Wood and wicker furniture should be cleaned using household dish soap mixed with warm water for best results. Avoid saturating porous wood pieces too heavily as that could damage their finish.
Keep plastic mesh furniture clean with an antimicrobial mixture of white vinegar and liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water, using a brush to scrub. After that, rinse thoroughly to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Wood and Wicker
Wood and wicker patio furniture is durable and comfortable, but requires regular care in order to stay looking its best. Both natural rattan and synthetic resin wicker furniture require similar treatment – however, specific cleaners may differ depending on which materials it’s composed of. Mild outdoor cleaners that work effectively on both wood and wicker are among the best choices when it comes to maintaining furniture outdoors. You can use one in either a bucket or garden sprayer, then rinse off any leftover cleaning solution using either a hose or sponge afterwards. Before beginning any wood or wicker cleaning efforts, check its tag for specific instructions. Some wood furniture, like teak, acacia or eucalyptus pieces are treated with protective oils and waxes that can damage its finish if subjected to a pressure washer – it may warp slats or tear the fabric on wicker chairs causing irreparable harm.
Dusting wicker furniture with a microfiber cloth or duster will remove surface dirt, but for optimal results it’s also beneficial to get into all the nooks and crannies using a toothbrush or soft paintbrush, loosening any heavier debris that has settled there. Outdoor wicker furniture should be cleaned once or twice every season depending on its exposure to elements – direct sunlight can cause the fibers to fade or unravel over time, rain can weaken them even more while pollen can break them down even more than necessary.
For an in-depth cleaning, mix equal parts of mild oil soap or commercial wood cleaner with one gallon of warm water. Apply this solution using a sponge, brush or cloth and gently scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to mold or mildew spots. Rinse and wipe away soap residue with damp sponge or cloth. Rinse again as necessary with damp sponge or cloth and wipe clean of excess soap residue with damp sponge or cloth. For optimal results when finishing wood patio furniture with waterproof preservative or semitransparent stain applications (follow manufacturer’s instructions), and test any treatments or sealants beforehand on an inconspicious spot before starting application – this will allow you to determine what amount of moisture/sun exposure the treatment will withstand before starting its application on other pieces inconspicuous spots on furniture before proceeding further with its implementation.
Fabric
Fabric patio furniture tends to be more comfortable and less expensive than its wrought iron or wooden counterparts, yet still features various stains that must be regularly removed to prevent mildew and mold growth. When cleaning fabric outdoor furniture, make sure the cleaner you select is safe for its material. To do this, consider purchasing an appropriate patio cleaner such as one designed specifically for fabric sofas, loveseats or lounge chairs.
An effective outdoor furniture cleaner must be mildew-resistant to protect fabric from being damaged by harsh chemicals. A gentle detergent or soap and water mixture is often the best choice; for stubborn stains a scrubbing brush or sponge may also come in handy.
Before using any cleaning solution, always read and follow its care label. Some fabric cleaners contain hazardous substances which could endanger both you and your pets.
If your outdoor furniture features removable cushions, remove and clean their covers before taking a closer look at any traces of cleaning solution or soap residue left behind. Most fabric can be machine washed using cold or warm water before air-drying for maximum convenience.
Wiping down fabric patio furniture with a damp cloth is another easy and fast way to eliminate loose dirt and dust that collects in creases of seats and backrests. Though this won’t remove deep stains, it will extend its life span significantly.
Some outdoor fabric has built-in sun protection to extend their lifespan and avoid premature fading, prolonging their useful life and keeping your furniture from fading quickly. When not using it in direct sunlight, be sure to store your furniture under cover when not in use in order to shield its fabric from direct sunlight and keep its integrity from being damaged by ultraviolet rays.
Before cleaning patio furniture, always refer to its care label for guidance. This label will inform you if it can be washed in a washer and dryer as well as whether liquid detergent or hot water can be used for its care. If unsure, reach out to either the manufacturer of your furniture or an artisan who reupholsters fabrics to learn how to best care for it.
Plastic Mesh
Plastic patio furniture can become discolored over time and need regular maintenance in order to remain looking its best. Regular cleaning will keep it looking brand new while fresh coats of paint or refinishing may help restore any damaged pieces.
Before using any water-based cleaners, dust the surface of your plastic mesh furniture to remove visible particles and mildew that may be present. After this step is completed, use a scrub brush to wash its fabric. If unsure how the bleach/water solution will interact with your furniture, conduct a spot test by spraying several drops on an unseen area of fabric; if no color fades occurs then proceed with cleaning process as planned.
Create your own homemade cleaning solution using baking soda and lemon juice as a natural and cost-effective alternative to commercial products. This homemade solution offers excellent abrasive qualities to remove stubborn grease stains from patio furniture’s mesh fabric, while the acidic properties in lemon juice help eradicate mildew or other organic growth on plastic patio furniture surfaces.
Cleaning metal patio furniture requires various products available at your local hardware store. However, an effective combination of dishwashing liquid and warm water is usually sufficient to get most metal and plastic furniture looking its best. Use the solution on a clean cloth or towel and rub the frame. Finally, rinse with clean water to avoid rust or other forms of damage to prevent it from returning later on.
Mildew can be an insidious foe of outdoor furniture, particularly plastic and mesh pieces. Although its spores can be difficult to eradicate, taking a few simple steps will make the task far simpler: mix two cups of white vinegar and two tablespoons of dawn in equal parts with some scrub brushes for effective removal, then rinse your furniture out afterwards to let dry in the sun.
Metal
Patio furniture made with metal frames such as wrought iron, aluminum or steel may become stained from food spills, grease from hands, precipitation or even environmental pollutants such as rain. Most stains from these sources can be removed easily by using non-abrasive household cleaners like Hauser’s Patio Furniture and Fabric Cleaner available at most hardware and home improvement stores; it will break down tough stains such as wine and grease allowing users to wipe them away with damp cloth or sponge after treatment.
Rust can also be an issue for metal outdoor furniture, particularly in salt air environments. While most frames of metal furniture can be cleaned similarly to wooden pieces, special care may be necessary to avoid rusting and other damage to its frame. Although stainless steel furniture constructed to 316 marine standards is typically resistant to rusting, such furniture must still be stored away from harmful chemicals and cleansers to prolong its useful life.
Metal furniture that has begun to rust can often be restored with oil-based or powder-coated paint, which will not only protect against the elements but also keep its look new for years. Sanding may be required before repainting to eliminate scratches or dull spots on its surface.
Plastic and wicker patio furniture can be safeguarded against scuff marks by applying a coat of automotive wax on surfaces that come into contact with the ground, such as underneath cushions. This creates an effective barrier that will help ward off potential scuff marks that could otherwise be hard to erase once they appear.
Most wooden patio furniture, including teak, can be left outside if its weathered look is desired, however regular treatment with penetrating wood sealants like Thompson’s Water Seal may be necessary to avoid becoming dry and brittle in sunlight. Eucalyptus wood (another similar species to teak) should also be treated in this way to maintain strength against insects, fungus and decay.