Cleaning Outdoor Patio Furniture for Spring - Ready Your Area for Opulent Gatherings and Meals
As the weather warms up, our outdoor spaces become an extension of our homes, and our patio furniture takes centre stage. To ensure these pieces remain in excellent condition year-round, we've put together a material-specific guide to cleaning and maintaining your outdoor furniture.
**Wood Furniture**
1. Gently wipe the surface with a soft brush and mild soapy water. 2. For mildew, wipe with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. 3. Dry thoroughly to prevent swelling or deformation.
Recommended tools: Soft brush, mild dish soap, white vinegar, clean cloth or sponge
**Metal Furniture**
1. Scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap water. 2. Avoid abrasive brushes/cleaners to prevent scratching. 3. For rust, apply rust remover and gently sand with 80–120 grit sandpaper. 4. Dry completely to prevent water stains and rust formation.
Recommended tools: Soft brush, mild soap, rust remover, fine sandpaper, clean towel
**Wicker (including PE Wicker)**
1. Wipe down with a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush and mild soapy water. 2. For mold, spray a 1:4 mixture of white vinegar and water, let sit, then brush off. 3. For PE wicker, rinse gently with hose and scrub softly. 4. Dry thoroughly before use.
Recommended tools: Soft cloth, soft-bristle brush, mild detergent, white vinegar, hose with gentle spray
**Plastic / Resin**
1. Remove loose dirt with a damp cloth. 2. Scrub gently with mild detergent mixed in warm water. 3. For tough stains, apply a baking soda paste (2 tbsp baking soda + 1 tbsp water), let sit, then scrub. 4. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
Recommended tools: Mild detergent, bucket, soft cloth or sponge, baking soda, water hose
**Fabric (cushions/covers)**
1. Vacuum or brush off loose dirt. 2. Check care label and machine wash if allowed on gentle cycle with mild detergent. 3. Use a soft brush with cleaning solution for spot cleaning. 4. Allow to air dry completely. 5. Apply waterproof spray to protect from stains and water.
Recommended tools: Vacuum, mild detergent, soft brush, waterproof fabric spray, washing machine, air drying space
Additional Tips: - Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive brushes, and pressure washers (especially for wood and wicker), as they can damage the furniture's surface and structure. - Always dry furniture thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture-related issues such as mold, mildew, rust, or wood swelling. - Regular maintenance (light cleaning and protective sprays) enhances durability and appearance season after season.
By following these material-specific steps using the recommended tools and products, you can keep your outdoor patio furniture in excellent condition year-round. Happy cleaning!
- As the weather warms up, the outdoor living space can seamlessly blend with the interior design of our homes, making the selection of outdoor-living furniture crucial.
- Incorporating an outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill or barbecue offers a convenient way to enjoy fresh meals as part of our lifestyle while enhancing the appeal of our home-and-garden setup.
- An artfully arranged living room with spacious seating and soft lighting helps create a cozy ambiance that invites relaxation in our outdoor living area.
- Select the right furniture pieces that are both beautiful and functional, that allow us to fully immerse in our outdoor living and appreciate the warm weather while fostering a sense of comfort and style in our home-and-garden lifestyle.
