Let’s get real – your patio furniture has likely survived a war zone; summer barbecue sauce spills, autumn leaf stains, and whatever the local neighbourhood birds left behind could have taken a toll on even the most pristine outdoor set.
But the truth is that cleaning and keeping your patio furniture clean is not a war every weekend. With a little know-how and proper technique the furniture on your patio can have a fresh ’like new’ look without back breaking effort, or breaking your bank account.
The best way to care for patio furniture is to clean it with the proper cleaners, regularly based on the type of material it’s made of, and cover the patio furniture with covers when not in use. Pretty simple? Well, there is a little more to it.
Outdoor furniture can withstand some harsh conditions – especially here in Canada, where we go from oppressive summer heat to cold winter months. Different materials, such as wood, metal, wicker, or plastic, all have their own little quirks and needs for cleaning.
We’ve learned over the years that prevention is just as important and cleaning. Using furniture covers, bringing cushions inside when the weather gets scary, and positioning your furniture under some kind of shelter can save hours of scrubbing later. These simple habits will keep your outdoor area welcoming for years to come, trust me – you future self will be thankful.
Understanding Patio Furniture Materials
Just like all types of personalities need their own special treatment, it’s important to understand what your patio pieces are made of. Knowing what your patio pieces are made of will help you avoid the whole “oops, I just ruined my favourite chair” situation we’ve all had.
Identifying Materials
Here are the common patio furniture materials you may run into:
Wood: Most of us know cedar, teak, and acacia. There is also the star child teak. It will develop a beautiful silver patina over time, as long as you don’t consistently oil it. Clean with mild soap and water. However, too much pressure washing and it will do serious damage to the grain of the wood, faster than you can say “money in the trash.”
Metal: Okay, this is when things got tricky. Aluminum will not rust (thankfully), but it will oxidize and look worn down. With wrought iron, this stuff will need some serious TLC on preventing it from rusting. Just a simple concoction of soap and water will clean any metal, but with iron furniture, you might have to apply some rust-repellent paint if your furniture gets to this stage.
Wicker and Rattan: All these materials are more of the princesses of patio furniture. Natural wicker/rattan require a soft touch, while synthetic ones can take a little more punishment. We like to go with a soft brush to get the dirt out of the tiny materials, then just wipe with a damp cloth.
Plastic/Resin: The king (or Queen) of zero-maintenance care. Honestly, the patio products are nearly unbreakable. Most situations are handled with dish soap and water, but a vinegar solution can defeat those odd stains that just kind of show up.
Outdoor Cushion Characteristics
Outdoor cushions encounter unique obstacles that indoor furniture isn’t subjected to: exposure to the sun, moisture, random debris – it’s like they’re bombarded every hour of the day.
Most good cushions have some clever features:
Fabrics:
- Olefin/polypropylene: This material is the king of water resistance.
- Acrylic: Ideal at stopping UV rays, not so good resisting water.
- Polyester: The cheapest option, but might fade faster than you want.
- Inner materials: Quick-dry foam would be better to prevent that stale mildew smell. Some cushions have a mesh bottom for better air flow; this is good in theory
- Protection features: Lots of cushions have water-repelling finishes, though they need to be retreated. With a zipper, it’s easy to wash and replace.
If you want to prolong the lifespan of your cushions (and we’re talking hundreds of dollars potentially), and indoors their cushions during abusive weather. A light scrub with a mild soap can usually remove most stains before they become permanent.
Regular Cleaning Habits
.Having a routine cleaning schedule is like going to the gym – nobody completely wants to do it, but you can see why it is worth it in the end. A regular schedule will avoid dirt from collecting and causing wear. It will also extended the life of your furniture and save you money.
Dusting and Wiping Off
Remove loose debris from your patio furniture at least once a week. A soft brush or microfiber cloth is always ideal to remove contaminants- no need for anything fancy.
For metal furniture, rinse with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, using a clean, soft cloth. Then rinse with clean water and dry completely. Just like that one family member that doesn’t want to leave your house, water spots on metal furniture are not welcome.
Wooden furniture requires a differently. For dusting wood, a soft damp cloth will do. Never saturate the wood if you care about it warping in hot sun conditions. If you are planning for a deep clean, purchasing one of those commercial wood cleaners that say they are safe for outdoor use are worth it.
Plastic furniture, in this case is like that golden retriever – easygoing, reliable, and just plain likeable. All you need is warm soapy water and easy clean, that. Mild soap will remove oils and dirt, just rinse and dry. For tough grime, a soft bristle brush will work without scratching the surface.
