How to Clean Outdoor Furniture
The good thing about outdoor furniture is that it's designed to withstand considerable wear and tear from extended exposure to the elements.
The bad thing is it's going to get dirty out there and need to be cleaned.
Fortunately, most of the cleaning of outdoor furniture is relatively easy with some simple products and tools.
Are you ready to check out some new outdoor furniture? Consult with an expert on how to make your outdoor lounging experience more comfortable.
The right tools for the job
One of the best ways to protect outdoor furniture from the elements and to keep it looking good is to cover it when it's not in use. Some outdoor furniture even comes with covers.
For most outdoor furniture cleaning jobs, simple solutions like a good all-purpose cleaner and dish soap could do most of the work. Add soft cleaning towels and maybe a scrub brush, and you could be 90 percent of the way there.
Maintaining cushions and fabric upholstery
Cover cushions when you can, take them inside or store them in a deck box to protect them when you know inclement weather is coming.
Clean up spills on cushions and upholstery with warm water and a soft towel as quickly as you can when they happen. If they get stained, warm water, dish soap and vinegar can take out stubborn stains.
Baking soda can also help take out oily stains as it will absorb greasy marks that you can lift off with warm water, a soft towel and some pressure.
How to clean wood and teak furniture
A variety of wood cleaning products, oils and preservatives from your local home center can help keep your outdoor furniture looking good.
You can also use a garden hose or pressure washer for tougher dirt. Be careful with the pressure settings on softer woods, though, as it can damage and tear out wood grain if you hit it too hard.
Once your wood furniture is clean and dry, you can protect it from sun and water damage with teak oil, a good wood sealer or protective finish.
If you see mildew spots, you can remove them with vinegar mixed equal parts with water. You can also use a weak bleach solution.
And if you see graying patches on wood furniture, you can sand it lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper, then wash, dry and seal the areas for prolonged protection.
Cleaning techniques for metal and aluminum frames
Outdoor furniture made of metals like steel or aluminum can be cleaned with warm water, dish soap and a scrub brush. If you see signs of rust, you can remove it with steel wool. You can also sand, prime and repaint areas that show increasing rust or weather damage.
Refreshing resin and wicker pieces
Resin or plastic outdoor furniture, aside from being a bit more friendly to your budget, is relatively simple to clean. You can use an all-purpose spray cleaner, warm water and a soft towel to wipe down dirt and grime.
For wicker pieces, soapy water and a brush might be all you need to get it clean. A smaller brush, like an old toothbrush, could help you clean a little deeper into the fibers.
Routine maintenance to extend the life of your patio set
Outdoor furniture generally doesn’t need a lot of maintenance or attention, but you can do a few things to keep it looking good.
- Clean your outdoor furniture every six months or so, and more frequently if it's been stormy or otherwise wet out. If you live near the beach, you might find your furniture gets damp and sandy more quickly, so you’ll want to clean it a bit more often.
- Cover furniture when you can, particularly if you know inclement weather is approaching.
- Take up cushions and throws when not in use and store them somewhere clean and dry, such as inside your home or garage, or maybe in outdoor deck boxes.
- Store outdoor furniture in a garage or shed for longer-term protection as winter approaches if you live in a part of the country with harsh weather.
How to find outdoor furniture
Are you ready to explore some furniture options designed to enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces? We have seating, lounging, dining and accent options in a variety of materials, including wood, metal and even concrete.
Shop now at Rate Outdoors and see what works best for you!
