Spring is the perfect time to give your outdoor furniture a deep clean. Cleaning your outdoor furniture is a great way to refresh your patio and add a new layer of color to your space. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming, and it can help extend the life of your patio seating. It’s important to clean your furniture regularly and properly so you can extend the life of the material. Generally, it’s recommended that you clean your outdoor furniture twice a year. Once in the spring before you start using it regularly as the weather warms, and again before you put it back into storage for autumn. No matter what type of material your outdoor furniture is made from, it needs to be cleaned regularly to stay looking its best. Follow these tips to make it easy!
How to Clean the Outdoor Furniture
Before you get started, make sure your hose is set up to a high-pressure flow that will help loosen and dislodge the accumulated dirt, pollen and sand (depending on the region in which you live). Spray down your furniture with a nozzle that’s strong enough to remove stubborn surface grime and dust, then wipe it down with a clean cloth or sponge.
Wood
Whether you’ve got an entire backyard set of benches, tables, and chairs, or just a couple of swing seats, it’s important to take care of your outdoor furniture. Over time, it can begin to look dull and grubby. It can also be susceptible to mold, mildew and fungus. So, it’s important to keep your wooden furniture properly clean and free of these pests and fungi so that it can look its best. To clean wood outdoor furniture, use a mild detergent formulated for wood and soapy water. Wipe down surfaces in the direction of the wood grain, then rinse thoroughly.
Metal
Metal outdoor furniture is popular for its durability and elegant appearance, but even the smallest discoloration or stain can detract from their sophisticated aesthetic. Greasy hands and rainfall can leave dirty and spotted metal, particularly in areas where water contains a high mineral content. Removing these stains can be a challenge, but it is possible.
To clean metal outdoor furniture, mix a quarter cup of mild dish soap with a gallon of warm water and use a sponge to scrub down the frame. Rinse thoroughly. Regardless of the type of metal outdoor furniture you have, it is important to properly clean them each spring. Not only will this keep them looking beautiful, but it will also help extend their lifespan.
Plastic/Resin
Patio furniture made from plastic or resin can be inexpensive, lightweight and durable. However, they are prone to getting dirty and need special care in order to keep them looking their best. Fortunately, there are simple ways to clean and maintain your outdoor furniture this spring that will have them looking great for years to come. Cleaning plastic outdoor furniture is easy and can be done with minimal effort and expense. Just be sure to avoid using harsh cleaners, which can damage the furniture’s surface.
Wicker
Whether your wicker is natural or synthetic, you can make it shine with a few easy cleaning steps. The first is to remove dust and dirt, which can accumulate on wicker. Regularly brush wicker pieces with a microfiber cloth or duster (for smaller areas), or a soft-bristled paintbrush for larger nooks and crannies. To remove any stains on the furniture, use a gentle soap and water solution to wipe down its surface.
Cushions
Outdoor furniture is designed to withstand many conditions. From direct sunlight and pouring rain to dirt, dust, wine spills, and greasy sunblock splatters, these cushions go through a lot of wear and tear. As a result, they may need to be cleaned more frequently than regular indoor upholstery. Thankfully, cleaning outdoor cushions doesn’t have to be a pain! There are several ways to properly clean your outdoor furniture.
1. Wash away surface dirt and debris with a vacuum.
2. Use a mild detergent to wash removable covers (follow manufacturer-recommended care instructions)
3. Gently hand wash cushions with a soft-bristled brush and hot water.
4. Apply a stain remover solution.
5. Rinse thoroughly with a hosepipe.
Once your cushions are clean, set them in a sunny spot to dry completely. This will help prevent a buildup of mold or mildew, which can cause the fabric to look old and worn out.
Upholstery
Spring is the perfect time to give your outdoor furniture a bit of love. A good clean can make all the difference in keeping it looking its best for longer. Luckily, it’s easy to clean your outdoor upholstery without much effort. A simple solution of warm water and dish soap can remove most stains and spills. For tougher messes, a combination of bleach and water can work wonders. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for about 15 minutes.