Always remember to dry things, mildew begins to thrive where and when there a moist environment – just like teenagers and their social media.
Spot Cleaning Methods
When spills happen (and they will), it’s best to attend quickly, do not rub the spill like it’s a barbeque gossip, but rather blot, like your children when they mishap!
For fabric cushions, most all outdoor fabrics can actually tolerate this solution:
- tbsp mild dish soap
- lt warm water
- tbsp borax
- for the mildew stain
Remember always test your cleaning solution in an isolated or hidden section of the fabric cushion first. After the solution is formulated, work the solution into the stain with a soft-bristle brush in gentle, circular motions. Rinse the solution thoroughly. Here are some techniques for spot treatment on different surfaces:
- Metal: baking soda paste is great for rust stains.
- Wood: simple diluted vinegar works on water rings.
- Plastic: try Magic Erasers for stubborn marks.
After cleaning, allow it to dry completely in the sun, to ensure moisture issues are resolved and any bacteria issues are dealt with by the UV rays.
Deep Cleaning Procedures
Sometimes a simple wipe down does not help your patio furniture. Once the dirt build up resembles a snowbank on a February afternoon, it is clear you need a thorough cleaning.
Making the Cleaning Solution
The cleaning solution is the difference from “clean” to “wow, this looks brand new.” For most patio items, warm water and mild dish soap work wonders. For patio cleaning, using 1/4 cup of dish soap with a 5 gallon pail of warm water will work well. Just don’t over mix, or you will make too many bubbles.
If you have persistent stains (the tough stains that have been snickering at you all summer), add 1/4 cup of baking soda for additional cleaning boost, without chemicals.
You should always use manufacturer recommendations for cleaning solutions instead of going rogue. Some materials, such as teak or fragile wicker, require special cleaners but you will pay a premium for them, but will be better off than replacing your items, which is expensive.
It’s always advisable to preview the cleaning solution on a small part of the surface first. On the backside of a surface is a better place to figure out compatibilities, than on the face of your new favorite chair.
Cleaning with a Sponge and Bucket
Now you have a solution and your bucket, we’re ready to clean. Most surfaces require a non-abrasive sponge… scratches are there forever, and they’re annoying! The soft side of your sponge is for regular cleaning. The rough side works on stubborn dirt that thinks it has made itself at home.
Dunk your sponge into the bucket and wring it out a bit. You want it wet enough to do a good enough job, but not so wet it’s dripping like a running faucet.
Use small areas and gentle circular motion. Take special note of arm rests, edges of tables, and the other commonly touched areas, where hand oils build up. Those areas always seem to build dirt more than the rest of the surface combined.
When the surface has texture, like wicker, have an old toothbrush handy! A toothbrush helps you get into all those little nooks and crannies that the regular sponge can’t reach. Also, rinse your sponge often so you don’t just rub dirt back into the surface. No one wants a dirt chase.
When you’re done scrubbing, rinse well with clean water (from your garden hose would work just fine). Be sure everything dries thoroughly before using it again. Patience is key here.
Stain Removal Strategies
Stains are the party crasher! Stains are also what can separate tired looking furniture from freshly cleaned furniture.
Cleansing Both Simple Stains
Bird droppings will likely be the most common (and most aggravating) stain you will encounter. First scrape the solid debris off the stain and clean it with a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 3 parts water. Speed is key — the longer you wait, the more the damage is set to a permanent state.
With food or beverage spills you’re going to need to work quickly. Blot the liquid immediately rather than wiping, which spreads, just like butter on toast. Most food related disasters, you can just use mild dish soap mixed with warm water.
Tree sap is a whole different ball game. Use ice and harden the sap (it sounds weird, but trust me), and then gently scrape the sap off the surface. Once you’ve done that, blot the area with a cloth that has a bit of rubbing alcohol on it.
The pollen stain cannot be wiped with any fabric that is dry, as this will spread the yellow powder around like fairy dust. This is usually best rinsed off with your garden hose. You can clean the area just with the soapy water.
Swift remedies for that tough stains
If it’s rust marks you need the oxalic acid based cleaner you can find in hardware stores. Apply it with a soft cloth, let it work its magic for 10 minutes, then rinse really good with water, even if you wore gloves while applying the cleaner.
If you have mold or mildew (the enemy of outdoor furniture), you’ll need:
- Part bleach
- Part water
- Tablespoon dish soap
Apply to the affected area, let sit for 15 minutes, and scrub with soft brush, then rinse with water completely. This one works best on your vinyl or plastic furniture.
