If your patio furniture has seen better days during its time off the grid, give it a good deep clean before using it again. Mild dish soap and water should suffice to eliminate most stains on fabric cushions; for removable covers saturate them with a solution containing one part borax to four parts warm water for best results.
Metal
If your outdoor furniture features metal components, regular maintenance is required to protect its durability and longevity. Metal patio furniture can quickly rust if left neglected; thankfully most metals (such as steel and wrought iron) can be easily cleaned; usually just hosing down with water will do. For added protection against further deterioration, apply automotive wax once or twice each year using spray-on versions designed for use outdoors – it works just as effectively.
Wrought iron patio furniture requires additional care when it comes to cleaning due to its tight curves and crevices. A nylon scrub brush or an old but clean toothbrush are both excellent tools for getting into hard-to-reach spots on wrought iron chairs and tables. Once completed, follow the same steps you would for other metal furniture to maintain its life for many years to come.
As with any outdoor furniture, your patio set will gradually accumulate dust, dirt, pollen, and stains over time. These substances can stain cushions and pillows as well as the wicker or metal frames; fortunately most stains can be easily removed with household products like bleach, baking soda or borax; alternatively you could invest in professional patio furniture cleaners if these don’t do the trick.
Your patio furniture may also be damaged by insects and small animals in outdoor spaces like gardens and backyards. Bugs, fowl, and furry creatures often search for food and shelter nearby, making protection against pests an important component of outdoor lounge and dining sets. General preventive maintenance techniques, like covering it when not in use and eliminating food scraps can effectively deter pests; should an infestation arise however there are multiple solutions including chemical repellents which may help.
With some effort and care, your outdoor furniture can remain clean and ready to entertain guests. Remember that preventing stains and other problems is easier than trying to repair them after the fact. Regularly clean your furniture while protecting it with protective covers to prolong enjoyment of your patio space for as long as possible.
Wood
If your furniture is made of wood, regular maintenance is important for keeping it free from dirt, mildew and insects. Cleaning sessions could range from once or twice annually to weekly following rainfall – depending on its level of usage. Regularly maintaining your wooden pieces keeps them looking their best!
Use a soft bristled scrub brush, sponge or toothbrush to clear away stubborn dirt and debris from wood patio furniture‘s crevices. For deeper stains that need attention, carefully sanding may be required before staining or polyurethane-type finishes can be applied over the surface to restore its appearance.
Pressure washers may tempt you, but this could damage wood fibers and weaken structural joints. Mild dish soap or an outdoor furniture care product specifically tailored for teak, acacia and eucalyptus care are better choices than high-pressure cleaners such as chlorine bleach. Also avoid chlorine bleach, pine oil or harsh cleaners which could harm natural finishes or paints; test new cleaners first in an inconspicuous area on the furniture to be cleaned.
If mildew or mold spots reappear after vigorous scrubbing, try spraying an equal mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and applying to affected areas for an hour before scrubbing away. If necessary, repeat this process until all mildew or mold has been eradicated.
Wicker furniture requires special care when cleaning. Too much moisture may cause the weave to split and degrade; instead, gently rub any stains away with a soft brush before wiping off excess liquid with paper towels. After you’ve completed cleaning it, sand down its surface to restore smoothness and protect its finish from sun damage.
If your outdoor wooden furniture is subject to humidity, applying a protective coat such as polyurethane-type varnish several times annually is advised in order to protect it from abrasion and corrosion, which can reduce its beauty while protecting both your investment and extending its life. Eucalyptus furniture in direct sunlight should also be covered with breathable vinyl covers to reduce sun damage while safeguarding its finish.
Plastic
Plastic patio furniture can make a welcome addition to any outdoor living area, but its maintenance is necessary in order to extend its lifespan and keep it looking brand new. Proper techniques should be utilized in order to remove dirt and stains, as well as maintain its look over time.
Before beginning cleaning plastic outdoor furniture, first gather all necessary supplies. These should include mild dish or laundry detergent, water, bleach or vinegar (for stubborn stains), sponge or soft bristle brush and microfiber cloth or towel (to clean stubborn spots), garden hose with spray nozzle attachment and protective gloves as needed.
Starting by rinsing your furniture to remove loose dirt and debris, mix together a solution by mixing a small amount of mild dish soap or laundry detergent with water in a bucket. For additional strength use bleach or white vinegar; when testing bleach make sure it works on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your furniture.
Apply the cleaning solution to the furniture by gently scrubbing in a circular motion, making sure to pay special attention to dirty or stained areas that require additional scrubbing and rinsing. Allow the cleaner to sit on the furniture for several minutes so it can begin breaking down any grime or staining that has built up on it.
After cleaning is complete, use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining soap or cleaning solution before drying with a microfiber cloth or towel. Once completely dry, reseal plastic with clear polyurethane sealant in order to protect from future spills and stains as well as extend its lifespan.
To keep plastic patio furniture safe during its off-season storage or covering period, homeowners can protect it by covering or storing it away during this period. This will shield it from rain, direct sunlight and other weather elements that could potentially damage it or discolor its plastic. It’s also wise to inspect their furniture regularly and repair or replace damaged pieces quickly to prevent further deterioration.
Glass
No matter whether your patio furniture is made of iron, wood, plastic, or glass it’s essential to use appropriate cleaning methods tailored specifically for its material. Regular cleaning helps extend its life while safeguarding it against potential damages and prolongs its longevity.
Wood and wicker furniture should be regularly cleaned using a damp cloth to avoid dirt build-up, while metal furniture is more susceptible to rust, so should be rinsed off with the garden hose and towel dried immediately afterwards to avoid water spots and pitting. When cleaning glass tabletop surfaces, please use only non-abrasive cleaners or soft sponges in order to avoid scratching their surface.
Glass patio tables can quickly become discolored with pollen, bird droppings, twigs, spider webs and dust that makes eating outside difficult due to sticking onto clothes, hats and shoes. For optimal cleanliness, it’s recommended that your glass tabletop be thoroughly cleaned at least weekly or more frequently as heavy debris has accumulated – either using commercial glass cleaner or creating your own eco-friendly solution by mixing half white vinegar with water and one drop of dish soap; once applied on the glass furniture use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to remove streaks without leaving streaks!
Windex may also be used to clean plastic and glass furniture if you don’t mind its chemicals; just test in an inconspicuous area first! Be mindful that some types of outdoor fabrics could be damaged by Windex solvents; therefore if fabric cushions exist on patio furniture it would be prudent to find another cleaning method instead.
If your wicker or wooden furniture features fabric cushion covers, you can easily wash them using warm water mixed with a small amount of dish soap in either a sink or bucket. Once scrubbed, thoroughly rinse your cushion covers using your garden hose before setting them out to dry in an indirect sunlight area.