Outdoor furniture adds comfort and style to your patio, garden, or deck. But it’s important to keep your outdoor patio furniture clean and well-maintained to get the most out of it, and enjoy it all summer long.
Here, we’ll go material by material, giving you step-by-step instructions on how to care for your outdoor furniture.
Why You Should Clean Outdoor Furniture
Summertime is ideal for enjoying outdoor space. But, nothing can ruin the welcoming feel of your patio or deck like dirty outdoor furniture. On the other hand, clean furniture creates a welcoming atmosphere, making your outdoor living area more comfortable and inviting.
Protect Your Investment
High-quality pieces like dining sets, sectional sofas, and chaise lounges can be expensive. Dirt, mildew, and rust can deteriorate materials, leading to costly replacements.
Enhance Comfort & Aesthetics
No one wants to sit on a dirty chair or eat at a grimy table. So, whether you have rocking chairs on your porch or a complete patio dining set for entertaining, keeping these pieces clean ensures they’re always ready for use.
Prevent Allergies & Health Issues
Dust, pollen, mold, and mildew can accumulate on outdoor furniture, leading to allergies or respiratory issues. Fortunately, regular cleaning helps remove these allergens.
Tools To Clean Your Outdoor Furniture
With the right tools, you’ll keep your outdoor furniture in top condition.
Here’s a list of essential cleaning items:
- Vacuum cleaner: Make sure your vacuum has a brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris.
- Soft-bristle brush: This tool is ideal for gently scrubbing various surfaces.
- Microfiber cloths: Forget regular old rags, microfiber cloths are gentle enough for drying and wiping down all types of surfaces.
- Spray bottles: This method ensures you apply the right amount of cleaning solution to your outdoor furniture.
- Mild soap: Instead of harsh cleaners, a gentle soap can help preserve materials while being effective at cleaning.
- White vinegar: This is a great tool you may already have at home for mildew and tough stains.
- Baking soda: Use baking soda to creating cleaning pastes to tackle stubborn spots.
- Garden hose: Make rinsing off soap and cleaning solutions a snap with a garden hose.
- Buckets: This often-overlooked tool makes mixing cleaning solutions and rinsing furniture easy.
- Protective covers: Don’t overlook how much covers can help preserve your furniture when not in use.
- Fabric protector spray: You’ll want this cleaner to guard cushions and fabric items against stains and UV damage.
Now that you have your tools prepared, you may be wondering how to clean different types of outdoor furniture. Let’s go material by material to look at the specific ways to clean various outdoor furniture.
Cleaning Wood Outdoor Furniture
Wood outdoor furniture adds a timeless and natural look to any patio or garden. However, wood requires regular maintenance because it’s prone to various issues.
Common Issues With Wood Outdoor Furniture
Wood outdoor furniture faces several challenges due to exposure to the elements. On older or antique wood furniture, sap can ooze from the wood, creating sticky spots that attract dirt and debris.
Meanwhile, on modern outdoor furniture, the wood can warp or fade if it’s not properly cared for. Sometimes, acidic bird droppings can damage the wood surface if not cleaned promptly as well.
Then, in humid conditions, mildew can form, leading to unsightly black or green patches that affect the wood’s appearance and integrity. Meanwhile, prolonged sun and rain exposure can cause the wood to fade and crack over time.
How To Clean Wood Outdoor Furniture
Here’s how to get your wooden outdoor furniture looking spotless:
- Sweep away debris: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristle brush to remove any loose dirt and dust.
- Mix your cleaner: Combine mild soap with warm water in a bucket. Steer clear of any harsh chemicals.
- Scrub gently: Dip your brush into the soapy mix and scrub the furniture, paying extra attention to sap, bird droppings, or mildew spots.
- Rinse: Use a hose or bucket to rinse off all the soap with clean water.
- Dry thoroughly: Use microfiber cloths to pat dry, then let the furniture air dry in a shaded spot.
- Smooth rough spots: Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand down any rough areas or splinters.
- Check for mildew: If you find mildew stains, spray them with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, scrub gently, and rinse.
- Protect the wood: Once dry, apply a clear sealant or wood preservative to shield against moisture and UV damage.
Cleaning Metal Patio Furniture
Metal patio furniture is durable and sleek, making it popular for outdoor living spaces. But this is also why regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep it looking its best.
Common Issues With Metal Patio Furniture
Rust is a common problem for metal patio furniture, and develops when metal surfaces come into contact with moisture over time.
In addition to rust, when dirt and grime accumulate on metal furniture, it dulls the shine and makes the furniture look unkempt.
Additionally, discoloration may also occur, especially if the metal isn’t properly coated or treated to withstand UV rays and weather conditions.
How To Clean Metal Patio Furniture
To keep your metal patio furniture pristine, follow these steps:
- Brush off dirt: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristle brush to clear away loose dirt and dust.
- Make a soapy solution: Mix some mild soap with warm water in a bucket. Avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Scrub the metal: Dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soapy water and scrub the metal surfaces, focusing on areas with dirt or grime.
- Rinse well: Rinse with clean water using a hose or bucket to remove all soap residues.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with microfiber cloths and let the furniture air dry in the shade.
- Rust inspection: For rust spots, apply white vinegar and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, scrub off the rust with a wire brush and rinse again.
- Protect the finish: Once dry, apply a protective spray or rust inhibitor to prevent future rust and maintain the finish.
Cleaning Fabric Outdoor Patio Chairs & Sofas
Fabric outdoor patio chairs and sofas offer comfort and style to your outdoor living space, but they require regular care to stay in top condition.
