When the weather is nice, we all like to spend as much time outdoors as possible. For some of us that means relaxing and socializing in our back yards. Many of us have even invested in costly outdoor furniture for our decks and patios. These items require a bit of care, however. Who wants to sit on furniture that’s rusty and dirty? It’s really not difficult to clean outdoor furniture, and with proper maintenance these chairs and tables should last quite a few years.
If your outdoor furniture picked up mold and mildew while in storage, the best way to clean it is to use bleach. Dip a sponge into a solution of a half of a cup of bleach to one gallon of water and rub until the mold and mildew disappear. If you’re afraid the bleach might discolor your furniture, test a hidden spot first. Rinse with water to remove the bleach and dry with an old towel or let air dry. You’ll want to let the furniture air out anyway to get rid of the mildew and bleach smells.
Clean aluminum furniture with a very fine grade steel wool pad. Polish lightly to remove any corrosion or rust. Hose down to rinse and let air dry. For folding chairs, you may want to rub a little vegetable oil into the joints to keep the chair opening and closing smoothly.
Most plastic furniture just needs to be hosed down to remove dirt and cobwebs. If there happens to be stubborn dirt or stains, a simple household cleaning detergent or even all purpose cleaning spray will work just fine. Sponge the dirty area with soap and rinse with water to remove all the soap. Towel or air dry. For greasy spots, rub in a little lighter fluid using a soft cloth. Rinse very well with water once grease is removed.
You can also try cleaning padded furniture with a solution of hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and water. Use a sponge and clean until the dirt is removed. Hose down well to rinse away all soap. If you’re worried about the bleach staining your furniture, test on a hidden area first.
For outdoor wood furniture, try a simple solution of a half cup of vinegar, five tablespoons of baking soda and one cup of water. Use a gentle scrub brush, scrubbing sponge or scouring pad and gently remove dirt and debris. Hose down to rinse and towel dry.
Although wicker furniture is not recommended for daily outdoor use, there are a few tips for cleaning wicker furniture that is constantly exposed to the elements. For loose dry dirt, the furniture can be dusted with a plain dust cloth or even vacuumed. If food or a beverage has been spilled on the wicker, immediately clean with a little dishwashing liquid mixed with water. One tablespoon of mild dish soap to a gallon of water will work well. When it comes to cleaning wicker and rattan, plain old soap and water or a mild household detergent is all that’s needed.
Teak tends to turn gray if not taken care of. Sand out any water spots with a light grit sandpaper and rub with baby oil once a year for protection against the elements.
Hammocks and chairs made of cloth can actually be thrown in the wash on a gentle cycle. Hang outside to dry. Before the fabric is completely dry however, stretch it back around the frame so it doesn’t lose its shape.
Vinyl outdoor furniture can be cleaned with some diluted lemon juice. Rinse off with a hose once cleaned.
Make sure you clean your furniture before storing it away for the winter. Once your furniture is completely dry, cover with an old sheet or some plastic and store in a dry place. When you remove the furniture from storage in the spring, it should require only minimum dusting and rinsing, if that. With proper maintenance, your outdoor furniture should last for many seasons to come.
