Outdoor furniture seems to easily get dirty if you haven’t used it in a long time or don’t regularly clean it. Dust, pollen, and other weather conditions also affect the look and longevity of your outdoor furniture. Different types require different ways of cleaning outdoor furniture. Read on to learn top ways of cleaning outdoor furniture including how to clean metal outdoor furniture, how to clean outdoor wood furniture, and how to clean plastic outdoor furniture.
How Often Should You Be Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
The best way to clean outdoor furniture starts with how often you clean it. Twice a year is best—once in the spring before you use it regularly and once in the fall before you put it away for winter.
Regular cleaning is important for outdoor furniture, especially after a harsh winter. Your outdoor furniture can be left looking tired, dirty, and dingy outside on your patio if not cleaned regularly. Your outdoor space should be your own personal oasis, so it is important to care for and know the best way to clean outdoor furniture.
How to Clean Metal Outdoor Furniture
Metal furniture is usually made of aluminum, iron, or steel. Since most of these materials rust easily, they’re usually reinforced with coats of clear varnish, paint, or powder coating. Metal furniture should be regularly cleaned to avoid build up of rust.
How to Clean It
Are you wondering how to clean metal outdoor furniture? Follow these simple steps that’ll make all the difference for your outdoor space.
For a more thorough cleaning, follow these quick steps:
1. Use a vacuum or brush to remove dry debris like leaves and dirt.
2. Clean well with soap and water.
3. Scrub with a bristle brush and rinse with clean water.
4. Wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
How to Maintain it
To maintain your outdoor metal furniture, apply a coat of liquid or paste auto wax with a cloth. Inspect for rust and chips regularly, especially on hidden surfaces that may be unfinished.
How to Clean Plastic Outdoor Furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture is inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of styles, making it one of the most popular types of outdoor furniture. When it comes to cleaning, it’s also easy to maintain. Check out these steps for how to clean plastic outdoor furniture.
How to Clean It
Cleaning plastic outdoor furniture doesn’t require too much heavy scrubbing.
1. Spray it down with an all-purpose cleaner.
2. Skip any abrasive cleaners, which can scruff the surface.
3. Wipe it down with a cloth or sponge.
How to Maintain it
To maintain your plastic outdoor furniture, spray them down with water and soap when they’re dirty. Protect your furniture from cold weather by storing them in winter to avoid brittleness and cracks.
How to Clean Outdoor Wood Furniture
Outdoor wood furniture is mostly made of wood materials that don’t decay and are hardy against most types of weather conditions. So, it’s not too hard to learn how to clean outdoor wood furniture as you’ll see below.
How to Clean It
1. Brush away any dirt or debris from your furniture.
2. Use soap and water.
3. Scrub any especially dirty spots with a brush and rinse with clean water.
4. Pat dry with a clean cloth.
How to Maintain it
To maintain your outdoor wood furniture, it’s important to seal it with a clear water-repellent preservative. This will help minimize damage from the sun, dirt, moisture, and help it retain its color.
How to Clean Outdoor Fabric Furniture
Outdoor fabric furniture is specifically designed for outdoor use and resist damage from sun, stains, moisture, and mildew. Solution-dyed fabric is less prone to fading and can handle more aggressive cleaning solutions than printed or piece-dyed cloth. There are still simple-to-follow ways for how to clean outdoor fabric furniture.
How to Clean It
1. Submerge the fabric into ¼ cup of gentle liquid soap and 1 gallon of warm water.
2. Swish around the fabrics in the solution.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Hang up the fabric to air dry.
How to Maintain it
To maintain outdoor fabric furniture, make sure you regularly dust off any debris or dirt or wipe off any spills immediately. Some fabric furniture has a water-repellent finish that you can restore over time. After cleaning and drying the material, apply a fabric protector once a year or whenever water stops beading on top of the fabric.
Need Help Cleaning Outdoor Furniture?
Cleaning outdoor furniture is just one of the many inexpensive ways to make the most out of your outdoor space. If you need a helping hand to clean, booking a Tasker is another one of the best ways to clean outdoor furniture.
