Outdoor furniture cleaning is essential to keep your patio or lawn fixtures looking good, but getting them cleaned is especially necessary after the season of lengthy and messy wintertime. Harsh weather conditions can make your outdoor furniture looking grimy, old, and less inviting than it used to be. That’s why we came up with these outdoor furniture cleaning tips that will come handy in keeping your precious deck furniture looking new all year round. But you will surely find these easy guides more helpful when the warm weather returns, and you need to dapper up your outdoor living spaces for grilling parties, lounging with families, and alfresco nights with your special one.
How to get started
If you left your outdoor furniture uncovered for extended periods without any use, they would likely be filled with various debris like dust and leaves. You can start cleaning them up and wiping away any loose materials with a brush or dry cloth. You can also use a gardening hose that comes with a spray attachment to remove lingering surface debris on your wood, plastic, metal, or fabric furniture.
How to clean plastic outdoor furniture
Many households choose plastic and resin furniture as their lawn or deck furnishings because they are affordable, lightweight, and come in different styles. Aside from that, plastic furniture sets are also the easiest to clean and maintain. You can be done cleaning your plastic or resin outdoor fittings by spraying them with an all-purpose cleaner and wiping them with a damp rag or sponge. But remember not to use any abrasive scrubbers as these could scratch and damage the material.
If you want an environment-friendly cleaning option, you can use a wet sponge dipped in baking soda to scrub your furniture. This mild but effective cleaner can make your plastic furniture looking good. Just rinse them once you are done, and you can see your furniture squeaky clean and good as new.
How to clean metal patio furniture
Another popular furniture for patios and lawns are those made out of stainless steel and wrought iron. Numerous households prefer them because they are durable and easy to maintain. Making them look like new after the winter season is possible by scrubbing such with a sponge or a sturdy brush dipped in a mixture of a quarter of a cup of mild dish soap and a gallon of warm water. Continue scrubbing until you see your furniture restored to its original luster.
With metal furniture, rust is pretty common when you keep them outside. If you ever face this problem with your stainless-steel fittings, you can try removing the oxidation by rubbing the corroded areas with steel wool or an aluminum foil crumpled into a ball. To reduce or prevent the same glitch in the future, you can apply rust-resistant paint to the affected area.
How to clean soft and hardwood deck furniture
You might be tempted to use a power washer when it comes to cleaning your wooden furniture, but it’s better not to as it can scar or damage any soft parts of your outdoor furnishing. The recommended cleaning materials to remove grit or grime from wooden fittings are soft sponge or brush dipped in soapy water or mild oil soap. You can also use a toothbrush for cleaning the weaves of a wicker sofa set. This can be time-consuming, so it’s preferable to clean your furniture regularly to avoid build-up.
There are a number of commercial products in the market that is specially formulated to clean hardwood furniture like ipe or teak, but if you don’t want to use those, you can opt for a weak solution of laundry detergent for tidying up your outdoor furniture. Never entertain the idea of using teak oil on your hardwood furnishings as it can cause molds.
How to clean mesh or other fabric lawn furniture
Upholstered outdoor furniture is elegant, comfortable, and soft, but they are also the quickest to get dirty. Seat covers, hammocks, and stretched fabrics are usually made from different natural and synthetic materials. The safest way to clean them is by using a mixture of warm water and dish soap. If possible, you could also check the recommended method of cleaning from the manufacturer’s instructions. For removable furniture fabrics, you can throw them in a washing machine that is set to gentle wash. Do not use hot-dryer as it may damage the fabric, air-dry them instead. To lessen future staining, you can apply a water-repellant fabric protector to your furniture covers once cleaned or washed.
You can also opt to call professional cleaners who specialize in furniture cleaning services. They are equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and experience in cleaning upholstered furniture of different fabrics or materials. The extra costs of hiring skilled furniture and upholstery cleaners will be worth it once you see your outdoor furniture looking immaculately new.
How to deal with molds
Outdoor furniture surfaces are often susceptible to mold and mildew development due to rain and humidity. To get rid of mold, ensure first that your furniture is dry, then remove the mildew by brushing with a scrub and rinsing with a hose spray. Once you are done dry-scrubbing, you can remove the stubborn mold with a hard brush and a full-strength white vinegar. You can also use diluted bleach but be extra careful as it may discolor your furniture’s fabric or material.
When DIY cleaning is not enough
Some stains, spots, and odors are just too stubborn and very hard to remove. To save you from the frustration of ineffective cleaning or from buying a new set of furniture for your patio or deck, you can always call in the experts who can surely revitalize your old or stained furnishings. Find professional cleaners in your area who specialize in furniture steam cleaning, leather furniture cleaning, or upholstery and furniture cleaning to ensure that your outside furnishings get the best cleaning services that make them look better and even last longer.
A backyard paradise isn’t really complete without a sparkly clean outdoor furniture. So, get your patio or lawn furniture summer and party-ready with the above handy and practical cleaning tips and tricks.
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