Easy Ways to Clean & Restore Your Patio Furniture

It’s important to clean outdoor furniture on a regular basis to keep it looking new. Patio or lawn furniture can become dingy, weary, and uninviting when subjected to harsh weather. These cleaning methods for various outdoor furniture will help keep your patio furnishings looking brand new all year long.

Getting Started

Dust, leaves, and other outdoor debris are likely to gather on any furniture that has been left uncovered during extended periods without use. Start by using a brush or a dry cloth to sweep away loose materials, then use a garden hose with a spray attachment to dislodge surface debris, such as wood, metal, plastic, or cloth.

Plastic

Plastic and resin furniture are inexpensive and available in a wide range of designs, making it a very popular option for deck and lawn furniture. It also happens to be the easiest to maintain. To keep plastic furniture looking new, skip the abrasives (which may scratch the surface) and spray it with an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it down with a sponge or wet cloth.

Metal

Wrought iron and stainless steel are two of the most popular materials for outdoor furniture since they are long-lasting and easy to maintain. In most cases, it’s as easy as using a good sponge, mild dish soap, and water. The greatest threat to metal furniture is rust. Although metal patio furniture is frequently coated or painted with a rust-resistant finish, these will eventually wear away. If rust is detected, use steel wool to remove oxidation and refinish the item.

Wicker, Teak, and Other Wood

A power washer may be tempting, but it is likely to scar or otherwise damage softwood, and it is strongly discouraged. Instead, use mild oil soap or soapy water with a soft brush or sponge to remove any sand or dirt. Wicker may require a toothbrush to get into the weave and can be time-consuming. To ease this chore, clean regularly to reduce build-up.

Teak and Ipe woods will come clean with a light solution of laundry detergent or one of the many commercial products on the market specifically for this purpose. Work in small sections and dry thoroughly when finished. Teak oil is not the greatest option for maintaining your hardwood furniture, as it can promote mildew.

Fabric

Cushions, seat covers, and stretched fabric look great but can get dirty quickly. Because they may be made of a variety of materials, both natural and synthetic, the simplest approach to clean them is with a solution of dish soap and warm water. Whenever possible, consult the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended cleaning methods. Fabric may be removed, washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle, and then air-dried to prevent harm from a hot dryer. Consider applying a water-repellant fabric protector after cleaning to reduce future stains.

Dealing With Mold and Mildew

Dampness and humidity are two of the most common causes of mold and mildew growth on outdoor furniture. To get rid of mold, make sure the furnishings are completely dry and use a brush to remove surface mold, then spray with a hose to rinse. Once scrubbed well, full-strength white vinegar and a hard brush will remove stubborn mildew. Bleach diluted with water is also helpful in removing mold from hard surfaces, although it may harm some materials.

When All Else Fails

Patio furniture may get stains that are resistant to cleaning after extended use. If the methods outlined here aren’t enough, it might be necessary to take more drastic measures. Hardwood furniture like teak can be surface sanded to restore its luster. For other wood or metal furniture, it may be time to strip or sand to reveal the bare surface and repaint. Plastic furniture might be more challenging to restore, and although some plastic-friendly paints may be used on certain plastics, the results are unlikely to last long.
As the warm weather finally returns, your backyard beckons for lounging, grilling, and entertaining. When it comes to learning how to clean patio furniture, it doesn’t have to be as complicated or time-consuming as you might think. From cleaning wicker to washing your outdoor fabrics, you can’t go wrong by following the simple steps outlined in this patio furniture cleaning guide. Remember to use gentle tools and detergents to get the best results and avoid damaging your furniture.