How To Clean Outdoor Furniture: Simple Tips and Tricks

Before the summer season fully kicks in, you need to start cleaning outdoor furniture because it will be in full display.

People will start going out because of the heat, and staying in your patio or garden will give you that comfortable feeling.

You can even save money from air conditioning by spending time outdoors.

It’s not a good idea to bring out those dusty chairs and tables, so you should know how to clean outdoor furniture properly.

Doing it the right way will also ensure you don’t damage your precious pieces of furniture.

If you want to make your outdoor furniture look brand new, we’ll discuss simple and proper ways on how to clean patio furniture made of different materials.

How To Clean Outdoor Furniture

Keeping your outdoor furniture in pristine condition is easier said than done.

To ensure it always looks its best, you need to clean it at least four times every year.

Still, you have to remember that simple cleaning won’t do.

You need to know how to clean patio furniture the right way to keep its shiny look for a longer time.

How Do You Clean Outdoor Furniture Fabric?

Your outdoor pillows, cushions, umbrellas, and canopies are the dirtiest items in the patio.

You need to clean them regularly to remove the dirt and stains that accumulated on the surface.

Materials Needed

Here are the things that you will need for the cleaning session:

• Soft-bristled brush
• Bleach
• Warm water
• Detergent

The Steps

Cleaning the fabric of outdoor furniture is pretty much the same as cleaning your clothes with stains.

It isn’t delicate like those in your living room.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Wash the fabric with detergent and water.
2. Look for all the stains from the fabric and put a small amount of bleach.
3. Use the soft-bristled brush and start removing the stains.

How To Clean Outdoor Cushions

For large pillows, cushions, and umbrella covers, you have to clean them separately.

You cannot place them inside a washer, so the cleaning process is different.

Here are the right steps:

1. Combine a small amount of detergent with a bucket of warm water.
2. Wet a soft brush with the solution and start cleaning the pillows and covers from top to bottom.
3. After cleaning every section, rinse the soap from the cushions and continue with the other sections.
4. Remember not to allow the detergent to dry on the cushion or cover because it would leave a mark.
5. After washing the cushion, let it dry under the sun. You can hang it on your clothesline if you want, but it’s not a good idea to put it inside the dryer.

How Do You Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture Naturally?

Wood furniture is one of the best choices when it comes to the outdoors.

It is sturdy and has a magnificent design, but cleaning wood material is extremely difficult.

You need a few strategies to make sure you’re doing the right thing.

Here is a simple guide on how to clean your outdoor wood furniture:

1. Create a mild oil-based soap to remove the grim from the wood. Make sure you mix it with warm water to get the maximum effect.
2. Use a clean rag and dip it into the solution.
3. Start wiping the wood to remove all the grime and dirt.

You can also use a natural solution to clean the wooden furniture.

1. Mix two tablespoons of white vinegar with ¼ cup of ammonia and add one quart of warm water.
2. Use a clean rag, dip it into the solution and start wiping the furniture.

How To Protect Your Wooden Furniture

Cleaning the wooden furniture is a must, but you also need to protect it from any damages when displayed outdoors.

The best thing to do is wipe down the wood and remove the dirt and dust from the furniture regularly.

You can do it at least once every day if you have the time, or two to three times a week if you don’t.

As for hardwoods, you should think about annual sanding and applying a new coat of finish to make sure you remove all the dirt buildup.

How To Clean Glass Patio Furniture

If you have patio furniture made of glass, you have to clean it more often than the other types because dirt and dust easily cling to it.

The best thing about glass furniture is that it’s effortless to clean.

1. The first thing that you need to do is to remove the debris stuck on the glass.
2. You should use a glass-safe material and make sure it’s not abrasive to prevent damaging the glass.
3. Using dish detergent is one of the best things you can do, as it is effective for glass furniture.
4. Use it to remove the dirt and grime from the glass.
5. After that, get white vinegar and spray it on the surface of the furniture.
6. Use a microfiber cloth or paper towel and start wiping it down.
7. This is an effective way to keep your glass patio furniture looking brand new.

How To Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture

There are simple ways on cleaning resin patio furniture.

Some people might say that it is a bit difficult, but removing the dirt and grimes on your plastic outdoor furniture would be a breeze as long as you know what to do.

