Most wicker and outdoor furniture made with all-weather performance fabric is relatively straightforward to maintain and clean. If stains arise, use a soft bristled brush to loosen them before giving the item another scrub with powdered oxygen bleach before cleaning.
Keep wooden furniture looking its best by giving it regular attention, especially the frames and legs. Use a soft bristled brush with mild soap solution for this task.
Spray with water
Outdoor furniture can quickly become stained or dull due to exposure to dirt and grime, but maintaining it regularly is the key to increasing its lifespan and having more enjoyable experiences outdoors. There are various straightforward and economical methods available for cleaning patio furniture regularly.
Furniture should be cleaned using either a water solution or homemade cleaning spray, with water being the safest choice as it won’t harm any delicate materials and organic debris that might remain behind.
If you are using a water solution cleaner, ensure it is applied on a cool or slightly cloudy day to prevent overevaporation of cleaner causing spots on the surfaces. A large sponge or microfiber cloth are perfect for this task.
Are You Wondering How to Clean Patio Furniture Quickly and Efficiently with Shaving Cream? One quick and effective solution for patio furniture cleaning is using shaving cream as a nontoxic solvent and cleaner that works great with plastic outdoor furniture. Just spray it directly onto the surface before wiping with sponge or cloth; after which rinse and dry the furniture using towel or microfiber cloth so there are no water spots left behind.
If your patio furniture is constructed of wood, applying a light coating of vegetable oil to it can protect it from the elements and keep it looking new for longer. Prior to doing so, however, use 120-grit sandpaper to sand down rough or uneven spots on it and remove any rust spots or other irregularities in its surface.
Vinegar is an effective natural insect repellent that can be used to clean patio furniture. Simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, use this solution to wipe down furniture, or simmer citrus peels such as lemon or orange in water to release their natural oils that repel insects swarming around your patio.
Wipe with a microfiber cloth
Dirt and caked-on mud are relatively straightforward to remove from plastic, PVC and resin patio furniture using power washing on its lowest setting. When cleaning natural fiber furniture like wicker and natural-fiber rattan wicker furniture with too much water being introduced at one time can tear apart weave or weaken wood (especially tropical hardwoods like shorea, acacia or mango), possibly leading to weakening and eventually destruction. To get your furniture as clean as possible we suggest saturating any porous surfaces using cleaning solutions designed for that material type.
Mild liquid soap or detergent tailored specifically for outdoor furniture works well on most fabrics; some materials require specialty cleaners; please refer to your furniture care instructions tags for specific recommendations. If your fabric cushions can be machine washed, general-purpose detergent such as Better Life Stain and Odor Eliminator would likely suffice; otherwise, remove cushion covers before cleaning and then either shake out or blot dry before returning them to chairs.
If your patio furniture features wood frames, it is recommended that after cleaning you use a wood cleaner and protectant to seal it and prevent moisture penetration into its surface. In addition, sealing wood periodically with protective finishes is another good way of safeguarding investment.
Metal furniture requires special care as it can rust more rapidly than other forms of patio furniture. If you own aluminum or steel patio furniture, rub the surface with a dry cloth to remove loose debris before using a non-metal brush to scrub in circular strokes before rinsing off thoroughly afterwards. Finally, protect any cast-iron finishes by applying wax coating after you are finished cleaning and protecting.
Low pressure power washers may be effective at cleaning certain types of furniture; however, natural-fiber or woven furniture should be handled carefully due to high pressure that could potentially rip open delicate threading or weave patterns and damage their delicate weave structure. Furthermore, after each use it’s important to rinse well to eliminate any residual moisture which could lead to rust or corrosion issues.
Rinse
Whenever time allows, use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse your furniture after using cleaning solutions to eliminate dirt and grime from it. Rinsing is especially crucial with plastic mesh chairs and table umbrellas which may become mildewed with prolonged moisture exposure.
Most fabric chairs and cushions can be washed in the machine; however, before doing so, please refer to your specific piece’s care instructions before doing so. Also be mindful to follow any additional fabric attachment instructions such as cushion covers or slings that may come attached with it.
Do not use chlorine bleach, pine oil or any other harsh chemicals on outdoor furniture. Doing so could potentially damage or stain it as well as discolor nearby plants. If unsure whether a particular cleaner is safe for your furniture, test it first on a hidden part of its surface first before applying it all over.
Gentle cleaning solutions should suffice when it comes to patio furniture maintenance. If you prefer commercial products, be sure they’re labeled safe for outdoor fabrics. A homemade solution of 1/4 cup oxygenated bleach and 3 tablespoons liquid dish soap per gallon of water will quickly clean most types of outdoor furniture including vinyl, metal and wicker styles; wood furniture can benefit from being rejuvenated using teak oil after being thoroughly cleansed for optimal appearance.
Clean your patio furniture at least twice annually, preferably before and after heavy usage to prevent buildup of dirt and grime which could eventually cause it to degrade over time. In hot climates, this may need to be more frequently performed.
Careful monitoring can ensure your patio furniture stays looking its best for years. In addition to cleaning regularly, store it safely during inclement weather to avoid surface damage such as rust spots and permanent stains forming on its surfaces. A covered porch, garage, or shed are ideal spots for this – as these protect it from wind damage as well as prevent debris or insects nesting within its structure.
Dry
Weather–good and bad–can cause significant harm to outdoor furniture. A breeze, rainfall or too much direct sun can degrade its core components such as chairs, tables and umbrellas, leading to cracks, surface damage or even rust formation. To safeguard your investment and ensure its long term viability, it’s wise to clean outdoor furniture regularly and protect its core structure with regular maintenance and cleanings.
Step one in the cleaning process should involve using a dusting brush or vacuum to clear away dust, dirt and other visible particles from your furniture’s mesh with an antistatic solution. After this step has been completed, continue with further steps of cleaning process.
If your patio furniture features removable cushion covers, take steps to keep them looking their best by washing them on a gentle setting in either your machine or by hand – checking their tags for manufacturer instructions first! Squeezing out as much excess water from them as possible and hanging them to dry will help avoid mildew growths or other damage from excess moisture exposure over time. This will also help avoid mildew growths and other forms of damage due to prolonged moisture exposure.
Pretreating any mildew spots on cushions before cleaning them is also recommended to speed up and simplify the cleanup process. Create a paste of liquid laundry detergent and powdered oxygen bleach, apply to affected areas, then wait an hour before rinsing off with water. Alternatively, if chemicals are an issue for you, natural mildew cleaners might also provide a great alternative solution.
Cleaner can extend its lifespan and protect fabric upholstery on plastic, resin or aluminum furniture alike. Powder-coated furniture requires touch-up pens to cover scratches or minor flaws in its hard surface; patio sets covered with fade-resistant fabrics can use Wet & Forget sprays to treat organic growth or stains.
Your furniture’s swivels and glides should also be regularly lubricated with silicone spray to maintain smooth movement and protect them from rust or tarnish, as this will stop metal from rubbing against cushion fabric, creating noise or unsightliness. Furthermore, inspect metal furniture regularly for signs of corrosion, including hidden components like umbrella ribs or poles to identify potential rusting problems before taking further action.