How to Clean Your Patio Furniture
Keeping patios and decks, and all of their assorted decorations, clean can be a challenge. Have you ever tried to clean a glass tabletop? It’s an exercise in seeming futility.
You wipe it, it dries, and streaks appear. You wipe it again, it dries and the dirty streaks multiply.
The same types of challenges arise with other outdoor pieces – you’re battling Mother Nature here, after all!
Here are the dirty little secrets to mastering the art of cleaning patio furniture:
Cushions. Most cushions have synthetic covers and polyester fill and are designed to withstand the elements. Hose down cushions whenever they start looking dusty or dirty. Turn them often for even wear and sun exposure. Avoid getting sunscreen on them; if you (or the kids) do, rinse it – and any other spills – off immediately.
To deep-clean, use a spray enzyme cleaner (see cleaning products: defined for more info on cleaner types) on stubborn spots. Set the cushions on their ends in the sun until completely dry.
Patio furniture. The problem with “outdoor living rooms” is that they get dirtier lots faster than the indoor ones. Fortunately (or maybe wisely), patio furniture is constructed to take abuse – and soil. If your furniture is near a pool or spa, hose it down once a week because chlorine will damage most finishes.
Here’s a guide to caring for the most common outdoor furniture materials:
Aluminum. Wash with mild liquid dish washing detergent in a bucket of water; rinse and dry. Coat with an automotive wax every six months.
Resin. This substance doesn’t require much care. Wash it with a mild soapy solution, hose it off, and towel dry. Avoid products with ammonia, but use a diluted bleach solution for stains. Polish resin furniture with car wax if desired.
Teak. Teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture because it weathers well. Resist the urge to use teak oil on outdoor furniture because it will act as a dust magnet. Clean with a mild soap solution and a soft sponge on brush. Rinse well. Keep teak furniture in the sun because dampness will cause mildew.
Vinyl. Clean with warm soapy water. Don’t use bleach – it can damage the finish, allowing the porous material to stain, fade, and weaken faster.
Wood. Clean with a mild detergent and scrub brush at least once a year. Store indoors over winter if possible.
Wrought iron. Wash with soapy water; rinse and towel dry. Wax or polish it twice a year. Touch up any rust spots immediately. During winter, either bring indoors or cover.
Tabletops. The trick to cleaning a tabletop is to turn it on its side (very carefully, if you’re dealing with glass), and host it down first. Then wipe it off with a sponge dipped in soapy water. Hose again, then wipe dry. If you can’t turn it sideways, move the chairs back and hose from the traditional angle (but it might take a couple of tries!).