There are oils in sunscreen stains that are like holding on to fabric for dear life. For lawn chair cushions or patio pillows, make a paste using baking soda and water, smear on the stain, wait 30 minutes, then wash. Cushions will be like brand new ready for another summer.
Also, I use cornstarch for stubborn barbecue grease stains, which is the same ingredient you use for taking care of personal cooking. Just sprinkle on stain, let soak in oil for an hour, then brush off and dish soap to clean.
Preventative Measures
It saves you many hours of scrubbing later to take preventive action on your patio furniture before the trouble begins. Prevention truly is the best cleaning method, even when it seems to be more work.
Protective Covers
Good quality furniture covers are genuinely the best investment for your patio. They will protect your outdoor furniture from extreme weather, bird waste or tree sap, which can permanently damage your furniture. You want waterproof, and UV protective covers; they will also help prevent color fade and deterioration of the material. An inexpensive cover can create more headaches than they fix.
When buying covers, fit is more important than you think. Loose fitting covers will trap moisture under the cover, which would create a moisture issue and possible mold problem that would smell worse than gym socks. Tight fitting covers with vented areas will let air flow while keeping dirt and debris out.
Make sure to store covers properly when not in use. Fold them carefully, rather than just crumpling them up like last week’s newspapers; it will add lots of life to them. In winter, when possible, store furniture in sheltered places for additional protection.
Remember to keep weight or straps on covers in windy conditions. Nothing’s more frustrating than running after a cover blowing across the yard while your furniture is getting wet.
Proactive Care
Staying on top of cleaning will help with preventing dirt from becoming built-in stains that would require deep cleaning of an area. Wipe the surfaces of your outdoor furniture weekly with a damp towel to get rid of pollen and dirt before they have a chance to sink in. For wood furniture, refresh your protective sealant a couple times a year to limit moisture damage – think of it like sunscreen for your furniture!
Position furniture in a way that minimizes exposure to the elements:
- When it rains, place furniture under awnings.
- Use caution with plastic furniture when the sun is at its hottest (they fade quicker than someone with a summer tan).
- Keep furniture out of the spray zone of sprinklers to avoid water marks.
- Have a quick cleaning kit for the following items:
- Soft brushes for textured surfaces.
- Microfibre cloths for smooth surfaces.
- An all-in-one cleaner that is appropriate for your furniture types.
- Small vacuum for the crevices of cushions that the crumbs love to hide in.
- Wax any metal connection type of furniture to create a rust protection barrier. Spray fabrics with fabric spray protector on the first use and after each good wash—this simple step can add years of life to the fabric.
- Optional: Rubber or plastic feet protectors for furniture legs will help avoid staining on your decks and prevent wear and tear from friction. Those little products can make a big difference.
Seasonal Maintenance + Storage
You need to think about patio furniture like you think about a car: regular and seasonal maintenance will prevent significant damage.
The different seasons dictate whether you care for or protect your furniture.
Clean + Store at the End of Season
When the fall leaves start falling off the trees and you can smell winter in the air, it’s time to start getting your outdoor furniture ready for seasonal hibernation; take everything in on snow days. The last thing you want is to have to clean your patio furniture in the spring after winter damage.
Take all your cushions off and wash your fabric covers in accordance with the care symbols. When cleaning frames, you want to use the right cleaners for the materials used:
- Wood + Wood: a solution of mild soap and water with a brush
- Metal: solution of vinegar and water (1:1)
- Wicker furniture: vacuum first, then wipe with a damp cloth
- Plastic: baking soda paste to treat tough stains
Pay attention to those hidden places where dirt likes to vacation! Look underneath tables, in between chair slats, and in any hidden nooks where the dirt tends to settle. These areas often get ignored, but they can also create issues if they are dirty.
Ensure everything is fully dry before storage. Storing patio furniture when it is trapped with moisture in the winter can breed mold and damage your pieces — costly repairs are likely!
Proper Patio Furniture Storage
The location of your patio furniture storage is just as important as the method of cleaning their surfaces. The best place for most patio furniture type is in a dry, covered location like a garage, administration shed or basement.
If you need space (who does not these days), you can look for stackable furniture pieces or disassemble furniture pieces. Furniture covers would be breathable space coverings, but using plastic could retain moisture and is the ideal breeding ground for mold.
For cushions, look for water-resistant storage bags or water-resistant containers for temporary storage of oudoor cushions. Keep the patio furniture off the ground with pallets or blocks to protect from wicking moisture from wet concrete floors.
