How to Clean Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture can take a beating from the elements. Whether it’s made of wood, metal, or plastic, it needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking its best.

While you may be tempted to stick to your usual cleaning techniques, cleaning outdoor furniture is a bit different than cleaning indoor furniture, and each type of material has unique cleaning needs. Here are five ways to clean outdoor furniture based on the type of material.

Wicker and Other Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Wooden outdoor furniture is classic and timeless but requires special care to keep it looking its best.

Start by sweeping it with a soft brush to remove dirt or debris. If there are any stubborn spots, mix an oil-based soap and warm water and apply the solution to a sponge, gently scrubbing to remove any grime. Rinse it thoroughly before allowing it to air dry in the shade.

Between deep cleans, be sure to regularly wipe or hose down your wooden furniture. This will limit the buildup of dirt and grime in the crevices.

Metal Outdoor Furniture

Whether your outdoor furniture is made of aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, it must be cleaned regularly to prevent rust and corrosion.

Begin by lightly spraying the metal with a garden hose. Make sure to remove any dirt or debris clinging to the surface. Next, soak a soft cloth in soapy water and wipe down your metallic surfaces with a gentle brush or sponge.

Rinse the cloth with clean water and wipe down the furniture again. To prevent rusting, dry your metal furniture with a microfiber cloth after cleaning.

Fabric Outdoor Furniture

Fabric-upholstered outdoor furniture can be tricky to clean. You want to remove any dirt and stains, but you also don’t want to damage the fabric or cause it to fade.

First, vacuum the fabric with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris. Next, spot-clean areas that are particularly dirty or stained using a mild soap and water solution or a fabric cleaner designed for outdoor furniture. Once you’ve spot-cleaned, use a garden hose to rinse away any soap residue.

To prevent fading, clean your fabric furniture in the shade. You should also avoid using bleach, which can damage the fabric.

Plastic Outdoor Furniture

Plastic furniture is a versatile and durable option that you can keep on your deck or bring on the go to various fun outdoor activities near Azusa, CA. While it doesn’t require as much upkeep as wood or metal furniture, plastic can still get dirty and stained over time when exposed to the elements.

To clean plastic outdoor furniture, start by spraying it with a hose to remove any surface dirt or debris. Next, mix a mild soap and water solution and apply it to the furniture with a sponge. Gently scrub dirt or grime, then rinse the furniture with clean water.

For tougher stains, you can use a diluted vinegar solution. Simply mix one part vinegar with two parts water and apply it to the stain with a sponge before rinsing with clean water.

Glass Outdoor Tabletops

If your outdoor furniture has a glass tabletop, you’ll want to take special care to clean it without damaging the surface.

Start by spraying the glass with a hose to remove any dirt or debris. Next, apply a mild soap and water solution to a soft cloth and wipe down the glass. You can use a diluted vinegar solution or a glass cleaner for tougher stains.

To prevent streaks and water spots, dry the glass with a lint-free cloth after cleaning. You can also use a window cleaner for an extra streak-free shine.

Now that you know how to clean outdoor furniture, you can keep your patio looking its best all season long. And when it's time to sell your home, you can be confident that your outdoor space will make a great first impression on potential buyers.