Maintenance Tips: How to Clean Your Patio Furniture

If you are wondering how to clean patio furniture, you are not alone. Patio furniture is an essential part of outdoor venues as it provides a comfortable place to relax and entertain customers. However, over time, outdoor furniture can easily become dirty, stained, and even moldy. The more customers or guests an establishment has, the more likely it is to find untidy or unsightly outdoor furniture. We have a guide on how to clean wood, wicker, or even metal patio furniture to help you out.

Cleaning Wood and Wicker Outdoor Furniture

Wood and wicker outdoor furniture are beautiful, but they require quite a bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best. Use a soft cloth and gently wipe off dirt with a mixed solution of warm water and mild soap. Dish soap or laundry detergent will also be okay but do not use abrasive cleaners or tools. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the furniture with a hose and allow it to air dry completely.

Cleaning Aluminum, Iron, and Other Metal Outdoor Furniture

Metal outdoor furniture is generally durable but it can still become dirty or corroded over time. How to clean metal patio furniture? Simply wipe the furniture down with a soft, dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris. A solution of warm water and mild soap will be enough to clean metal patio furniture. Just be sure to gently scrub the furniture with a soft cloth. Rust remover can get rid of any rust spots that remain. Once again, rinse off the furniture and allow it to dry completely before using it again.

Cleaning Plastic and Hard-Resin Outdoor Furniture

Clean plastic patio furniture by simply wiping it with a damp cloth. Warm water and mild soap will usually do the trick. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that may scratch the plastic or hard resin furniture. As always, wait for the furniture to naturally dry before using it again.

How to Clean Your Outdoor Furniture Cushions

Outdoor furniture cushions can become stained and dirty over time, especially if you have a lot of people in your venue daily. Clean patio furniture cushions by brushing off any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush. The best way to clean patio furniture cushions is to use a fabric stain remover for stubborn stains. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the cushions with a hose and allow them to air dry completely before using them again.

Dealing With Mold

Mold can be a problem on outdoor furniture, especially if it is located in a damp or humid area. Try a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the affected area. Once you have finished cleaning, rinse the furniture with a hose and allow it to air dry. Don’t forget to wear gloves and protective eyewear while working with bleach.

Do’s and Don’ts for Cleaning Your Patio Furniture

● Don’t: Use a pressure washer

● Don’t: Use abrasives on sensitive materials

● Don’t: Forget your patio umbrella

● Do: Deal with rust first

● Do: Check to make sure the cleaning products are safe

● Do: Keep up with frequent maintenance

Extra Ways to Protect and Maintain Your Outdoor Furniture

In addition to regular cleaning, here are a few extra steps you can take to protect and maintain your outdoor furniture.

● Furniture Covers

Using furniture covers can help to prevent damage from rain, snow, and wind, as well as protect your furniture from sun damage and fading. When purchasing furniture covers, make sure to choose ones that are designed to fit your specific furniture, and be sure to remove them periodically to allow your furniture to air out.

● Look at Pest Control

To prevent pest problems, regularly inspect your furniture for signs of infestation, and take steps to eliminate any pests that you find. Consider using insect-repellent sprays or essential oils or herbs, to repel insects.

● Storage for Inclement Weather

During inclement weather, it is best to store your outdoor furniture indoors to protect it from damage. If you don’t have enough space to store your furniture inside, consider covering it with furniture covers or umbrellas to protect it from the elements.

What to Do When Cleaning Isn’t Enough

If your outdoor furniture is extremely dirty or damaged, cleaning alone may not be enough to restore it to its original condition. In this case, you may need to consider buying the furniture. Poggesi® has luxury outdoor furniture pieces and easy-to-clean patio furniture. Browse umbrellas, cushions, and so much more to turn your outdoor establishment into a must-visit venue.

Contact our team to purchase new outdoor patio furniture and follow our blogs for more info on our how-to-clean patio furniture guide.