Keep your outdoor furniture clean using items found around your house, which could potentially extend its life and prevent mildew, mold and other problems from appearing. An efficient cleaning routine is all it takes to extend its lifespan and avoid mildew or mold issues that could arise over time.
Start by using a gentle scrub brush or soft-bristled brush to loosen any loose dirt, then follow this with a solution of mild detergent and warm water.
Fabric
Outdoor fabric furniture is designed to withstand the elements, yet still be susceptible to dirt accumulation and mildew growth. One effective solution is using a garden hose regularly to spray down and rinse off fabric – this will keep dirt off while also helping prevent mildew growth. To manage this problem effectively, regular garden hose rinsing can keep dirt at bay as well as protect it from becoming breeding grounds for mold or mildew growth.
OxiClean products offer an effective solution to stubborn dirt, stains and marks on fabric patio furniture, such as bird droppings, wine spills, sweat stains from morning workouts or even blood spots. Water-activated with oxygen power formula helps dissolve these marks efficiently from fabric surfaces such as bird droppings to sweat stains from an early workout or blood spots.
Begin your cleaning process more effectively by brushing the fabric surface with a soft bristled brush to loosen any loose dirt and dust that has collected on its surface. This will give the cleaning process an initial kickstart while increasing effectiveness.
Mix a solution of mild soap or wood-specific cleaner as directed on the product label, and dip a cloth in it before wiping down your furniture carefully to avoid scratches on its surface. Allow all surface areas of your furniture to dry completely before using again; when covering furniture when not in use, make sure it features breathable material to allow moisture to escape and avoid mildew and mold growth.
Hauser’s Patio Furniture and Fabric Cleaner offers an effective solution for deep cleaning wood and wicker patio furniture, such as tables and chairs, by dissolving dirt, oil and stains from both materials in no time at all. Simply apply with cloth or sponge in circular motion before leaving it penetrate for 30 to 1 minutes before rinsing thoroughly or wiping clean with damp cloth – easy peasy!
Wood
Wood outdoor furniture adds an inviting, natural aesthetic to any patio area and can add depth and dimension to the landscape or garden. However, wooden outdoor furniture must be regularly maintained in order to remove organic growth, prevent fading and staining as well as prevent damage from harsh weather conditions. A regular cleaning regimen will extend its life.
Wood furniture can be cleaned using mild dishwashing liquid or cleanser specifically formulated for wood furniture. Use a soft bristled brush or cloth to scrub its surface using this solution, paying particular attention to areas with dirt, grime, mildew or mold buildup. Avoid oversaturating porous weaves such as those found on wicker furniture made of rattan, bamboo or willow by pouring too much water onto them – instead rinse off excess liquid before drying with a towel afterward.
If your wood furniture is showing signs of wear and tear, a fresh coat of paint or stain may help revive its appearance. Simply follow the application instructions of your chosen product to restore faded wood or add color. Additionally, using a wood sealant may protect it against weather elements like UV rays from the sun as well as rainwater intrusion or snowmelt.
Before applying any cleaners, treatments, or finishes on an entire piece of furniture, test all cleaners, treatments, or finishes in an inconspicuous spot first. Some wood cleaners contain chemicals which could potentially harm natural finishes as well as stained or painted finishes. When using power washers to treat wood surfaces only spray small sections at a time to avoid direct contact with wood surfaces; similarly if using wood conditioners or oils make sure you rub in the direction of grain until completely dry before moving on with use.
Metal
Metal outdoor furniture pieces often boast elaborate patterns with many crevices that collect dirt. To begin cleaning them more easily, move it to your driveway or another clean space to make working easier. Use your garden hose to spray down the furniture to dislodge major dirt deposits while using stiff brushes to scrub at harder dirt spots. Once complete, rinse off with more garden hose water before wiping it clean using a dry cloth.
Metal outdoor furniture may rust, stain or discolor over time. Even when constructed of stainless steel that conforms to marine standard 316 for corrosion protection, its surface may still become susceptible to corrosion in salt air environments. If this occurs, repainting will restore beauty and extend lifespan of this investment piece.
Rust and oxidation can also damage paint on metal patio furniture, so be sure to regularly check for damage and chips, repainting as necessary. Should a chip appear, make repairs immediately as it could allow corrosion of the metal underneath its chipped finish.
Mildew can be an issue for metal furniture. To effectively remove it, a solution composed of equal parts of water and bleach must be used; scrub affected areas firmly while applying force before thoroughly rinsing with clean water before finally drying with a soft, lint-free towel.
To maintain the beauty and luster of wrought iron and aluminum furniture, dust it frequently with a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush and mild cleaner. Certain pieces require careful handling as their intricate patterns may require close attention in order to avoid scratching the surface and damaging its finish. Powder-coat metal furniture should be treated with extreme care as it’s more susceptible to scratching and fading than other finishes. A touch-up pen may be useful in covering minor scratches or scuff marks on powder-coated metal furniture; liquid or paste auto wax may help buff and protect its finish; you could also lubricate its swivels, glides, ribs on chairs and umbrellas using silicone spray in order to reduce wear over time.
Wicker
Natural and synthetic wicker furniture are both highly resilient, yet require regular care and upkeep in order to remain beautiful. Cleaning it in humid environments where mildew and mold growth is likely can help ensure its beauty for longer. Dusting regularly with a duster, as well as vacuuming it, is all effective ways of keeping dirt, grime, and dust at bay; keeping out of direct sunlight also has its benefits.
Start by brushing off loose dirt and debris using a soft-bristled brush – this will reach into any cracks or crevices where dirt tends to collect, making for an effective deep clean. Schedule this task once every few seasons for best results.
Next, create your cleaning solution by mixing half a cup of dish soap and several cups of water together in a bucket until suds form, then dip a towel into it to wring it out – this helps prevent the wicker from soaking up too much liquid that could warp or distort its shape. For tight spaces or hard to reach areas, an old toothbrush may come in handy as its small head allows it to reach in between grooves without damaging the fabric.
Once your furniture has been thoroughly cleansed, use a garden hose or bucket of clean water to rinse away all soapy suds with. A damp cloth may also help absorb excess moisture before you allow the wicker furniture to air dry fully before use again.
To combat any stubborn stains that a sponge or cloth cannot, consider using mildew remover or goo-gone to clean sticky messes like tree sap or bird droppings. Both products typically need time to set before being applied; so be sure to read their labels thoroughly. Additionally, touch-up paint may help restore its fresh appearance; apply one once every couple years so your wicker stays looking new; additionally consider applying a protective spray-on sealant afterwards to keep its finish from fading under rain and sunlight.
