How to Clean Your Patio Furniture
There’s nothing more off-putting than grimy outdoor furniture. The weather, dust, and wind can all play havoc with it. Cleaning your patio furniture on a regular basis can make spending time outdoors inviting, especially as the weather gets warmer. Regular cleaning can also prolong the life of your outdoor furniture. Read on for our top tips on how to clean your patio furniture.
How Often Should I Clean My Outdoor Furniture?
Keeping to a regular cleaning schedule can help you make sure that your patio furniture is ready to use whenever you want it. It’s a good idea to store your outdoor furniture indoors during the colder months to prevent winter from taking its toll on it. Clean your furniture just before you plan on bringing it out when the weather warms, once before putting it away for the winter, and a couple of times in between.
How Do I Clean My Patio Furniture?
How you clean your patio furniture depends on the material it’s made of. A general rule of thumb is to brush off any built-up dust along with leaves or twigs on a regular basis, especially if you leave your furniture uncovered for extended periods of time.
Metal Patio Furniture:
Stainless steel and iron are popular patio furniture choices for their aesthetics and durability. Keeping them clean can prolong their life further.
Do not use a pressure hose on metal. You can simply wipe the frame down with a soft cloth for everyday cleaning. For a deeper clean, remove the cushions and use a hose and a washcloth. You can also use mild dish soap and water solution to remove stains.
Rattan Patio Furniture:
Rattan or wicker patio furniture looks gorgeous but can look dull, especially when dust builds up on it. Cleaning it regularly instead of letting grime build up can make it less of a chore. Use a soft cloth to wipe down the frame or a soft bristle scrub brush. If you really want to get into it, use a toothbrush to get into the weave.
You can also remove cushions and use a hose with gentle pressure to clean it. If you notice the rattan spreading, the pressure is too high. A mild oil-based soap diluted with water can help remove stubborn grime and restore shine.
Cushions:
Cleaning your cushions is as essential as cleaning your furniture frames. While it can be tempting to put the covers into the washing machine, it can be quite abrasive on them – even on a gentle or handwash setting. Instead, actually handwash them instead. For a quick clean, hose the cushion covers down and wipe them with a dry cloth.
Another option is to use a vacuum with the upholstery setting on your cushions to give the surfaces a quick clean. You can also use a solution of 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar to 4 cups warm water in a spray bottle on the stained area. Simply spray after vacuuming, wait for 15 minutes and use a soft brush on the stains before rinsing with water.
You can also use a garden hose (medium pressure) on the cushions themselves after applying a cleaning solution made of 1 tablespoon dish detergent with 1/4 cup Borax in a bucket of water. Prop the cushions against a wall and let the foam dry completely before putting them back on your furniture. Seating is key to making the most of the outdoors. You can view our entire range of outdoor furniture and accessories here.
