Clean your patio furniture easily with simple maintenance measures. Start by spreading a plastic tarp and taking away fabric cushions from the furniture.
For most furniture pieces, a solution of mild detergent and water works effectively. Scrub as needed before rinsing off thoroughly afterwards.
For stubborn stains, use powdered oxygen bleach mixed with one quart of water to treat and brighten wood surfaces. Consider sealing after cleaning with car wax to protect it against future dirt accumulation.
Fabric
Outdoor fabric sofas and chairs look beautiful, but even the most durable fabric will become dirty over time. Pollen, dust, and rain can leave pollen spots as well as discolorations on upholstery material; regular wiping may help stain removal but at some point you will need to deep clean.
Warm water and soap should remove most fabric stains effectively. For tougher messes, consider adding vinegar, borax or bleach into your cleaning solution; before beginning to scrub however, apply a bit of cornstarch directly onto the stain for best results.
After cleaning fabric furniture with detergent and water, rinse it well using a garden hose in order to eliminate soap residue and prevent water spots. Next, allow cushions to air dry.
If your cushions have faded over time, fabric protector can provide the solution to keep them looking their best. A professional can perform this service, while you can find many products specifically made to protect outdoor fabrics at local home improvement stores.
As well as treating stains, fabric must also be protected from mildew and mold growth. Not only can these organisms damage furniture but they may also present health concerns when inhaled directly. To combat mildew effectively, try spraying vinegar over it regularly on furniture pieces in your home to stop its formation.
Covering fabric furniture when not in use can also help protect it, protecting against dirt and moisture that could potentially harm its fabric as well as making future cleaning simpler. This method may reduce future dust build-up on its surface as well.
One effective way to protect fabric furniture from becoming dirty is to regularly wipe it down with a soft cloth, as this will remove much of the debris that collects on cushions – particularly in their cracks and crevices.
Stone
Stone patios make an elegant addition to any home and add visual interest to your outdoor space. However, unlike wood decking, stone is susceptible to dirt and natural grime build-up which can compromise its performance over time. Regular cleaning routines will help extend its lifespan.
Warm water mixed with mild dishwashing soap should be sufficient to clean Mallin frames, sling chairs and cushions. Sun tanning lotions or oils can cause irreparable damage to fabrics; two or three cleaning sessions annually is usually sufficient; but certain materials require more frequent attention.
If mold, mildew, or algae appear on your stone tabletop, treat it quickly to prevent further spread and ruin of patio furniture. Scrubbing with a solution containing 1/2 cup bleach per gallon of warm water should do the trick; rinse afterwards thoroughly and dry the area using a towel. Mildew or algae problems must be dealt with quickly in order to minimize potential spreading and ruination of outdoor furnishings.
Tropitone stone surfaces should be cleaned using a soft cloth and mild soap solution for best results. Avoiding abrasive cleaners that may scratch or dull the material should also be considered important; similarly, do not use acidic cleaners like vinegar, citrus juices or pine cleaners, nor alkaline cleaners such as tub and tile cleaners are not appropriate solutions either.
Tropitone stone tables should be preserved by using coasters under drinking glasses and placemats made of china, ceramics or silver to prevent scratches on the stone surface. For optimal care in winter months it is also wise to cover or store your tables to promote airflow and avoid moisture penetration that could cause cracking or chipping; also sealing stone table tops annually before each season with high-quality acrylic water-based matte sealant specifically formulated to work on porous stone is highly recommended – make sure it dries completely before returning furniture or plants back.
Metal
Many metal patio furniture pieces are constructed of durable materials such as wrought iron, aluminum and tubular steel that will last a long time when properly cared for. To properly care for these metal pieces, begin by removing cushions or seat pads and using a brush dipped in mild soapy water to scrub the frames; rinse away and wipe down with damp cloth afterwards, using non-abrasive metal polish if necessary to restore shine and beauty.
Wrought iron furniture can become vulnerable to rust over time. A mild solution of soap and water is often enough to effectively eliminate rust spots without scraping or grinding; more severe stains may require the application of rustoleum products instead. If painted pieces require painting as well, make sure the touch-up paint or metal paint designed specifically for outdoor furniture is used – for best results, clean and wax them at least four times each year!
Patio furniture crafted from powder-coated aluminum is generally easy to maintain. Should any scratches appear in its hard gloss surface, use a touch-up pen to cover them; unpainted aluminum requires metal polish for restoration of its luster.
WD-40 spray can help prevent the oxidization of metal furniture with natural finishes by spraying it each time you clean chairs and tables, or you could apply an automotive paste wax once or twice annually as protection for aluminum pieces.
Wooden patio furniture can often be more challenging to keep clean than other materials, so it is crucial that eucalyptus wood be treated regularly with polyurethane-type varnish to preserve and protect it from the elements. Doing this will protect its structure as well as safeguarding against insect damage and mold growth. Avoid power washers as their high pressure could do irreparable damage to wooden surfaces – use a garden hose instead for cleaning, taking care not to get the water too hot and allow enough drying time between washes!
Cushions
Outdoor cushions add comfort and style to outdoor furniture, yet are prone to dirt, pollen, mildew growth, food and beverage spills and feathered friend droppings. Experts advise following regular cleaning routines to keep cushions looking new and stain-free.
First, loose dirt and debris must be cleaned away using a bristle brush or vacuum with a brush attachment. Next, prepare your cleaning solution: For fabric cushions, mix together about one tablespoon of mild soap per gallon of water in a bucket, according to Karina Toner of Spekless Cleaning. Dip a soft-bristle brush into this solution before scrubbing cushions thoroughly using an orange garden hose until suds no longer remain visible.
Alex Varela of Dallas Maids suggests to avoid fading by not washing vinyl cushions directly under sunlight and using a towel to absorb excess water before drying them indoors in a well-ventilated space. A fan may help accelerate this process. A protector spray also can extend fabric’s life by repelling stains and protecting from UV damage.