If the location of your protected outdoor storage can only be outdoors, look for heavy-duty, weather-resistant covers for your area for Canadian winters. Place on properly to withstand windy Canadian winters, and check in the winter for accumulated snow or pooled water on covers.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods
Keeping the readership patio furniture is easy and does not require hazardous or harmful cleaning chemicals for the environment. There are plenty of natural alternatives that are just as effective and gentle on the earth — most of the time at a lower cost too.
Natural Cleaners
White Vinegar — you can’t get a better eco-friendly cleaner for patio furniture than white vinegar. This household pantry item effectively wipes dirt and disinfects while not being doused in toxic chemicals. Combine a 50/50 ratio of white vinegar and water, and put this in a spray bottle for an effortless, cheap, and effective cleaning solution.
Baking soda is a spot fighter and quite the utility for difficult stains, as a gentle abrasive that draws out dirt without harming the surface. The secret to getting dirt out of difficult stains on plastic or metal patio furniture is simply making a paste with water applying the paste, then scrubbing with a soft brush.
Lemon juice will work to often acts as a natural bleach. The citric acid in the lemon juice naturally will whiten surfaces and effortlessly scrub rust spots off metal furniture. Cut the lemon in half and directly apply the lemon juice on the stained area, or mix lemon juice and water and combine in a spray bottle for larger areas.
DIY Cleaning Recipes
To make a all-purpose patio cleaner:
- 250 ml white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 liter warm water
This will annoy and eliminate dirt and mildew, and wipe and and blot out tiny stains from 90% of natural patio furniture types, and will not cost much more than a two or three dollars.
To clean wooden patio furniture, try this a “gentle-all-purpose” cleaner that conditions while it cleans:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 liter warm water
The olive oil conditions the wood, while the vinegar cleans and doesn’t wash away the natural oils that help shield the wood. For fabric and cushions, you can combine:
- ml mild dish soap
- ml borax
- litres warm water
Apply with a soft brush, let sit for 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Your cushions will be cleaner and fresh looking with no harsh chemicals (which could fade fabrics over time).
Frequently Asked Questions
Cleaning your patio furniture is not rocket science, but there are indeed some frequently asked questions that arise. Here are some Q & A’s that will help you maintain the beauty of your outdoor space.
What are good ways to clean patio furniture mesh?
When cleaning mesh patio furniture, you want to be sure you are gently cleaning so that you do not ruin it/replace it at great expense. A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap, plus a soft bristle brush to scrub the mesh will work well. For stubborn areas, try a pasty mixture of baking soda and water, spraying the first over the area and letting it sit for a period of time.
Be sure to rinse it off with a garden hose and dry it in the air before using it at all. Also, you want to avoid any strong chemicals that could break down the mesh material, because it is expensive to replace.
Should you scotchgard patio furniture?
Scotchgard (or a similar fabric protector) is very helpful to help patio furniture last longer. The treatment builds a water, dirt, and stain barrier for ease of cleaning going forward.
Ideally, protect the furniture when it is clean, dry, and in mild conditions with no rain in the forecast. Cool weather is usually the best, but we want to avoid high heat because that can sometimes affect the scotchgard material. Make sure to reapply about every 6-12 months or after a thorough cleaning process. Always test on a small hidden area and ensure no colour change to your furniture occurs.
What should I do to clean and care for the cushions on outdoor furniture?
Start by brushing off loose debris with a soft brush. This will help prevent dirt from being ground in to the fabric. For consistent cleaning, apply mild soap and water with a soft brush using circular scrubbing motions on the fabric. A cleaner specifically for outdoor fabric may be needed for possible stubborn stains.
Rinse thoroughly and stand them on edge for drying until the cushions are completely dry before putting back. Never place cushion covers in the dryer, high heat may harm the fabric and waterproofing will diminish. Store cushions in a dry place in the event of prolonged poor weather, or in the off season. They need a winter vacation as well!
Can vinegar be used to clean outdoor furniture and how to?
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner for outdoor furniture, will not harm kids or the environment. For a easy, inexpensive cleaner use equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Simply spray on the outdoor furniture, allow 5-10 minutes for grime to break down, and wipe clean with a damp cloth. For wooden outdoor furniture, use one part vinegar, and three parts water so you do not harm the finish.
Due to its natural antimicrobial properties, vinegar is particularly great for mildew and mould as well, like a natural disinfectant.
How do I keep my patio furniture clean?
Preventing stains is always easier than cleaning them up! Use furniture covers when not in use. Quality covers that fit well will give the best protection from dirt, pollen and weather.
