allen + roth Trellis Pattern Polyester Conversation Chair Cover used to protect patio furniture from the elements year round. Whether you're able to afford a pricey patio set or if you're on a budget, you'll want to keep your outdoor furniture looking great for a long time with some simple tips for upkeep and storage. (AP Photo/Lowe's Home Improvement)

This July 9, 2013 publicity photo provided by Lowe's Home Improvement shows a Greenworks 1700 PSI ,1.4 GPM Electric Pressure Washer being used to clean a patio chair. Lowe's Home Improvement spokeswoman Colleen Maiura said, "Monthly cleaning and maintenance can help the furniture maintain a good appearance and make your investment last longer." (AP Photo/Lowe's Home Improvement)