Here is a short guide on how to clean plastic outdoor furniture properly:

1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Create a mild cleanser to clean the outdoor furniture.

Mix ½ cup baking soda, one gallon of warm water, or three tablespoons of dishwashing detergent and one gallon of warm water.

You can use any mixture as it would provide the same result.

For colored plastic, mix one quart of warm water with ¼ cup vinegar.

Never use chlorine when cleaning plastic furniture because it will damage the material.

2. Wipe

After creating the solution, the next step is to get a clean rug, wet it, and wipe it on the plastic furniture.

Never use a cleaning material with abrasives as it might scratch or damage the plastic surface.

3. Dry and Coat

Once you cleaned the plastic furniture, dry it with a clean rug and cover it with a coat of paste wax.

You have to remember that cleaning resin patio furniture and other plastic furniture should be done regularly.

Although they are very durable, this type of material is also susceptible to dirt and dust, especially if you always leave it outside without a cover.

How To Clean Metal Outdoor Furniture

Metal patio furniture looks stunning when it’s brand new, but if you neglect and leave it outside for a long time, it will be full of stain or rust.

Although metal furniture is not really a good choice for outdoor use, many people use it because of its aesthetics.

If you want to clean your metal furniture, here are a few tips that you can follow:

1. Remove the cushions and decorative pillows from the furniture. Make sure the only one remaining is the metal frame.
2. Get your garden hose and spray water to the metal furniture frame. You need to wash all of the dirt and debris on the surface.
3. After removing the visible dirt and debris, the next step is to use a microfiber cloth to wipe the metallic surfaces. You can use plain water or light detergent mixed with warm water.
4. Rinse the cloth and continue to wipe every nook and cranny of the furniture.
5. Use a microfiber or any low abrasion cloth to dry the metal.
6. Remember not to leave the metal wet or moist as it can lead to rust.
7. When the metal is dry, use auto wax to wipe down the surface.
8. Make sure you only use a lint-free cloth as recommended by the manufacturer.
9. Lubricate the swivels, glides, and all the other moving parts of the furniture.

What Do You Clean Outdoor Tables With?

Cleaning outdoor furniture doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when it comes to tables.

Since we already mentioned how to clean wood and glass furniture, you can do the same for outdoor tables.

Maintenance Tips for Outdoor Furniture

Cleaning is a part of maintenance, so cleaning your outdoor furniture means maintaining its quality and prolonging its life.

That said, cleaning is not enough to protect your outdoor furniture from damage.

No matter how meticulous you are with cleaning and maintenance, scratches and other damages are inevitable.

It is your responsibility to keep your furniture protected as the homeowner because any damage might cause irreparable or expensive repairs or replacements.

Below are some of the maintenance tips that you can follow.

Check the Care Guidelines

Before buying any furniture, they will usually explain to you the unit’s proper maintenance.

If you can’t remember it, you should check the manufacturer’s care guidelines.

They know exactly what you can do to keep your outdoor furniture in tip-top condition.

It won’t be a good idea to use unsuitable materials when maintaining the furniture since it might do more harm than good.

Always Check the Weather

Although we can somewhat predict the weather, a lot of unexpected things can happen.

If the weather condition is starting to worsen, the best thing you can do is to take all your outdoor furniture and bring it inside.

If you don’t have enough space, you need to cover it with a weather-resistant material or the right furniture cover.

This will ensure that the furniture doesn’t get soaked in water even if it’s raining hard.

The cover can also protect your outdoor furniture from damages caused by strong wind and the sun’s UV rays.

Regularly Check for Damages

Outdoor furniture is susceptible to damage, which is why you need to check it regularly for possible damages.

Small cracks and chips are very common, but you should never let them worsen.

If there are cracks on the furniture and you continue to use it, the problem will only get bigger.

Check for bird droppings as well and clean them as soon as possible.

They can cause stains or discoloration in your outdoor furniture.

Repair is cheaper than replacement, so ensure that you check the outdoor furniture for damage and fix them as soon as you see the problems.

Keeping Your Outdoor Furniture in Pristine Condition

It is imperative to know how to clean outdoor furniture, especially if it’s very old already.

Proper cleaning techniques are required depending on the type of furniture you have.

Always pay attention to the manufacturer’s care instructions since it would be your guide in keeping the outdoor furniture protected.