by Pamela Siegel
Whether you’ve had it for years or recently picked up a secondhand bargain at an estate sale, giving your outdoor furniture some TLC might sound like a daunting job. No worries, though; you’ve got this. With some helpful tips, all your outdoor furniture will look amazing in no time.
How to Clean Patio Furniture
Cleaning your patio furniture helps to extend its useful life, so that’s a great reason to stay on top of the task. This starts with an ID of the material. Many of the supplies and steps overlap, but there are some nuances with each type that will help you keep your outdoor furniture looking its best, as mentioned on Outer. The advice below will help you keep all types of furniture clean and ready for chillaxing with friends and family.
Westminster Teak Maya Collection Seating Area sold by Trading Post Estate Sales via AuctionNinja
Wood: Cleaning Teak and Other Woods
Teak, a patio furniture classic, can last for decades with proper cleaning and care. Remember to stay away from power washers and scrub it by hand instead. Most of the time, you’ll mix a quarter cup of mild dish soap into a bucket of warm water and then use a soft brush to scrub it down from top to bottom. This works for woods like acacia and cedar as well. After your furniture is scrubbed, gently hose it down with clean water and towel it dry. Let all surfaces air out thoroughly before replacing cushions or pillows.
If you notice mildew or algae before you begin cleaning teak, add a splash of bleach or white vinegar to your mild cleaning solution to help with that. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves and cover the ground under the furniture to protect it if you go this route. You might also need to sand teak after cleaning it if the surface is rough. Outer suggests using 220 grit sandpaper to tackle this task.
Pottery Barn Torrey Wicker Square Arm Swivel Outdoor Lounge Chair With White Cushions sold by Clearing House Estate Sales via AuctionNinja
Wicker: How to Clean Synthetic Wicker and Natural Wicker
All-weather wicker furniture made of woven synthetic resin is a breeze to keep clean. After removing the cushions, just scrub it top to bottom with a soft brush using a mild dish detergent and warm water mixture; then spray it down with a high-pressure nozzle attached to your garden hose to get all the cleaning solution and soil out of the woven material. Towel dry the surface and let it completely air dry before putting cushions back in place.
Keep in mind that true wicker furniture made of natural materials like bamboo or willow is not weather-proof and should be used in sheltered areas like sunrooms or large porches rather than areas exposed to the elements. It won't hold up to water exposure, even when painted. Dust your natural wicker frequently, and if you need to spot clean it occasionally, gently scrub those areas with a toothbrush and the bubbles created from adding a little mild dish soap to a few cups of water, as noted by Southern Living.
Large Group of 10 Beige Plastic Outdoor Chairs sold by Black Rock Galleries via AuctionNinja
Pastics: Tips for Safe Cleaning
Plastic rules as the most durable, weather-resistant material for patio furniture. This ranges from inexpensive stacking chairs to more substantial pieces of furniture made using Polywood and other similar products. Most of the time, a solution of mild dish soap mixed with warm water will do the trick when cleaning either. Scrub the furniture with your soft brush, rinse it with clean water, let it air dry, and you’re good to go.
If you discover mold or mildew, create a solution of 25 percent water and 75 percent white vinegar to spray down area. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes before cleaning thoroughly. If you need to spot clean a little more vigorously, use a bit of baking soda sprinkled on your wet brush or a sponge to scrub the target area gently, as suggested by TheSpruce. Avoid overly gritty cleaners and scouring pads, since those can scratch plastics and permanently mar the finish.
Wrought Iron Cushioned Chaise Lounge sold by Clearing House Estate Sales - NC via AuctionNinja
Metals: Correctly Cleaning Aluminum, Steel, and Wrought Iron
If you’re getting the idea that a mild soapy water solution is the best bet for freshening all types of outdoor furnishings, you can add metals like aluminum, steel, and wrought iron to the list. Use a soft rag or sponge to wipe them down or spot clean as needed. Wipe areas you clean a second time with clean water, and the job’s done. Stay away from abrasives to avoid scratching the finish, though, since that can cause rust to form.
Cast Aluminum Outdoor Ensemble sold by Black Rock Galleries via AuctionNinja
Cushions and Sling: How to Refresh Outdoor Fabrics
Begin by checking the care instructions on the tag inside the cushion for cleaning instructions. With many, you can simply unzip the covers, remove the foam, and toss them in the washer for a cold-water cycle. If they’re not machine washable, follow the guidance on the tag. Most outdoor fabrics can be spot cleaned as necessary using mild soap and water.
What about sling? If you have furniture made with this fabric made of tightly woven plastic, you might find that hosing it down occasionally is all that’s needed. If you do feel like it needs a proper bath, you can use the same method for cleaning plastic or metal since those are the most common types of frames for furniture made with sling.
Keeping Your Outdoor Furniture in Top Shape
Even though it’s not a complicated chore to clean patio furniture in the first place, it’s nice to keep a re-do at bay for as long as possible. That’s where outdoor furniture covers come in handy. You can buy them to shield patio furniture, including tables, chairs, and sofas, from all kinds of muck like dust, pollen, and wetness that causes mold and mildew. When you uncover it later, dust away any cobwebs that have accumulated and it’s ready to use again.
It's also a good idea to spot clean your furniture as soon as you notice things like spills and bird droppings. Some substances can damage the finish of metals and the sooner you get a spill out of fabric, the more likely it will come clean. Once thoroughly refreshed, you probably won't have to do much more than wipe the surface of your outdoor furniture clean with a water dampened rag on occasion regardless of the material.
Ready to join the hunt for outdoor furniture bargains online? Browse dozens of patio furniture auctions on AuctionNinja.com.
Written by:
June 13, 2023 Updated 01:06 PM
As a freelance writer, Pamela Siegel covers lifestyle topics ranging from antiques and collectibles to interior design and everything around the home. Her work appears on The Spruce where she shared tips and research as the site’s antiques expert for many years. She also writes for House Digest, Kovels Antique Trader, Worthpoint, and Mashed. In addition to penning thousands of articles for online resources and print-based pubs, Siegel authored several books including “Warman’s Costume Jewelry” and “Buying & Seling Antiques and Collectibles on eBay.” She also shares her expertise with other magazine writers along with doing television, radio and podcast interviews. As often as possible, Siegel loves shopping flea markets and estate sales for her next great find, home decorating, foodie pursuits, and exploring the world on cruise ships.
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