How to Clean Outdoor Furniture: Tips and Tricks

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Outdoor furniture can be a great investment to enhance your living space. However, maintaining its appearance and cleanliness is often overlooked but is extremely important for the longevity of the furniture. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks you can use to keep your outdoor furniture looking brand new.

Why it's important to clean your outdoor furniture

Outdoor furniture is exposed to harsh weather conditions, dust, and dirt that can easily stick onto the furniture's surfaces. These factors can quickly deteriorate the appearance and overall texture of the furniture. Cleaning your furniture regularly can help avoid discoloration, staining, and damage to the materials.

Preparation before cleaning

Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure to move the furniture into an open space. This will ensure easy access and prevent any obstruction during the cleaning process. Moreover, if possible, clean the furniture when the sun isn't too strong as high temperatures can cause soapy water and cleaning solutions to dry out prematurely.

Materials you'll need

To effectively clean your outdoor furniture, gather the following materials:

• Water and soap solution
• White vinegar solution
• Baking soda paste
• Oil soap solution
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge
• Microfiber cloth
• Bucket
• Garden hose

Cleaning process for different types of outdoor furniture

Metal Furniture

• Firstly, clean metal outdoor furniture with mild dish soap and warm water. Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub the metal surface gently.
• Rinse off the detergent with a garden hose.
• For stubborn stains, apply baking soda paste to the affected area and let it sit for about fifteen minutes. Scrub the stain gently with a brush, then rinse off the baking soda with water.
• To prevent rust formation, apply a coat of liquid wax on the metal surface.

Wooden Furniture

• Start by cleaning wood outdoor furniture with a soap solution and a soft-bristled brush. Use circular motions to clean the wood surface.
• Rinse the detergent with a garden hose.
• For tough stains, mix warm water with vinegar and apply it to the affected area with a sponge or cloth. Let it stay for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with water.
• Oil soap solution will maintain your wood's natural sheen by adding moisture, preventing cracks, and resisting tannin and other stains.

Plastic Furniture

• To remove dust and dirt from plastic outdoor furniture, gently wipe it using a microfiber cloth or use a soft-bristled brush.
• Make a solution of mild soap and warm water, then use a sponge to scrub the plastic surface gently.
• Rinse off the mixture with a garden hose.
• Diluted bleach can be used to remove stubborn stains. However, ensure thorough rinsing with water afterward.

Wicker Furniture

• Brush away any loose debris on the wicker furniture using a soft-bristle brush.
• Create a cleaning solution with dish soap and water.
• Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and lightly scrub the furniture so as not to damage the woven material.
• Rinse the furniture thoroughly with a garden hose and let it dry naturally.

Maintaining your outdoor furniture's appearance is essential to prolong its lifespan. Cleaning should be done regularly to prevent permanent damage, discoloration, or severe stains. Remember also to select the appropriate cleaning method based on the type of material you have.

Tips for maintaining outdoor furniture

• Clean your furniture regularly.
• Cover the furniture when not in use or during winter seasons.
• Use specialized paint or coverings to protect the furniture from the sun's harmful rays.
• Keep cushions and pillows clean and store them in a dry area

FAQ

Q: How often should I clean my outdoor furniture?

It is recommended to clean your outdoor furniture at least twice per year—once in spring and once in late summer or early fall.

Q: Can I use bleach to clean my outdoor furniture?

Yes, you could use diluted bleach in some cases where stubborn stains are hard to remove with soap and water.

Q: Can I pressure wash my outdoor furniture?

Pressure washing may cause more harm to some materials like wood and wicker furniture. It is advisable to spot check before using.

Q: Should I cover my outdoor furniture in winter season?

Yes, it is best to cover your outdoor furniture or move it inside to extend its life and avoid weathering.

Q: How to prevent rust on metal outdoor furniture?

Wipe your metal furniture with wax regularly or apply a rust inhibiting solution to create a barrier against moisture and rust.

Q: Can I leave my wooden outdoor furniture outside in the rain?

Leaving wooden furniture exposed to the rain can lead to water stains and deteriorating the wood's quality. Always ensure it's covered and stored indoors during the rain.

Q: How to remove mildew from plastic outdoor furniture?

To remove mildew on plastic furniture, make a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar. Apply the solution using a soft brush or cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with water.

Q: How do you clean wicker patio furniture?

Clean wicker furniture regularly with a soft-bristle brush and a mild soap solution. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue thoroughly and let it dry naturally.

Q: Can vinegar be used to clean outdoor furniture?

White vinegar diluted in warm water can work wonders as an all-purpose cleaner on many materials, especially plastic and metal.

Q: How to protect outdoor furniture from sun damage?

UV rays are harmful and can weather your furniture. Always choose products that are UV resistant and choose shaded areas to prevent prolonged exposure to the sun.