After an summer filled with dirty paw prints and unexpected sangria spills, patio furniture may have taken on an unsightly appearance. A quick cleaning session may restore its beauty while prolonging its lifespan.
Make use of mild soap tailored for wood surfaces or soapy water and scrub your furniture using a soft brush or sponge – power washers may damage wooden surfaces or tear wicker weaves and must be avoided for this task.
Plastic and Resin
Garden hoses are often the go-to tool for cleaning outdoor resin furniture. Simply spray down and allow the water to do its magic by loosening pollen, dirt and other debris from surfaces; as well as any green, mossy grime present on furniture surfaces. With several rinses completed afterward, your resin wicker furniture should take on an improved appearance!
If water alone isn’t doing the trick, try mixing up a mild cleaner tailored specifically to plastic furniture. Create a solution of one cup of oxygenated bleach mixed into two gallons of water; dip a sponge into this solution and scrub any areas which have become particularly dirty or have developed a layer of grime around their edges with it before rinsing well and leaving to air-dry naturally either by leaving out in direct sunlight or squeezing out all excess moisture from cushions with a soft towel.
Other tips for keeping resin patio furniture looking its best include applying automotive paste wax after each cleaning to help protect against weather elements and add some sheen that will ensure they continue looking like the day you bought them. This easy step can keep them looking as new.
Plastic composite and resin patio sets don’t pose the same concerns for mold, mildew and other forms of organic growth forming on them, since these materials were created specifically to withstand Maine summers and winters without suffering damage or wear and tear. Cleaning regularly will make a big difference in its longevity – just remember to store it safely during off-season storage so you’ll continue enjoying it for many years to come!
Metal
No matter the material of your patio furniture – be it metal, plastic, or wicker – regular care and attention is key to prolonging its beauty and extending its longevity. A cleaning regimen tailored specifically for each piece will provide thorough cleans as well as protection from buildup and rust buildup.
Metal outdoor furniture takes an incredible beating from weather, specifically steel and wrought iron pieces. While both materials are generally durable, they’re vulnerable to rusting in environments with high humidity or extreme temperature changes; left unchecked, this corrosion could take hold and cause irreparable damage.
Regularly cleaning metal outdoor furniture is the key to avoiding rust. Mixing white vinegar and water together will easily dissolve mineral deposits, helping sanitize and restore it back to its original luster. A good degreaser can help remove stubborn stains such as paint, oil, grease or any other substance from metal furniture surfaces.
Wrought iron outdoor furniture makes an elegant addition to your patio, but its intricate patterns, nooks and crannies can make it more challenging than other metals to keep clean. Regularly check for signs of rust before following the same basic cleaning method for other metal outdoor furniture – and if it has a powder-coat finish then rub down with a cloth dampened in vinegar mixture to remove light rust spots from powder-coat surfaces.
Aluminum is an ultralight material commonly used to craft stylish metal patio furniture. However, its sleek appearance may become marred by fingerprints and precipitation which leads to susceptibility for rust and staining. Regular cleaning and maintenance may help prevent these problems; but should any appear, use fine steel wool scouring pads on any affected areas before rinsing off with clean water to remove it completely.
Once aluminum furniture has been given a thorough cleaning, it’s advised to apply a quality liquid or paste auto wax coating for protection and aesthetic enhancement. You can purchase these from most automotive stores and hardware stores; just be sure to test any new products on a small section first before applying it throughout.
Wood
Wooden patio furniture makes an eye-catching statement in any garden setting and will last many years when properly maintained. However, as time goes on dirt can accumulate on it. To clean wooden furniture regularly it’s essential to use warm water mixed with soapy water as the best method. Specialized cleaners may also be available; be sure to read their product instructions to make sure it will suit the type of finish on your furniture type or finish type.
To thoroughly clean wood or wicker furniture, first brush away loose dirt with a soft bristled brush to prevent scratches during the cleaning process. Next, mix an appropriate amount of mild soap or wood cleaner with water and dip a soft cloth into it – wiping in the direction of grain to preserve natural beauty of the wood while preventing scratches or damages.
Once completed, simply hose off your furniture and allow it to dry completely before applying a protective sealant to help water bead off and prevent dirt clinging onto its surface. Applying new coats regularly will also prolong their longevity and help ensure your outdoor furniture looks as new.
Staining wooden patio furniture will give it an airy, natural appearance. When selecting a color suitable for the furniture type and following product instructions to ensure the stain will adhere correctly, make sure it suits and follow any special considerations for that furniture type. Repainting may also be done to change its style or design if desired – make sure that non-stainable areas of your furniture are protected with painter’s tape so as not to come into contact with stain!
Many wood furniture manufacturers suggest refinishing your wooden furniture every 4-6 years to maintain its beauty and prevent weather damage. When considering protecting it with wood protection treatments, oil-based treatments penetrate deeper into the pores of wood to protect it from moisture exposure or apply a water-based varnish which provides some level of sheen while offering some level of protection may provide additional benefit.
Cushions
Cushions are a welcome addition to outdoor furniture as they cushion the hardness of chairs or settees, while at the same time providing protection from itchy grass or insects. Most cushions are filled with foam or poly material for optimal sitting comfort, with removable covers available for washing; those not designed with removable covers may require wiping down with microfiber cloth soaked with natural detergent, warm water and oxygen bleach (test it first on an inconspicuous area to ensure discoloration will not occur).
Before cleaning any type of cushion, it is a good idea to refer to its care tag for instructions. Some fabrics like cotton may need special cleaners while others will do just fine using soap and water solution. If the fabric contains polyester threads, try Better Life Stain & Odor Eliminator; it will help remove dirt while protecting its colors.
Some fabrics can be machine-washed using liquid laundry detergent such as Tide or Arm & Hammer; for fabrics woven from nylon yarns such as Woolite special nylon detergent may be recommended instead. For gentler cleaning solutions try mixing mild dishwashing soap in either cold or warm water – don’t forget to rinse thoroughly afterwards using a garden hose!
Mildew spores can quickly accumulate on outdoor cushions, becoming an annoying eyesore and leading to their premature degradation. Mildew can be easily eliminated using either a soft bristled brush dipped in soapy water, or by scrubbing with an unthreaded scrub brush dipped into soapy water and applying an oxygen bleach paste solution using equal parts liquid laundry detergent and powdered oxygen bleach – then applying this paste directly on mildew spots before leaving for at least an hour before rinsing off and finally replacing with clean ones!
To prevent mildew from returning in the future, store cushions in a clean dry area like a garage or shed after every use. An awning over the deck or patio during rainy weather may also help protect them from grime build-up.