Common Issues With Fabric Outdoor Furniture
Fabric outdoor furniture faces several challenges due to constant exposure to the elements. And there are a lot of things that can ruin fabric outdoor furniture.
For example, mildew is common in humid environments, causing unsightly stains and unpleasant odors.
Also, food and drink spills can leave stubborn stains if not treated promptly.
Meanwhile, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fabric colors to fade.
Another thing to pay attention to is dirt and grime that can accumulate on the fabric surfaces, making them look worn out.
How To Clean Fabric Outdoor Patio Chairs & Sofas
Keep your fabric outdoor furniture fresh with these steps:
- Clear loose dirt: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or shake out the cushions to remove loose debris.
- Prepare a cleaning mix: Combine mild soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
- Spot clean stains: Spray the soapy solution on stains or spills and gently scrub with a soft brush in circular motions.
- Rinse completely: Rinse with clean water to remove all soap.
- Dry thoroughly: Pat dry with microfiber cloths and let the cushions air dry in a shaded area.
- Tackle mildew: For mildew spots, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray and scrub gently, then rinse.
- Add protection: Once dry, apply a fabric protector to guard against future stains and UV damage.
Cleaning Plastic Patio Furniture
Plastic patio furniture is popular for outdoor spaces due to its affordability, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, it still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Common Issues With Plastic Patio Furniture
Plastic patio furniture faces several common problems due to outdoor exposure. Dirt and grime can build up, making the furniture look dull and dirty.
Likewise, stains from food, drinks, or sunscreen can be challenging to remove if not treated promptly.
Other issues you could face with plastic patio furniture include prolonged sunlight exposure, which can cause the vibrant colors of plastic furniture to fade.
Additionally, mold and mildew can develop in humid conditions, leading to unsightly spots and potential health risks.
How To Clean Plastic Patio Furniture
Here’s how to keep your plastic patio furniture spotless:
- Sweep off dirt: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristle brush to remove loose dirt and dust.
- Mix cleaning solution: Combine mild soap with warm water in a bucket.
- Scrub the surfaces: Dip a soft-bristle brush into the soapy water and scrub the plastic surfaces, focusing on areas with dirt or grime.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse with clean water to wash away all the soap.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with microfiber cloths and let the furniture air dry in a shaded spot.
- Remove stains: For stubborn stains or mildew, mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray, scrub gently, then rinse again.
- Apply protection: Once dry, use a UV protectant spray or plastic polish to prevent fading and maintain the color.
Cleaning Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker furniture adds elegance and charm to any outdoor space but requires regular maintenance.
Common Issues With Wicker Patio Furniture
Wicker furniture, whether natural or synthetic, faces several common issues. Dust and dirt accumulate in the intricate weaving, making the furniture look dull and dirty. And if you experience humid weather, mildew can form, posing health risks and damaging the material.
Another thing to look out for is prolonged sunlight exposure, which can cause the wicker to fade and become brittle.
Moreover, grime from outdoor elements can build up, making wicker surfaces sticky and unattractive.
How To Clean Wicker Patio Furniture
Follow these steps to keep your wicker furniture in excellent condition:
- Remove cushions: Take off the cushions and clean them separately according to their care instructions.
- Dust the wicker: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a soft-bristle brush to remove loose dirt and dust from the wicker.
- Prepare a cleaning mix: Mix mild soap with warm water in a bucket.
- Scrub gently: Dip the brush into the soapy water and scrub the wicker, making sure to get into all the crevices.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse with clean water to remove all soap residues.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with microfiber cloths and let the furniture air dry thoroughly in a sunny area, avoiding direct sunlight if possible.
- Check for mildew: If you see mildew, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray, scrub gently, and rinse again.
- Apply protection: Once dry, apply a coat of paste wax or linseed oil to protect natural wicker from moisture.
Cleaning Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs add a cozy and stylish touch to your patio or garden, making your outdoor space feel like an extension of your living room. However, they require regular maintenance to stay clean and vibrant.
Common Issues With Outdoor Rugs
Outdoor rugs are exposed to the same elements as your outdoor furniture, and can suffer the same issues as a result. Dirt and dust often accumulate on the rug’s surface and embed themselves into the fibers. Also, mildew can form in humid or damp conditions, causing stains and unpleasant odors.
How To Clean Outdoor Rugs
Keep your outdoor rugs clean by following these steps:
- Shake off dirt: Shake the rug vigorously to remove loose dirt and debris. For large rugs, drape them over a railing and beat them with a broom.
- Vacuum both sides: Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean both sides of the rug thoroughly, loosening embedded dirt and dust.
- Mix cleaning solution: Combine mild soap with warm water in a spray bottle, avoiding harsh chemicals.
- Spot clean stains: Spray the soapy solution on stains or spills and gently scrub with a soft brush in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse with clean water to wash away all soap.
- Dry completely: Pat dry with microfiber cloths and let the rug air dry thoroughly in a sunny area, flipping it occasionally to dry both sides evenly.
- Remove mildew: For mildew spots, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, spray, scrub gently, and rinse again.
- Refresh odors: Sprinkle baking soda on the dry rug, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it off to neutralize odors.
Long-Term Storage for Outdoor Furniture
Now that you know how to clean your outdoor furniture, the next step in making it last longer is proper long-term storage at the end of the season.
If you can, place your furniture in a shed, garage, or other storage space. Even if you can only store smaller pieces, cushions, and rugs in your storage space, it will help preserve your outdoor furniture. Just remember to clean all items thoroughly before storing them.
And for the furniture you have to leave outside, covering pieces with high-quality furniture covers is an important step. You can also elevate furniture off the ground using blocks to prevent moisture damage.
Follow these tips and your outdoor furniture will look and feel like new for years to come.
