Outdoor furniture needs to be robust, durable and easy to maintain as compared to indoor furniture options. This is because outdoor furniture goes through lots of weather changes and has direct contact with heat, rain, storms and other climatic factors. In such cases, proper care, regular maintenance to clean outdoor furniture regularly is essential if you wish to keep your outdoor furniture looking neat for a prolonged period.
Secondly, ensuring clean deck furniture also increases the longevity of your outdoor furniture; hence you will be spending less money and time replacing your outdoor furniture now and then. But what are some ways to clean patio chairs and other outdoor furniture?
Below are our favorite tips for having clean outdoor furniture. Let’s read more about them!
Tips to Clean Outdoor Furniture Easily
Cleaning Up the Dust
The first thing you will experience with outdoor furniture is lots of uninvited dust. This will affect the appearance of the furniture, and soon (if not cleaned periodically), the dust will settle in to permanently alter the appeal of the table. To clean up dust, dried leaves, and other debris, use a brush or dry cloth to wipe away the loose particles. It is important to wipe away the dust with a dry cloth rather than a damp cloth, as a dry cloth will prevent the dust from sticking to the surface.
Plastic Furniture
The second thing you need to know about cleaning outdoor furniture is that different materials require different cleaning. Since plastic outdoor furniture is cheap and easier to maintain, it is a popular pick for outdoor furniture. To clean plastic furniture, you must wipe away with a dry cloth as the first step. Then spray with an all-purpose cleaner and use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt and marks from your furniture. This simple two-method process will keep your plastic furniture clean and fresh. Avoid bleaching or chlorine agents for plastic furniture, as they can eat away the plastic.
Metal
Because of their sturdiness and ease of upkeep, iron and stainless steel are preferred materials for outdoor furniture. Most of the time, metal patio furniture may be readily restored to its fresh state by using a sponge or brush to clean surfaces with warm water and mild dish soap.
On the other hand, you also need to consider the risk of rust attack for metal furniture. Even though rust-resistant finishes are frequently sprayed or coated on metal patio furniture, these will eventually deteriorate. If rust is found, clean it using steel wool and think about repainting the table to avoid further issues. Make sure to finish the paint with a final rust-resistant finish.
Teak
Teak is a natural wood and a popular choice for outdoor furniture. The natural properties of teak make it suitable for outdoors, and the natural oils released by the wood also make it easier to maintain. But an occasional clean-up is necessary to keep your teak furniture fresh as new. Use gentle soap, warm water, and a cloth to clean the teak furniture. Make sure to gently rub over the surface to remove all the dirt and dust found on the surface.
Glass
Glass for outdoor furniture is mainly used on patio tables. Cleaning a glass table might be a more regular process than you would like, but each clean-up doesn’t take much time. The first step to cleaning a glass table top is gently wiping the surface with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Use a scratch-free sponge, as glass can easily scratch permanently. Spray white vinegar or glass cleaner on the surface after a preliminary cleaning, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or paper towel. Also make sure to clean and wipe the underside of the glass table for an overall clean look.
Oak
Compared to other types of hardwoods for outdoor furniture white oak has a relatively lower natural oil content but you can rely on it to be sturdy, and waterproof. It must be oiled yearly and coated with varnish or urethane sealant to maintain its original light or stained color. High-quality oak furniture, such as from the SOL, comes with a protective layer to seal in the natural oil. However, you can also separately purchase oil if a substantial time has passed and your furniture appears not as fresh as before.
Mildew
How to clean patio furniture made by mildew? For people in hot and humid climates, mildew attacks on outdoor furniture are more common. Although mildew and fungi aren’t harmful to the durability of most hardwoods, it is unpleasant to look at due to the stains, as well as poses several health concerns for people and animals. They also become the reason why so many people think about ditching the plan of setting up a backyard all together. But worry not, as you can easily combat and prevent a mildew attack and clean it up permanently in case it happens.
Despite the fact that most recommendations to clean up mildew are based on bleaching products, they can also damage the wood grain structure and cause permanent discoloration. So, a more effective way to deal with mildew is a DIY home method. All you need is to combine Ammonia, Vinegar, baking soda, and warm hot water to make a mixture. Use a clean cloth, dip it in the mix, and gently scuff the mildew marks to clean them permanently.
Protective Coating
Sanding and putting a layer of polyurethane or oil every year will help protect your hardwood furniture from permanent damage and also make it less prone to dirt and dust in the coming months. Start by wiping down the surface of iron and metal furnishings with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water at least once a year or before the change of every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vinegar Clean Outdoor Furniture?
Vinegar with water is an excellent solution to gently clean and wipe away any marks and dirt on your outdoor furniture.
What Surfaces are Not to Clean with Vinegar?
Vinegar is an excellent cleaning solution for metal, steel, and aluminum. Still, when it comes to wood and natural stone, one should not clean with vinegar as it can permanently damage the material’s natural texture.
Will Baking Soda Clean Patio Furniture?
Yes, baking soda is an effective cleaner and helps remove stains and dust accumulated on furniture. Baking soda is also helpful in cleaning stains and marks on a cushion.
What Removes Mildew from Patio Cushions?
Mix half a cup of bleach in one gallon of water to clean off the mildew from a patio furniture cushion. Mix it well and use a clean cloth to rub it over the surface affected by the mold. Soon the mold will begin to dissolve, and, in some cases, you might need to rub it with a brush to achieve a thorough cleaning.