Consider placing your furniture away from trees that produce sap or berries – both of which can be troublesome natural stains that will rapidly turn permanent. Regular light cleaning will keep dirt and grime from forming and easier to clean for the most part.
One suggestion is to place rugs (indoor-outdoor works better) under eating spaces before the food spills hit your decking/patio surface to save hours of stain cleaning later.
Should I spray something like Scotchgard on patio set fabric?
Ultimately sprays aid patio set fabric longer and is a good investment. The thing about the spray is that creates an invisible layer that protects against moisture, stains and UV effect, which are ultimately damaging to a surface.
Making sure to clean fabric thoroughly before spraying! – if you are to protect dirty fabric you are just sealing in the dirt. Very thin even coats and dry well between coats is suggested.
Most manufactures suggest re spraying every season to achieve the best result.
What’s the best way to clean black metal outdoor furniture?
Black metal can be difficult to keep the finish and fading. Wash with mild soapy water and a soft cloth, but do NOT use abrasive scrubbers as they will scratch the finish up and ruin the appearance.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry off immediately to prevent confusing water spots that will always stand out on darker items. If there is small rust spots, you can sand the rust in small places then well clean and apply outdoor rated metal paint to match the furniture.
After cleaning, you can also take a thin coat of automotive wax and spray it on after cleaning which will prevent the appearance and make cleaning easier down the road. This extra special step is so worth while!
How to keep algae off my outdoor furniture?
Algae grow in wet cold places so keep furniture dry & in the sun when possible. With a regular cleaning of 1:1 water and white vinegar on deck/furniture will kill off the algae before it gets a chance to establish itself.
If algae are troublesome try to mix 1 part bleach and 4 parts water to the stained area apply to where stained, wait 10 minutes and rinse off. Always do a small test area to see if it damages anything before clean up.
Be sure drainage is not blocked around patio area, to eliminate post rain and humidity water pooling areas to help prevent algae growth. Air flow is also a key component.
Brief Summary of an Easy Cleaning Method
Here’s the simple system for keeping your patio furniture fresh while avoiding a long weekend project:
Dry wipe your patio set
Using a dry brush surface or cloth, wipe off any loose dirt, leaves, and dust that have collected on your fine patio set. You cannot erase the dirt that resides beneath the water (wet dirt), it is more productive to remove most dirt and dust with a dry-wipe process first.
Revitalizing your patio furniture
The process is always greatly dependent on the material of your furniture. Below is the run down based on the material in your average patio furniture collection.
Soak a sponge or cloth, or very heavily spray your solution on all sides of the fabric you are cleaning. High-pressure rinse using a hose, and dry cushions in direct sun. Spray fabric protector on cushions/rug before they are completely dry.
Cleaning plastic patio. For a plastic material, just grab an all-purpose cleaner and wipe it down and it will look the freshest. This is also true for cast aluminum and resin patio furniture. Do not use any abrasive materials (brushes/ scrub pads/ cleaners) that could scratch your patio furniture forever.
Wrought iron, stainless steel, and metal furniture cleaning methods
Wrought iron or steel metal use some dish soap in water to clean properly. If there is rust, use steel wool to eliminate rust, and then refinish the piece to prevent further rusting.
You can repaint your furniture with your choice of spray paint for a very low cost to entirely bring back the appearance of brand new furniture. You can also add a coat of wax to achieve showroom shine (same for plastic furniture.)
Teak and natural wood finish cleaning methods
If you have teak or natural wood finished furniture, take a gentler cleaning approach. Use a soft sponge and a mild oil soap, or any product for cleaning wood furniture.
(Also note: Outdoor fabric cleaning methods cushion, umbrellas and rug) prepare one liter of water and one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, use a tablespoon of borax for additional cleaning power, since borax stops mold and bacteria from forming in your cushions, seat, and rugs.
Fun fact- borax was banned in the UK based on detrimental effects in reproductive systems (tests were only on mice and rats at high doses of ingestion). Maybe skip the borax just in case..
Need help?
Canadian Home Leisure has tons of selection for outdoor patio sets of various materials and fabrics. If you are ever unsure about cleaning methods for your patio furniture, we are here to help answer any questions you may have. Please send us a message or call us.
Whether it’s a wipe and clean for a tough stain on your favorite dining set, or if you’re looking for storage idea for your cushions, our team has the knowledge and experience to help you.
Ultimately, we believe your quality outdoor furniture investment should be protected.
Do you want to create a beautiful outdoor space with long lasting furniture? Canadian Home Leisure has an entryway selection of weather resistant patio sets, designed and constructed for the Canadian climate. Your future will thank you for selecting quality with peace of mind.
